Managing a warehouse entails a lot of work. Juggling several responsibilities such as keeping up with orders, handling budgets, overseeing supplies inventory, and managing records can be overwhelming. Moreover, managers are also responsible for the regular upkeep of the warehouse to maintain cleanliness and organization. But more than just being one of the to-dos, warehouse cleaning, in effect, can make other tasks easier to accomplish.
Why Warehouse Cleaning Must Be a Priority
Routine cleaning is an essential part of warehouse maintenance to keep the place tidy and prevent pest-related damages to goods. These are only the basic reasons; warehouse cleaning can definitely do more and contribute to workplace efficiency. Making this task one of the top priorities can:
· Boost Productivity
A clean and organized warehouse has been found to increase productivity in many different studies. One can even prove this through experience; more often than not, it is much easier to work on a clean and neat desk where everything is accessible. With a clean warehouse, employees are encouraged to work more efficiently and reduce work-related stress.
· Promote Safety
Slips, trips, and falls are common work-related injuries, especially in a poorly-maintained work environment. Water or oil spills, poorly-stored materials, strings or ropes, pallets, pieces of cardboard, and other clutter on the floor are usual safety hazards. Undoubtedly, a clean warehouse that is free from obstructions has reduced risks and hazards.
· Cut Maintenance Cost
Dust and debris may hinder or damage the operational efficiency of warehouse machinery such as conveyors and lifts. This may lead to expensive repair or replacement. But regular warehouse cleaning helps keep these and other equipment from accumulating dust and dirt that may affect its functioning parts.
· Create a Positive Image
A clean, neat, and presentable workplace reflects a positive image and boosts employee morale. Suppliers and customers visiting the place will get greeted with an ambiance of professionalism. As a result, they are more likely to trust and continue dealing with the company.
Tips for a Spick and Span Warehouse
Warehouses are typically restless. Between processing, receiving, loading, and distributing shipments, they can easily get messy and disorganized. Here are some warehouse cleaning ideas for owners and managers for a safer and more pleasant working environment:
Preliminary Work:
The goal here is to prepare the area for a more thorough cleaning.
- Remove all clutter from the floor and other surfaces, as well as warehouse vehicles that are present in the area. Put away the tools and other items that are left lying around in their designated storage places.
- Prepare cleaning supplies like rags, cleaning solutions, and equipment.
- Remove significant dirt spots, debris, or spills. This will help cut down cleaning time and prevents accident while cleaning.
Starting from the Top:
Working first on the high surfaces makes sense as dirt and debris fall down the lower levels.
- Sweep dust and cobwebs off using a high-powered vacuum cleaner. Use a duster head attached to the extension pole for hard-to-reach areas. Pay attention to the corners of the wall, upper windows and frames, heating or cooling ducts, the surface of the racks, and pallets and boxes.
- Don’t forget to finish off with a disinfecting solution to discourage mold and mildew formation.
- Inspect the pallets and boxes arrangement. Also make sure that they are properly stacked on the shelves to prevent accidents.
Working Your Way Down:
- Wipe down the windows to remove dust and dirt.
- Shelf levels closest to the floor typically get the most dirt. Give special attention to these areas as you vacuum, wipe, and disinfect.
Finishing Off:
- After tending to the higher areas, it is now time to focus on the floor. Indeed, the floor receives the most battering with all the foot traffic and impacts from vehicles and equipment. So, start by clearing away dust and debris with a large mop. Also look out for areas under the racks and the corners of the area.
- Clean the stains, dirt, grime, and tire marks with a degreaser or a good cleaning solution.
- Finish off with a good, final mop with a disinfectant.
- Empty all of the waste bins and put them back in their spots.
Make it Last: Simple Maintenance Tricks
Of course, you want your freshly cleaned warehouse to remain like that for as long as possible. Luckily, keeping the warehouse clean and neat is simple with conscious effort and a few tricks, such as:
- Allowing a few minutes for cleaning towards the end of each shift.
- Practice Clean as You Go (CLAYGO). It helps keep the place clutter-free.
- Place recycling and waste bins strategically throughout the warehouse to facilitate item disposals as they happen. This will help avoid the accumulation of trash.
- Regularly dump the contents of bins even before they get filled to prevent overflow.
- Assign cleaning zones to specific warehouse staff members. Make those areas their responsibility to clean, especially before leaving for the day.
- As much as possible, clean up liquid spills immediately rather than wait for the janitor or the cleaning crew to do it. Spills can easily cause a slip accident.
Schedule for a Deep, Professional Clean
There will always come a time when deep warehouse cleaning is necessary. Intense cleaning done by professionals takes care of the aspects of cleaning that employees normally don’t. Moreover, hiring professional cleaners also allows you more time for business matters.
For commercial cleaning services in Orange County, Los Angeles, and other nearby areas, trust Prestige Property Services. Our team of well trained professional cleaners will provide high-quality cleaning services. We adhere to our strict cleaning standards, and we are also fully insured and bonded. Experience a different kind of commercial cleaning; contact us today.
