Why would Special Services be needed when regular janitorial services are provided? How are they different from commercial janitorial cleaning services? What is a "Special Service" anyway?  

Normally, janitorial or porter services are used for daily or weekly cleanings that include trash removal, vacuuming, dusting, restroom and breakroom cleaning. “Special Services” are ordered to supplement janitorial services. They can range from deep seasonal cleanings, annual strip & wax floor refinishing projects to long-overdue desperate carpet cleaning jobs (before and after video).

Historically, April is a notorious month for “Special Services” requests. Here, our team explains which “Special Services” are commonly ordered and why.

What are one-time commercial cleaning “Special Services”?

There is more to "Special Services" than just deep cleanings. Regardless of whether you maintain your facility with daily or weekly janitorial service, certain immediate, on-demand cleaning projects must be performed. This ensures your workplace remains in good condition, while preventing costly repairs due to seasonal wear and tear.  By maintaining a clean and organized environment, you can increase worker productivity, improve business reputation, and improve the image of your business to visitors and employees. 

In general, by definition,  “Special Services” are:

1. Unique programs that meet customer-specific needs and frequencies

2. Quarterly service program based on best practices for a given industry

3. One-time requests

Which “Special Services” are most popular this time of year?

The 19 years we have spent in the industry have taught us what to expect. We have completed thousands of commercial cleaning projects for our clients, and here are the results. 

The following "on-demand" services are the most requested by business owners, property managers, facility and operations managers, as well as a multitude of office managers in addition to their regular, recurring janitorial service:

Floor Restoration Services

Carpet Shampooing, Extraction & Steam Cleaning

Floor Strip & Wax, Buff, Burnish & Polish 

Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing

Deep Cleaning

Disinfection & Antimicrobial Treatments

Pre and Post Construction or Renovation Clean Up

Apartment Rental Units Move in / Move out Cleaning Services

How often should carpet cleaning occur in a professional setting?

How often should you perform "Special Services" now that you understand what they are? The frequency is completely determined by your facility, industry, and traffic flow. We see carpet cleaning and restoration as one of the most popular requests this time of year, no matter what.

Cleaning your carpets once a year may be sufficient for a home setting, but it will not be enough for a business setting. Depending on your industry and traffic levels, you should plan on a higher frequency to adequately protect your investment and ensure your expensive carpeting won’t have to be replaced too soon.

Simple rule of thumb is:

Every 3 months: High-spill businesses, like restaurants

Every 3-6 months: High-traffic businesses, like retail stores

Every 3 months: Medical facilities and offices

Every 6 months: Lower-traffic businesses, like offices

Want to avoid the most common carpeting cleaning mistakes?

Have your carpets taken a beating lately? Or you’ve delayed regular cleaning? Here’s a handy guide to the many stains we’ve conquered.

How often should a strip and wax occur in commercial facilities?

Strip and wax "Special Service" requests are just as popular (and as important) as carpeting cleaning.

We don't recommend delaying a strip and wax for more than 12 months (1 year) if you and your team haven't been adhering to a regular maintenance schedule, or if you don't know when the last time your floor was scrubbed and recoated. A thorough stripping and waxing will allow you to start from scratch, giving you a better understanding of future maintenance needs. 

There is a difference between "strip & wax" vs "scrub & recoat". 

It is recommended that in a facility with average foot traffic, a scrub and recoat is done at least once every six months. Is it time to strip and wax or scrub and recoat? Here’s some pointers to help you determine at which stage your flooring is at.

How often should disinfection and antimicrobial treatments be applied in a commercial setting?

2 years ago, System4 IPS became the leading antimicrobial coating provider in the northeast, and it continues to serve the largest client list across all industries.

Electrostatic sprayers were acquired for our team, and an elite group of professionals were trained on how to apply these coatings. Although antimicrobial coatings, when applied correctly, create a strong and lasting bond to surfaces, it’s best practice to clean, disinfect and re-apply antimicrobial coating once a quarter, especially to high touch surfaces. Repeated contact and abrasion remove antimicrobial coatings. A handrail or elevator button will need reapplication every 90 days to keep your workers and visitors safe.

What is the process for ordering a “Special Service”?

Depending on your current maintenance plan and the state of your property, it may be difficult to coordinate and implement "Special Service" cleaning. This is also the busiest time of year for "Special Service" requests. If you are considering a one-time service, don't delay. Now is the time to make things happen so you can be entered into the client queue. The process of finding the right professional for your job can take some time and coordination.

By visiting our website and using our automated chat tool, you can get a quick response if you know exactly what you need. You will hear from a specialist in your area almost immediately. We provide free quotes quickly and easily. Everything is electronic. The quote can be reviewed, signed, and paid online. 

If you're not sure what you need, no worries, our experts can help and guide you. Start a chat conversation on our website. A sales representative in your area will arrange a meeting at a convenient time for you. They will know what questions to ask so that they can accurately assess your needs and make the appropriate recommendations. 

We offer full-service facility management and infection control solutions. Our services range from flooring restoration treatments, carpet steam cleaning, window washing, quarterly or seasonal deep cleaning, to daily janitorial services.

Lacking janitorial staffing

Concerned about a staffing shortage and whether you are using the right cleaning service for your workplace? It's not too late to find the perfect janitorial team that will keep your workplace clean and safe. Look for solid custodian referrals and consult with System4 IPS. 

Which custodian or janitorial team is best for you? System4 IPS specializes in creating customized janitorial programs that meet the unique need of businesses like yours!



If your workplace experiences a singular COVID-19 positive case or outbreak, call System4 IPS and schedule your disinfection service today. Our professional team listens to your needs, requirements, and timing. See our many satisfied customer testimonials and public Google ratings.