As online shopping continues to grow exponentially, more and more companies rely on efficiently run warehouses to ensure that their products are picked, packed and shipped to customers in a timely fashion. Whatever the size or type of business you run, maintaining a clean warehouse is essential for creating a safe workplace that runs efficiently and delivers the highest customer service standards.
Using professional warehouse cleaning services is the most effective and reliable way to ensure that your business premises remain free from dust, dirt and hazardous spillages. Our cleaning experts have created this essential daily warehouse cleaning checklist to help you maintain hygiene and cleanliness in the workplace. Creating a positive work environment can boost employee morale and productivity, resulting in greater customer satisfaction.
Lay the Foundations for a Consistently Clean and Safe Workplace
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what to clean and when make sure that you have the foundations in place to ensure that your warehouse meets the highest standards of cleanliness — day-in-day-out and all year long:
- Train employees about the importance of workplace cleanliness for health and safety
- Establish processes for reporting spillages and hazardous situations
- Implement a consistent cleaning routine to maintain standards
- Schedule a regular deep clean (how often this is necessary will depend on the type of business)
- Set up an efficient system of monitoring and ordering cleaning supplies and equipment
- Set expectations about who is responsible for specific areas and cleaning tasks and allocate time for this work to be completed
Without rigorous systems and designated accountability, standards will slip, and the risk of accidents will rise.
Daily Cleaning Tasks
In a busy warehouse where lots of people come and go by the hour, many cleaning jobs need to be completed daily to maintain optimum standards. As part of the cleaning process, check that everything is working as it should be and report any issues.
- Sweep and mop floors, including between and on top of stacks and racking
- Wipe down workstations with antibacterial cleaner
- Dispose of any rubbish and recycling in outside bins
- Clean equipment, machinery and vehicles such as forklift trucks
- Report any damaged areas or equipment
- Clean and sanitise bathrooms and kitchens
- Remove anything blocking exits and loading bays
- Stow tools and equipment in the appropriate place
Some urgent tasks may arise, such as cleaning up a spillage or disposing of waste packaging. All staff should be trained to recognise and foster these potential hazards and a culture of individual responsibility for the cleanliness and safety of the workplace.
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
There are only so many hours in the working day, and while warehouse cleaning should be high on your list of priorities, some tasks can be undertaken weekly, rather than daily.
- Tidy, reorganise and clean storage areas and back rooms
- Check cleaning supplies and order replacements if necessary
- Clean the floors with a scrubber dryer
- Check that all operating systems, equipment and lighting are in good order
- Clean windows, doors and frames
- Empty bins and ensure that waste has been collected
- Clean the exterior of entryways and check that security systems are working
There may be additional cleaning tasks that are necessary for your specific workplace and type of business. As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that everything necessary is done to maintain hygiene standards and keep people safe.
Monthly Cleaning Tasks
How often you need to complete cleaning tasks depends on how the warehouse is used. How many people work in the space? How frequently are specific areas or pieces of equipment used? Our daily, weekly and monthly suggestions should work as a guide that you can personalise. Here are some tasks that may be best completed monthly:
- Remove pallets and all other items from the racking/stacks and clean
- Clear out unnecessary clutter to make optimum use of the space and minimise the risk of slips, trips and falls
- Check and clean the ventilation system
- Deep clean kitchen and bathroom facilities
Quarterly and Bi-Annual Cleaning Tasks
There will be some time-consuming, deep cleaning tasks that only need doing every three to six months, such as stripping the floors. Warehouse staff can rarely complete these tasks in a 15 or 30-minute end-of-the-day cleaning session, so hiring a professional commercial cleaner who can undertake the work after hours is a good idea.
The Benefits of Establishing a Regular Warehouse Cleaning Routine
Investing the time, money and resources to implement a consistent cleaning routine will benefit your business, employees and customers.
A clean and hygienic workplace helps your business comply with health and safety regulations and makes it easier for your employees to achieve the highest productivity levels. In an industry where the safety and wellbeing of its people are paramount, there is a lower risk of accidents, and staff morale is more likely to be high. This, in turn, enhances the service your customers receive.
If this daily warehouse cleaning checklist feels overwhelming or you’re uncertain what is required for the particular needs of your workplace, MCS Cleaning can help. We can create a bespoke cleaning package that meets the specific needs of your business. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
