How To Keep Your Warehouse Clean

• Implement 'cleaning as you go'
• Stick to a cleaning schedule
• Make sure cleaning supplies are close by
• Prioritise reducing waste
• Be careful not to overstock items
• Hire in a professional warehouse cleaning company
• Contact us today

New analysis by the ONS has shown that in the transport, logistics and warehouse sector, the number of sites owned has increased by more than 50% to 154,950 since 2011.

Managing a warehouse is a huge operation containing many moving parts. Making sure the building is clean and tidy increases productivity within your staff, and means the working environment is more pleasant.

At ICE Cleaning, we are warehouse cleaning specialists with extensive experience in the field. We understand the complexities and importance of hygiene in your facility, using advanced technologies to complete the clean.

Let's jump into the blog, where we discuss how to keep your warehouse clean.

Implement 'cleaning as you go'

The idea of 'cleaning as you go' is that you pick up waste produced by your current task and dispose of it so it isn't a problem to deal with at a later point. 

It reduces slip and trip hazards which could result in injury, and makes the cleaning operation more time-efficient. Motivating your staff to employ this cleaning attitude will help keep everyone safer.

Tidying up in a warehouse is a constant task, so it is no surprise that you will come across plenty of waste. Dispose of rubbish properly, including items that could be harmful, such as metal from equipment and loose wood chippings from packaging.

At ICE Cleaning, we can dispose of your waste for you. Discuss this with a member of our customer service team to discover what options are suitable.

Stick to a cleaning schedule

It is recommended that you adhere to a cleaning schedule to keep the warehouse in top condition and ensure all staff are contributing to its cleanliness.

Some tasks need to be completed every day, such as sweeping the floor and wiping down surfaces. Once staff have completed their shift, they should clean their work area thoroughly.

Consistent cleaning of equipment is necessary, as dust and debris can cause machinery to become damaged over time. 

It is also worth thinking about the outside of the facility. Keep grit available when snow occurs to protect anyone visiting the warehouse, and to make it safe for those walking about and carrying heavy items.

If you want more information on how to protect your staff during working hours, have a read of this article written by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

Make sure cleaning supplies are close by

It is important that cleaning supplies are accessible to employees, as it means time isn't wasted trekking to far-off places in the warehouse to fetch cleaning equipment. 

It speeds up the cleaning process, as the correct solutions are on hand to carry out an efficient clean. 

Check the supplies regularly to ensure the stock levels are good. Equipment you need regularly include mops, buckets, sponges and brushes. 

Employees in the area should be versed in how to clean the machinery correctly so that tools are not damaged. If you have new starters, provide training on cleaning practices.

Another useful tip is to keep bins nearby. This allows you to get rid of waste quickly and encourages staff to not leave dirt and rubbish lying around.

Prioritise reducing waste

Reducing waste in the workspace keeps your stock organised and prevents clutter from becoming a problem.

Less waste could include changes to the way items are packaged, or using less material to package them. There are many innovative storage techniques available, so spend some time devising what would work best for you.

Try and decrease the amount of plastic your facility uses, which could save you on costs. It is also better for the environment if you can use less plastic.

Make a point to prioritise your recycling procedures, as this will massively help you reduce waste. Think about every aspect of your operation, including where improvements or changes need to be made.

Be careful not to overstock items

Having too much stock can prove costly for businesses, as well as take up precious room within the warehouse. 

There is less chance of injuries when items are not overstocked, as there is reduced clutter and walkways are tidier. Reiterate to staff how important following health and safety practices are, and run regular training sessions to keep this a priority.

Keep a close eye on stock levels, including what sells fast and what doesn't. You don't want to make the mistake of over-ordering unpopular items and then being stuck with them for long periods of time when they don't sell.

In addition to monitoring stock levels, inventory checks are important for not overstocking. Though the task is laborious, it can save you stress and money from having to deal with excessive items when the issue could have been avoided.

Hire in a professional warehouse cleaning company

Employing professionals to carry out your warehouse cleaning will deliver you excellent cleaning results. Specialists have the expertise and knowledge to perform the job to a high standard, working hard to restore it to a safe environment.

Our expert warehouse cleaners are also accredited with IPAF, which means they can work safely at height. This gives you peace of mind that hard-to-reach areas, like tall equipment and ceilings, can be kept clean.

If you experience a chemical spill in the workplace, you should get in touch with specialist cleaners. At ICE Cleaning, we can be on site within the hour in cases of emergency to begin clean up on the spillage.

Contact us today

Our warehouse cleaning services are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Get in touch with a member of our team on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to find out more.