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Cleaning Historic Office Buildings in Boston: Best Practices for Preservation and Safety

  • Writer: Carlos Stanza
    Carlos Stanza
  • Apr 30
  • 3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago


Cleaning Historic Buildings in Boston

Cleaning Historic Office Buildings in Boston: Best Practices for Preservation and Safety

As someone who’s spent years working with commercial properties across New England—both as a construction manager and a commercial cleaner—I’ve come to appreciate the unique beauty and challenges of cleaning historic office buildings in Boston. These landmarks are more than just workplaces; they’re part of the city’s architectural legacy. Preserving them, while maintaining a clean, safe environment for modern business operations, takes experience, finesse, and a specialized approach.


At Jan-Ex, we specialize in delivering some of the best commercial cleaning services in Massachusetts, particularly for historic properties that demand extra care. In this article, I’ll walk you through the cleaning practices we rely on—and why they matter to facilities managers, property owners, and business leaders alike.


Understanding the Historic Context of Cleaning Historic Office Buildings in Boston

Boston is one of America’s oldest cities, with commercial buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of these properties are protected by historic preservation laws, which means traditional cleaning methods just won’t cut it. Applying generic commercial cleaning services in Massachusetts to these sites risks irreversible damage to woodwork, stone, plaster, and antique fixtures.


Instead, facilities managers must work with cleaning partners who understand how to preserve delicate surfaces and maintain compliance with local regulations.


1. Use Gentle, Non-Abrasive Cleaning Methods

Historic interiors are full of fragile materials—original hardwood floors, decorative plaster, natural stone, and more. Harsh chemicals or high-pressure equipment can destroy finishes or cause discoloration.


What works:

  • Microfiber cloths instead of brushes

  • pH-neutral cleaners

  • HEPA vacuums with adjustable suction


In one Beacon Hill office building we service, ornate tin ceilings require weekly dusting using extendable microfiber tools—never wet rags or sprays.


2. Respect the Floors—They’re Often Irreplaceable

Historic hardwood and stone flooring can't be replaced like vinyl tiles. Preserving them requires:


  • Low-moisture cleaning techniques

  • Floor mats to minimize dirt

  • Regular polishing and sealing by trained pros


Jan-Ex Tip: We recommend monthly condition assessments, especially in high-traffic areas like entryways and staircases.


3. High-Dusting and Air Quality Matter

Boston's historic buildings often feature high ceilings and elaborate trim, both of which collect dust easily. Left unchecked, this can harm indoor air quality and trigger HVAC strain.


Best practices:

  • Quarterly high-dusting service

  • Filtered vacuums that don’t redistribute dust

  • Collaboration with HVAC teams for vent cleaning


4. Schedule Around Occupants and Tenants

Many of these buildings now house multiple tenants with varied business hours. Cleaning has to be discreet and flexible.


Pro tips:

  • Offer night and weekend scheduling

  • Use low-noise, cordless equipment

  • Customize frequency by tenant agreement


5. Mind Lead Paint and Asbestos

Any building constructed before 1980 may contain hazardous materials. Cleaning teams must be trained to spot and avoid disturbing these materials (we are).


What to do:

  • Always conduct a site assessment

  • Follow OSHA-compliant protocols

  • Partner with licensed abatement professionals for any remediation


6. Clean With Sustainability in Mind

Boston businesses increasingly expect eco-friendly practices. Historic building managers are no exception.


What we recommend:

  • Use EPA Safer Choice products

  • Provide recycling & composting support

  • Reduce water usage in all processes


Why Cleaning Historic Office Buildings in Boston Requires a Specialized Approach

A standard office cleaning checklist isn’t enough. Preserving a historic Boston property requires a commercial cleaning company that understands both preservation and productivity. From preventing moisture damage to respecting original finishes, every detail matters.


Our team at Jan-Ex has years of experience with commercial cleaning services in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including complex, high-profile historic properties. We build custom cleaning plans that combine professionalism, discretion, and preservation expertise.


Let’s Help You Protect Boston’s Legacy

Whether you’re a property manager, school administrator, or business owner operating out of a historic space, our team is ready to help.Schedule a Free Walkthrough or email us directly at cstanza@jan-ex.com for immediate commercial cleaning assistance.


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