NYC Property Managers: Summer Cleaning Checklist

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NYC Summer Cleaning Checklist: What Property Managers Need to Know

Summer in New York City brings more than just sunshine and tourists. For property managers, it marks a seasonal shift in how buildings are used, maintained, and perceived. As temperatures rise, so do cleaning demands — and overlooking key priorities can lead to increased wear, tenant complaints, and operational headaches.

At Ashland Maintenance, we work with commercial and residential buildings across Manhattan to ensure that every surface, system, and shared space reflects the high standards NYC tenants expect. Here’s a breakdown of the top summer cleaning priorities property managers should be addressing right now — and how we can help.

1. Lobby and Floor Maintenance for Heavy Foot Traffic

In summer, building lobbies and entryways see an uptick in foot traffic — from tenants, delivery personnel, guests, and tourists. With that comes dirt, grime, and wear on your most visible and high-touch surfaces.

Hot weather also means sandals, flip-flops, and more exposed feet — so floors that might pass in winter suddenly feel noticeably grimy if not cleaned frequently.

We recommend increasing cleaning frequency for:

  • Lobby floors (especially tile, hardwood, or marble)

  • Elevator interiors and panels

  • Front doors and glass partitions

  • Concierge desks and check-in counters

Ashland uses commercial-grade, eco-friendly products tailored to different surfaces — restoring shine without leaving residues, streaks, or chemical odors.

2. Amenity Space Deep Cleaning and Reset

Summer is prime time for amenities in residential buildings — rooftop decks, lounges, gyms, game rooms, and co-working spaces all see a spike in use.

What property managers often miss is the accumulation of fingerprints, sweat, food residue, and clutter that builds up in these shared environments. Tenants are quick to notice when amenities feel “off.”

Key areas we service include:

  • Fitness centers (mats, mirrors, machines, and locker rooms)

  • Rooftop kitchens, grills, and seating areas

  • Shared office spaces and meeting rooms

  • Lounges with upholstered furniture and carpeting

  • Pet washing stations and bike storage rooms

Whether it’s a monthly deep clean or daily upkeep, we help your amenities feel like a true extension of luxury living.

3. Outdoor Area and Rooftop Cleaning

If your building has any kind of outdoor space — from patios and balconies to full-scale roof decks — now is the time to make sure they’re clean, safe, and inviting.

The combination of summer storms, pollen, foot traffic, and food residue can leave decks looking dingy and attract unwanted pests.

Ashland offers:

  • Power washing for outdoor tiles, pavers, and railings

  • Trash removal and outdoor receptacle sanitization

  • Window cleaning and glass barrier polishing

  • Furniture wipe-downs and surface disinfection

These spaces aren’t just amenities — they’re selling points. Keeping them spotless helps tenant satisfaction and marketing alike.

4. HVAC, Duct, and Vent Cleaning for Better Airflow

One of the most overlooked cleaning tasks in summer is your building’s air system. With HVAC units working overtime, vents and ducts can harbor dust, allergens, and debris that affect air quality — especially in sealed office or residential units.

Clean vents are critical for:

  • Maintaining fresh, breathable air during peak cooling periods

  • Preventing musty smells from circulating

  • Improving HVAC efficiency and reducing tenant complaints

Ashland offers light vent and grill cleaning as part of routine services, and we coordinate with HVAC specialists for deep duct cleanings when needed.

5. Restroom Sanitation and Odor Control

Warmer weather tends to amplify odors — especially in shared or high-traffic restrooms. Add increased usage from seasonal employees, tourists, or summer event guests, and restrooms can quickly fall below acceptable standards if not maintained properly.

Our summer restroom service focuses on:

  • Disinfecting all fixtures and touchpoints

  • Neutralizing odors at the source

  • Ensuring proper ventilation and airflow

  • Restocking supplies and keeping dispensers clean

We also monitor trouble areas that can cause long-term issues if left untreated — such as clogged drains, mildew buildup, or worn floor seals.

6. Trash Area Maintenance and Pest Prevention

The summer heat accelerates decomposition and increases pest pressure around trash rooms, loading docks, and storage areas. One missed cleaning cycle can lead to odors, fruit flies, or worse — rodents and roaches.

Ashland helps property teams by:

  • Power washing and disinfecting trash rooms

  • Deodorizing and maintaining air flow in enclosed bins

  • Cleaning trash chutes and compactor rooms

  • Monitoring pest-prone zones and reporting concerns

We also advise clients on summer trash protocols — like double-bagging organic waste and increasing pick-up frequency during heatwaves.

7. Turnover & Move-Out Cleaning

Many leases end in the summer, especially for residential units and student housing buildings. This creates a tight timeline between move-outs and new tenant arrivals — often with only 24–48 hours to turn over a unit.

Ashland’s turnover crews handle:

  • Deep cleaning of kitchens, bathrooms, closets, and baseboards

  • Floor polishing or carpet extraction

  • Spotless appliance wipe-downs and window cleaning

  • Emergency scheduling for last-minute units

We work closely with leasing managers and supers to streamline communication and reduce vacancies.

8. Summer Events and On-Call Support

With warmer weather come more tenant events — rooftop BBQs, fitness classes, open houses, and community nights. These occasions create unexpected cleaning needs before, during, or after the event.

Ashland offers flexible support for:

  • Pre-event space preparation

  • Post-event trash removal and surface disinfection

  • Day-of on-site staff (upon request)

We adapt to your building’s calendar and work discreetly to support a smooth tenant experience.

Final Thoughts: Summer is Prime Time for Proactive Cleaning

The summer season puts new demands on your building — more people, more activity, and more opportunities for things to go wrong. Cleanliness in NYC isn’t just about first impressions; it’s about tenant retention, lease renewals, and brand value.

Ashland Maintenance partners with property managers, superintendents, and portfolio owners who want consistency, discretion, and results. Whether you need a one-time deep clean or year-round maintenance, we’ll help your property stay spotless — and ahead of the curve.

Giving you peace of mind with the Ashland Guarantee

We strive to exceed expectations. If you’re not happy, we are always willing to come back and get it right. We pride ourselves on communication and customer satisfaction.

Our Values

Cleanliness

Over 85 Years experience keeping New York facilities clean.

Safety

Keeping you, your staff and your family safe is of the utmost importance.

Health

We prioritize your well-being, ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

Transparency

We believe in open communication, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Communication

We’re always here to listen to your requests and keep you in the loop.