Looking for professional advice on how to keep a warehouse clean? Between heavy machinery, inbound and outbound deliveries, numerous crews and fast-paced schedules, it can be hard to stay on top of a cleaning regimen.
But, keeping a warehouse clean — free of clutter, dirt and debris — is important for overall productivity and safety. Disorganized or dirty warehouses tend to be less efficient. Not only do employees spend more time searching for misplaced or mislabeled materials and trying to navigate around cumbersome obstacles, but it also signals a lack of investment from leadership — which can negatively impact motivation and morale. Additionally, heavily soiled surfaces can potentially damage products and materials but can also cause health hazards for employees.
To help you stay on top of your game, we’ve outlined three simple yet effective tips to help keep your warehouse clean.
Take Out the Trash
This one may seem simple, but it makes a big difference. Taking out the trash on a regular basis is a critical step in keeping clutter to a minimum. People are far less likely to take out an overflowing trash bin or one that has materials piled up around it. Be sure to break down boxes as you go and take any oversized trash out of the way as quickly as possible. Overfull trash bins can also present a safety hazard if there are sharp, jagged, oily or slippery materials that spill out.
Divvy Up the Work
It’s easier to tackle a big job when it’s divided into smaller parts. Assigning designated cleaning zones to employees allows everyone to play a small role in keeping the warehouse safe and clean for everyone. Make sure that the zones are evenly divided in terms of work and area, so that the brunt of the cleaning doesn’t fall on one team over another. Inside each zone, you may want to create a checklist of the specific actions needed. While there may be some that apply across the board, such as sweeping, others may be more specialized for that warehouse area. This will help ensure that each section is cleaned at the end of one shift, so that the incoming team member isn’t greeted with a messy workstation.
Use Professional Cleaning Products
Common household cleaning products won’t cut it in an industrial environment. Invest in commercial-grade cleaning solutions and equipment that are designed for warehouses and other heavy-duty environments. From portable cleaning machines to eco-friendly disinfectants, there is a wide variety of hard surface care cleaning options available. Select the combination that best suits your needs and strategically place them within reach of the designated cleaning zones.
Keeping a warehouse clean is a big job, but it can be made easier by tackling it one step at a time. The team at Atex is here to help you keep your crew safe and fully stocked when it comes to industrial cleaning. Take a look around our online catalog and reach out to us to learn more about the best ways to keep you warehouse clean.