WAREHOUSE CLEANING IS DIFFERENT – HERE’S WHY
Warehouse cleaning is different. Keeping an office or retail establishment clean is a challenging task. Keeping a distribution center or warehouse clean takes the challenge to a whole different level.
Because these spaces are extremely large and typically have high ceilings, they have a tendency to collect a lot of dust and much of it builds up on high surfaces. High-surface dust eventually gets redistributed throughout the facility by fans, movement of goods, and HVAC systems.
Large expanses of hard flooring found in these workplaces require regular upkeep and specialized equipment. In addition, warehouses and distribution centers often include machinery and heavy equipment that constantly redistribute dust and debris.
On top of these complications are the typical cleaning challenges associated with office spaces, break rooms, restrooms, and other common areas throughout the facility.
WHY WAREHOUSE CLEANING MATTERS
As is true of any workplace and clean and sanitary environment promotes worker health and productivity. In a warehouse or distribution center cleanliness also reduces workplace accidents and injuries.
In addition, regular cleaning can reduce the amount of dust accumulation in the facility which can extend the useful life of machinery and heavy equipment, not to mention protect the products being processed.
Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule can help mitigate dust and debris, improve worker productivity, and allow machinery and equipment to operate more efficiently.
AREAS TO ADDRESS DURING WAREHOUSE CLEANING
High Surfaces
High surfaces are common in a warehouse environment and can be extremely challenging to clean. The dust has a tendency to accumulate in these areas and is constantly being filtered down onto lower surfaces.
Cleaning these areas typically requires the use of lifts or ladders and high-filtration vacuums and other specialized cleaning equipment. Because cleaning personnel must work at extreme heights, high-surface cleaning can be dangerous. It is always best to rely on professionals for this type of cleaning.
Warehouse Floors
Warehouse and distribution centers typically have large expanses of hard-surface flooring. Large floors like this can not be cleaned efficiently with a mop and broom.
Maintaining floors of this size requires specialized equipment like mechanical scrubbers and sweeper machines. These machines should only be operated by trained individuals.
In addition, different types of flooring require different types of maintenance. It is always best to consult a professional when deciding what types of cleaning solutions and equipment to use as well as the frequency of cleaning.
Waste Management
Distribution centers and warehouses produce can a lot of waste. They also need to manage a huge amount of recyclable materials. Packing materials, cardboard, paper, and plastic all need to be sorted and placed in the appropriate bins.
Many of these facilities operate for extended hours which not only increases the amount of waste and recyclable materials but also makes it more difficult to manage. This makes waste removal and the processing of recyclable materials an ongoing task.
General Cleaning
In addition to all of these specialized cleaning requirements, warehouse facility managers still have to deal with the general cleaning associated with any business operation. There are restrooms, break rooms, and office spaces that need to be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis.
These areas need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly during working hours to ensure the health and safety of staff and visitors.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF WAREHOUSE CLEANING?
If you would like to learn more about the challenges of warehouse and distribution center cleaning take a look at this article. Or contact Complete Care Maintenance for a free on-site consultation.
