Whether you like it or not, warehouse cleaning is an integral part of running a business. But, it is not always an easy task to accomplish, especially if you have a large warehouse.
The Importance of Warehouse Cleaning
Businesses come in all shapes and sizes. For businesses that deal with goods and commodities, maintaining a warehouse is likely a crucial part of operations. While smaller businesses can get away with keeping goods in a closet or basement, larger ones typically need a warehouse to store their products.
Many business owners spend most of their cleaning budget on the visible parts of their establishment. But, just because customers can’t see your warehouse doesn’t mean you should neglect it.
There are many benefits to regular warehouse cleaning. First of all, your warehouse is where you keep your supply of goods. As a business owner, you naturally want to provide your customers with the best products. But, keeping products in a poorly maintained area can affect their quality. No customer wants to be handed a dusty box of inventory.
Secondly, it is important to keep a clean and safe working environment for your employees. Allowing your warehouse to get dirty can open it up to all sorts of health hazards. When employees get sick due to this, they are more likely to go on sick days. At the very least, their productivity will be negatively affected. Beyond that, your warehouse should be up to OSHA standards. Workers have a right to a safe workplace, and that means getting rid of any health or safety hazards.
Finally, regular cleaning can help prolong the lifespan of your assets, whether you have machines that help sort inventory or simple pallets that support your products. If you want to make the most out of your investments, it is essential to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Warehouse Cleaning
Do: Have a Plan
Try as you may, you can’t accomplish much by just grabbing a broom to start sweeping. Proper cleaning demands a more sophisticated level of planning than that, especially if you have a larger warehouse with a more complex layout.
To construct a plan, take note of the cleaning process you need to adopt and list down the prep work each step will require. It is also a good idea to think of all the cleaning materials and supplies you will need. This warehouse cleaning checklist will help you execute your plan in an efficient and effective manner.
Warehouse floor cleaning is usually the easy part, but there are other parts of your warehouse that require attention, too. Come up with strategies for dealing with high areas as well as any heating or cooling ducts, racks, and vents.
Do: Adopt a Cleaning Schedule
Additionally, you must make sure that the cleaning process doesn’t interfere with your business, or at least does so in a minimal fashion. To do that, a carefully crafted cleaning schedule is a must.
Generally, warehouse cleaning must take place every month. But, it really depends on the type of warehouse and products you store. Some warehouses will require more frequent cleaning than others.
Don’t: Allow Garbage Bins to Pile Up
Emptying garbage bins is a job that nobody wants to do, yet it remains a vital part of cleaning. Make sure to do this on a regular basis. Not only will this help eliminate germs, but it will also prevent any foul odors from filling up the entire warehouse. It is also a good idea to sanitize your trash bins to avoid spreading viruses and bacteria.
Do: Designate Employees to Cleaning Areas
Assigning specific employees to certain zones will help you clean the entire warehouse in a systematic and efficient way. This will also prevent employees from stepping over one another or having too many people in an area that only needs a few. Failing to designate employees to cleaning areas will result in chaos, so make sure to include this in your plan.
Don’t: Forget to Stock Up on Cleaning Supplies
Having employees purchase cleaning supplies on the day itself is a waste of time. Plus, you can save a lot of money if you buy supplies in bulk, especially supplies that don’t expire or have a long shelf life.
Do: Impose a “Clean as You Go” Rule
Even if you have a cleaning schedule, encourage employees to follow a “clean as you go” rule. Employees should make sure to clean up after themselves and pick up any trash they see along the way — even if it’s not their trash. This will instill a responsible mindset and foster a collaborative work environment. Moreover, it will reduce the workload come cleaning day.
Don’t: Allow Inventory to Collect Dust
Warehouses store a lot of stock and inventory. Over time, these products can start to gather dust and make your job harder. A good way to stop this from happening is to turn over your inventory. Simply turning them over every once in a while can prevent dust accumulation and keep your goods in great condition.
Do: Recycle
Cleaning supply warehouses involves more than just sweeping, mopping, and dusting. It also requires the adopting of the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Reducing means cleaning out all the junk and unnecessary debris from your warehouse. You should also reuse any materials you can, such as pallets and cardboard boxes. When it comes to recycling, a lot of materials are recyclable, including most types of wood, metal, glass, and paper.
Don’t: Be Afraid to Hire Professional Warehouse Cleaning Services
Thankfully, there are several companies that provide expert warehouse cleaning services, including warehouse pressure washing. But, why exactly should you hire the pros instead of doing it in-house?
Professionals have the experience and know-how to clean all types of warehouses and materials. They already know what strategies and methods to use and how to use them in the most efficient way possible. Professional cleaners also have access to advanced equipment and high-grade cleaning products that achieve the best results. If those aren’t reasons enough, professional companies can also adapt to your schedule and minimize business disruptions.
A Service for All Businesses
Warehouse cleaning boasts many benefits, but many business owners have trouble conducting it on a regular basis. Considering how it can affect your business, though, you should make a way to ensure it gets done. If you lack the time or resources, professional services can help.
This is where Washh comes in. Our highly skilled technicians know how to clean every type of surface and use effective, eco-friendly solutions. Call us today at 704.321.8000 or contact us online to learn more about our warehouse cleaning services.
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