Cleaning is one of the biggest expenses for companies – from hiring a cleaning team to stocking supplies. It’s also an area that can easily be overlooked behind other aspects of the business like finances, marketing, and management.
However, cleaning is an important part of everyday operations and should be revisited every so often to solve constraints and identify ways to improve the process. Companies who do this regularly often save more money and time on cleaning, without compromising on quality. If you’re looking for ways to simplify the cleaning process and reduce cleaning costs, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are 5 tips to get you started.
1. Update your waste management system
Garbage for any facility is inevitable, but disposal can become disorganized and take up more time than necessary. One of the biggest issues that cleaners come across is consistently full garbage bags with all kinds of waste, from banana peels to paper and bottles. This is also an environmental issue, as recyclable and compostable materials end up in the landfill.
If your company has various garbage and recycling bins located throughout the facility, consider updating to a waste management system with slots for organics, general recycling, bottles, and landfill garbage. This not only encourages customers and staff to properly dispose of their waste, but it also helps out the cleaning team.
With waste in the proper slots, staff won’t need to switch out garbage bags throughout the day or sift through the bags for bottles and cans. Over time, you’ll see a reduction in costs spent on garbage bags and better morale amongst cleaning staff. Having a good waste management system in place also contributes to a cleaner, more organized facility and makes a good impression. On a larger scale, you’re taking a small yet significant step for the environment.
2. Invest in cleaning equipment
The cleaning industry has come a long way with commercial equipment that can do the job in half the time and with less physical strain on workers. Companies are quick to upgrade computers and softwares, but don’t realize that updating their cleaning equipment can save them hundreds, even thousands of dollars a year.
While the initial investment is costly, purchasing new and improved cleaning equipment can reduce man-hours, eliminate the need for other equipment, and decrease the number of cleaning products used. In the long run, cheaper equipment does not always mean cost-effective. The latest cleaning technology is designed to help companies achieve a better clean more efficiently.
3. Opt for a multipurpose tool
Having separate cleaning tools, such as a duster, a window cleaner, a brush, pad, etc., can quickly add up and take up a lot of space. Consider switching out your old tools for a multipurpose pole that allows you to switch out the attachment.
For example, you can attach a duster, a microfibre pad, a squeegee, a sponge, and more on one extendable rod. This eliminates the need to cart around extra tools and saves storage space. The attachments are also easy to put on and take off to throw in the washing machine or dispose of and replace.
4. Colour code your cleaning supplies
You can colour code microfibre towels, buckets, mopheads, and more to distinguish where they should be used. For example, only use red microfibre cloths for high-risk surfaces such as bathrooms and food-prep areas.
This is especially beneficial for facilities where cross-contamination must be prevented, such as in restaurants, food-handling facilities, chemical-handling facilities, the medical industry, etc. Using a specific colour for each room is an effective strategy to keep germs contained.
As a guide, here is an example of a colour-coding system for microfibre cloths, mopheads, and other cleaning tools:
- Red – Hazard areas, bathroom surfaces such as toilets and urinals
- Green – General areas such as hallways, tables, desks, office furniture, reception area, waiting rooms
- Yellow – Kitchen and staff common room
- Blue – Glass and mirrors
5. Evaluate how you’re organizing your tools and equipment
While it’s true that it takes time and care to achieve a thorough clean for commercial spaces, some of that time is wasted on going back and forth for equipment and tools. This issue can be minimized with the right organization. For some facilities, a simple yet effective solution is getting a larger cleaning cart, a cleaning caddy, or a window cleaning belt. Be sure your most-used tools and equipment are the most accessible in the storage room and remove any obstacles that prevent workers from getting to the products they need.
When it comes to cleaning, there is always room for improvement and a better way to get the job done. If you’re looking for a solution, speak to one of our expert reps and we’ll be happy to help you!
About Apple Cleaning Supplies
Apple Cleaning Supplies continues to provide quality professional cleaning products and commercial cleaning equipment since 1964. When you choose Apple Cleaning Supplies, you work with a team of experts who have over 100 years of collective experience in the cleaning industry. We can recommend custom solutions for your facility and offer advice on how you can optimize the performance of your operations.