Cleaning warehouse? Ensuring your facility gets a thorough wash and declutter goes a long way toward creating a happier and healthier workplace. A clean warehouse also enhances productivity and keeps your stakeholders satisfied.
At Sydney Sweep and Scrub, we clean warehouses for businesses and organisations across Sydney. We know exactly how to deliver a comprehensive clean, and we utilise all our nous and quality equipment to get the job done. We also have a few handy tips for warehouse cleaning up our sleeve. In this article, we’re going to share them with you.
Here are 25 tips for cleaning a warehouse like the experts.
Tips for cleaning a warehouse
- Develop a Cleaning Schedule
Plan regular cleaning sessions to maintain a tidy warehouse. A schedule will help you and your team keep track of what needs to be cleaned, and when. This makes it easier to coordinate staff or cleaning teams, and stay on top of everything.
- Safety First, Always
Prioritise safety by wearing appropriate safety gear like gloves and safety goggles. An expert warehouse cleaning crew will already be equipped with this gear. However, if you are handling your cleaning operation in-house, ensure your people have the right protective gear, and enough of it.
- Clear Clutter
Remove unnecessary items to create a more organised space. Decluttering is critical, and an expert rubbish removal company can help with this. A clean and clear space is much safer for your people, and it also helps you deliver a more detailed cleaning operation.
- Invest in Quality Cleaning Tools and Equipment
High-quality brooms, mops, and vacuum cleaners can make a significant difference. On top of that, automatic cleaning machinery makes life so much easier. Investing in these tools and machines can be expensive, but they are worth it. Alternatively, simply hire a warehouse cleaning company – we already have all the equipment, and we know how to use it!
- Use the Right Cleaning Products
Different surfaces require different cleaning solutions. Be mindful of this to avoid damage and to get the best results. However, harsh and harmful products must be avoided at all costs. Do prioritise eco-friendly cleaning products and agents to eliminate pollution or harm to the surrounding environment.
- Train Your Team
Ensure everyone understands the cleaning protocols and techniques. If you keep your cleaning operation in-house, your people really need to know what to do and how to do it. Quality training at regular intervals is a must. Do note that this takes time and money, and training cannot be ignored.
- Dust High and Low
Start cleaning from the top shelves and work your way down to avoid double cleaning. The nature of a warehouse means dust and dirt will inevitably find its way into every single nook and cranny. Dust will also settle on top of storage racks, as well as on your rafters and ceiling. Cleaning at heights is a must.
- Floor Care
Regularly sweep and scrub floors, and consider investing in a floor coating for added protection. Sweeping and scrubbing is what we do best. We know exactly how to get the best out of our equipment and machinery, and deliver a sparkling clean floor for your Sydney warehouse.
- Check for Pest Infestations
Regularly inspect your warehouse for signs of pests and take immediate action if needed. Mice and rats are common in industrial facilities, and they can bring all kinds of bacteria with them. On top of that, mice and rats are likely to chew and gnaw on almost anything, including your stock.
- Label and Organise
Clearly label storage areas for easy identification and organisation. This is very useful for storing cleaning products and equipment. But it’s also an excellent strategy for optimising storage for virtually anything in your warehouse. It helps to keep your space tidy, safe, and presentable at all times.
- Use Proper Storage Containers
Choose sturdy, stackable containers to optimise space and protect items. This is especially important in the kitchen or kitchenette, to protect food and food items from any pests that may be creeping around your warehouse. Larger containers are important in the main area of your warehouse, ideal for keeping important items like electronics, clean.
- Implement Recycling Stations
Promote environmental responsibility with designated recycling areas. It can be tough to keep on top of recycling and proper waste management in a busy factory. However, it’s incredibly important for the business, the people, and of course the environment, to manage industrial waste carefully.
- Inspect Racking Systems
Ensure shelving and racking are stable and secure as you clean. This is of critical importance for the safety and well-being of your employees. If shelves collapse in your warehouse, they could cause serious injuries and even death. On top of that, you’ll probably be looking at catastrophic damage and costly repairs or replacement of stock. Clean your rack systems regularly and include an inspection as often as possible.
- Pressure Wash Exterior Areas
If applicable to your warehouse, pressure wash loading docks and exterior surfaces for a fresh look. It’s really important for the presentation of your warehouse that the exterior walls, signage, and car park is clean. If these areas are dirty, clients and stakeholders will be less than impressed.
- Maintain Equipment
Regularly service and clean warehouse equipment to prolong lifespan and avoid costly maintenance in the future. This applies to all kinds of equipment, including vehicles, machinery, and anything else.
- Deep Clean Machinery
For equipment with intricate parts, schedule deep cleaning sessions to prevent malfunctions. This machinery is probably critical to your warehouse operation, so maintaining it to the highest standard is absolutely essential. Keep in mind that cleaning machinery and equipment does require an expert touch.
- Train for Spill Response
Prepare your team for potential spills with proper cleanup protocols. Spills are a serious hazard at the best of times. But if the spilled substance is poisonous, a well-drilled spill response is an absolute must. This kind of training greatly reduces risk of injury or harm and ensures you’ll be able to clean up much faster.
- Lighting Maintenance
Replace burnt-out bulbs promptly, and clean light fixtures for better illumination. Dusty lighting fixtures will ensure your warehouse is dim, and not a pleasant working environment for your people. Therefore, clean lighting fixtures regularly for a better working environment.
- Document Your Specific Cleaning Procedures
Create a manual outlining the most effective and safest cleaning procedures for reference and training. This makes it much easier to maintain a good standard of cleaning in your warehouse, and helps when new employees join your company. Keeping an accessible documented procedure is a must.
- Utilise Technology
Consider automated cleaning equipment for efficiency. We’re equipped with automated sweep and scrub machines that make cleaning a warehouse so much easier. These ride-on machines also maintain an environmentally friendly cleaning service, as they conserve water, fuel, electricity, and do not require cleaning chemicals.
- Monitor Air Quality in Your Warehouse
Install air purifiers or ensure good ventilation to improve air quality. The quality of air in a warehouse is a very important consideration. There can be a wide range of harmful particles floating around any industrial workplace, so take steps wherever possible to keep your air clean.
- Emergency Response Plan
Develop a plan for cleaning up hazardous materials in case of emergencies. If your warehouse contains any liquids, solids, or gases that can be toxic to humans, an emergency response plan is absolutely necessary. Make sure it takes into account any specific or unusual parts of your warehouse.
- Coordinate with Suppliers
Ensure suppliers follow cleanliness standards when delivering goods. Deliveries may contribute to an unclean environment if they don’t follow your cleanliness requirements. Be clear with your expectations to ensure that delivery drivers and any other visitors to your complex are helping to maintain a safe and clean environment.
- Implement a Pest Control Program
Work with professionals to prevent and address pest issues. This can include laying traps for mice and rats, and placing anti-cockroach baits around your facility. Keeping food properly sealed and stored is another essential part of reducing the chance of rodents and insects in your warehouse.
- Employee Incentives
Recognise and reward employees for maintaining a clean and organised warehouse. This helps to keep them interested and on top of cleaning schedules and requirements. It also instils a sense of achievement and accomplishment for workers who contribute to creating a cleaner work environment.
Cleaning warehouse with the experts
If you’re looking for warehouse cleaning in Sydney, we’re here to help. At Sydney Sweep and Scrub, we have a wealth of experience in sweeping and scrubbing all kinds of industrial workplaces and facilities.
Get in touch with us today for a free quote.
