How to Organize and Maintain Your Janitorial Cart for Safety and Peak Cleaning Performance
A well-organized janitorial cart is a sign of a well-organized cleaning professional, one who is committed to cleaning safely and efficiently and delivering optimal cleaning results. By organizing and maintaining your custodial cart, you’re decreasing the risk of accidents and creating a safer environment for all facility occupants. Plus, by spending extra time ensuring your cart is set up for success, you can perform the cleaning tasks at hand swiftly, systematically and more efficiently than ever before. Complement your cart prep with ongoing maintenance and you’ll ensure that your equipment functions properly, maximizing the quality of the cleaning process and extending the lifespan of your commercial cleaning tool investment.
Step #1: Organize Supplies and Cleaning Tools
Start the process by grouping similar items together (e.g., cleaning chemicals, tools, paper products, etc.). When possible, using multi-purpose tools such as a washer can help reduce the total number of items needed on the cart.
Once you categorize the tools, you’ll want to designate specific areas within the cart for the different categories you created. For example, you’ll want to store cleaning solutions on a lower shelf to prevent them from dripping onto other supplies or the floor in the case of a spill. Placing heavier items, such as a mop bucket with a wringer, on the bottom will also enhance the cart’s stability. Frequently used items, such as dusters, microfiber cleaning clothes and dustpans, should be front and center for easy access. Arranging items with this strategy in mind, you’ll protect the cart’s mobility by making sure it’s not top-heavy, minimizing the risk of tipping.
Other tips to help optimize cart organization include labeling compartments and shelves to make it quick and easy to find and return items. Labeling is especially helpful when the same janitorial cart is used across multiple cleaning shifts within a facility. If your facility executes a zone cleaning approach, you should plan the cart layout according to the cleaning zones for which you’re responsible. This extra planning will reduce unnecessary trips back and forth to the cart.
Step #2: Inventory and Stock the Janitorial Cart
You’ve set the organizational foundation for your janitor cart and now it’s time to ensure the cart is stocked with the supplies you need for the day’s work ahead. This will avoid unnecessary time-consuming trips to the custodial closet to restock, and ultimately increase your cleaning productivity.
For your daily supplies, you’ll want to check inventory levels of items such as the following at the start and end of each shift and refill as necessary:
- Cleaning Cloths: Used for wiping surfaces, dusting, and general cleaning tasks.
- Spray Bottles: Filled with cleaning solutions such as disinfectants, glass cleaners, and all-purpose cleaners.
- Trash Bags: For replacing liners in cans and collecting trash on the cart.
- Gloves: To ensure safety while handling chemicals and cleaning.
Depending on the type of janitorial cart (spot cleaning cart, restroom cleaning cart, etc.), you’ll want to begin each shift by making sure your required cleaning tools are available and in h their designated space. This step allows you to perform your cleaning tasks efficiently while maintaining cleanliness and hygiene throughout the facility.
Step #3: Assess Safety Measures
Assessing a janitorial cart’s safety helps prevent accidents and ensures a safer working environment throughout the day. All cleaning solutions should be properly labeled and securely stored to prevent accidental spills and mixing. To avoid physical injury, sharp objects such as floor or window scrapers should be stored with the protective cap in place and in their designated areas on the cart. Additionally, the cart should always be stocked with essential personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, goggles and masks. Having PPE readily available ensures that custodial staff are protected from exposure.
Step #4: Maintain the Cart’s Cleanliness and Order
Regularly cleaning your janitor cart prevents the buildup of dirt and grime, keeping the cart hygienic and ensuring that your cleaning tools are in optimal working condition. Not to mention that when cleaning tools and equipment are well-kept, it reflects the overall professionalism and dedication of the facility to maintaining high cleaning standards.
Immediately addressing spills or leaks from any cleaning solution or trash not only helps maintain a well-kept cart, but also helps to prevent slip and fall accidents. When you hear about workplace falls you may typically think of falls from ladders. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the majority of fall-related injuries occur as a result of falls from same-level walking surfaces.
On top of your daily routine of maintaining your janitor cart, we suggest regular maintenance. You’ll want to inspect the cart weekly for any damage or wear and tear and replace broken parts in a timely manner. (For Unger carts specifically, if a spare part is needed, you can find the spare part online and order through a distributor.) Part of the inspection should include the wheels to make sure they are clean and roll smoothly. If the wheel movement is at all inhibited, you may have to strain to propel the cart forward due to the decreased maneuverability.
Safety and Peak Cleaning Performance Starts with the Right Janitorial Cart
The importance of organizing and maintaining a janitor cart cannot be overstated in terms of its impact on safety and performance. A well-organized and maintained cart ensures that janitorial staff can carry out tasks with maximum efficiency and deliver the highest level of cleanliness, while also fostering a positive perception of the facility’s overall cleanliness.
Having the right janitorial cart contributes to a cleaner, safer, and more pleasant environment for everyone. Unger’s durable and high-quality janitorial cleaning carts are fully customizable for specific applications. Each cleaning cart system is a ‘prescription for clean,’ giving you the right tool, in the right place, for the right job.
Learn more and request to try Unger’s innovative janitor carts firsthand at your facility.
