Spring Clean Your Janitorial Closet!

Quick Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Janitorial Closet

Keeping your cleaning supplies well organized increases productivity and creates a safer environment. It will take some thought and planning, but save you time in the long run. There is no single, correct way to layout your space but the goal should always be convenience and a system that offers first-order retrievability.

Here are some suggestions to decluttering your janitorial closet:

1. Start by planning what you'll need

SHELVES & WALL MOUNTS: If you don't have them already or you aren't pleased with their functionality, take a look at what type of shelving works best for your organization. Many cleaning professionals prefer module shelves that can be adjusted to different heights and even shapes to better accommodate their inventory. Wall mount holders allow for effective drying of mops and blades.

STORAGE HAZARDS: Another thing to consider while planning is safety. Some chemicals you are using may be considered hazardous and some shouldn't be stored too closely together in case of a spill or other accident. Make a list of all your chemicals and tools to see if there are any that should not be stored together.

FREQUENCY OF USE: With this inventory list, you can also think about how to organize your closet based on frequency of use. As an example, you may want to have disinfectants and all-purpose cleaners at the forefront of your janitorial closet while products such as stain removers can be stored on higher shelves or in the back as they are only used occasionally. The same goes for your tools. Custodial carts are also an excellent way to separate supplies you use daily versus occasionally.

BULK ITEM PLACEMENT: If possible, your closet should only hold what's needed and can be used right away. Bulk boxes and large containers of cleaning chemicals and other stocking materials should be kept in another location in order to keep a tidy closet. The goal is to never have to move objects in order to find the product you need!

2. Remove everything from the closet

DISPOSE WHAT YOU DON'T NEED: As with all organizing projects, you're probably going to find some things you didn't even know you had. A good rule of thumb is if you haven't used it in a year, it's probably safe to dispose of it.

3. Thoroughly clean your empty closet

CLEAN & "REDECORATE": From the floors to all corners to walls! We recommend using a multi-purpose cleaner such as Freedom or a cleaner degreaser such as Breaker Breaker. You know it's not often that your closet is empty. Now might be a good time to look at repainting and reconsider lighting if necessary. A well-lit closet is easier to maintain and increases safety.

4. Label your supplies & shelves

KNOW THE LAW: It is required by law to have all chemicals labeled with a clear indication of what they are. Designate a spot to keep your Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in case of an emergency. You shouldn't stop here! Label each shelf to designate what goes where. This is especially helpful when multiple people have access to your closet. Some facilities use a color coding system to keep similar items together.

5. Stay on top of it!

Proper shelving, storage and labeling are great tools to keep you on track. Continue to stay on top of your inventory, whether you track it daily or once a week. If you use a custodial cart, consider returning every day supplies to their place so that you know where all your supplies are when taking inventory. Dispose of expired products in accordance to their SDS sheets and throw out tools that are broken or worn out.

Janitorial closets are the center of operations for custodial workers. You'll see in no time that keeping it clean & organized not only increases safety & productivity, it simply makes your life easier!