Running a shop, whether a clothing business, hardware store, clinic, or what-have-you is hard work and keeping it clean and tidy may not always be the first on your bucket list. Dust bunnies, fingerprints, cluttered shelves, and messy floors — it’s so easy for things to go out of hand!
But the more you understand that a clean store is more than looks and more about impacting customer experience and employee morale positively, you’ll soon see why it’s important you read these tips to keep your shop clean and tidy. Let’s get right into it.
Take a few minutes to clear away unnecessary clutter from surfaces, floors, and counters. This includes:
- Paper files/documents: File them away, recycle old ones, and discard documents you don’t need.
- Office supplies: Put away office supplies like pens, staplers, markers, stamps, and others, into drawers or a designated storage room.
- Personal belongings: Encourage staff to bring home personal items that might be cluttering up the break room or their workspaces. Or, ensure there are dedicated locker rooms for them to put away personal effects.
2. Regularly clean high-touchpoint surfaces
Regular cleaning is crucial in keeping your shop tidy. If you haven’t yet, incorporate cleaning into the daily routine, even if for just a few minutes before closing time or during non-peak hours.
Vacuum or sweep high-traffic zones like entrances, aisles, checkout counters, shelves, high ceilings, and the like, where dirt and debris accumulate. Use a microfiber cloth to quickly capture dust that may be sitting on displays, for best results.
Surfaces like countertops, tables, display shelves, furniture, and other high-touch surfaces should also be wiped clean with a microfiber cloth.
If there are sudden spills on any of these surfaces, address them immediately so they do not settle and become more difficult to remove.
3. Restock the bathroom and ensure it’s clean and hygienic
Some areas in your shop are more prone to mess than others, and the bathroom (if any) is no exception. It’s a high-traffic area constantly inundated with spills, foot traffic, horrible odors, and hygiene concerns.
So, restock essential supplies like toilet paper, paper towels, and hand soap regularly, especially if you anticipate busy periods or peak hours.
Use a disinfectant spray or wipes to sanitize surfaces like toilets, sinks, door handles, countertops, hand dryers, mirrors, and the like.
Invest in air fresheners so any bad odors are addressed. Odor-neutralizing sprays are effective too.
Finally, hire plumbing services to check for potential maintenance issues like leaks and report them as soon as possible to the building management (or hire these services yourself) to ensure the restroom remains functional and hygienic.
4. Delegate and conquer cleaning tasks among staff
If you’re a small mom-and-pop shop or haven’t invested in commercial cleaning services yet, it’s understandable you’d delegate some of the cleaning tasks to your staff, but we cannot stress this enough— get involved!
Get yourself involved, get the sales team involved, get the admin involved— everyone should have rotating responsibilities regularly to prevent anyone from feeling overwhelmed. Doing so lightens the load for everyone and also creates a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the shop’s appearance.
Consider creating a simple cleaning schedule or checklist to ensure all tasks are completed regularly. Encourage your staff to communicate openly and to provide honest feedback so that any cleaning concerns are addressed even before they turn catastrophic.
5. Use the right cleaning tools and solutions for the job
From vacuums, microfiber mops, and floor cleaning materials, there’s just too much cleaning stuff out there, that you’re tempted to just go with old rags and all-purpose cleaners.
STOP: There’s value in using the right tools for the job.
Choose cleaning solutions that have been proven safe for materials or surfaces you have in your shop. For example, gentle wood cleaners, not bleach or ammonia-based ones work best on your hardwood floors.
If your shop is prone to grease or oil spills, degreasers come in handy. Meanwhile, microfiber cloths are versatile and reusable and can clean various surfaces.
Don’t forget about the other essentials like broom, dustpan, mop, and vacuum cleaner!
6. Clean your floors
Your shop’s floors are often passed by people coming and going, so it shouldn’t be surprising that cleaning commercial floors should be your focus.
Your cleaning frequency and method depend on your specific flooring type and the level of foot traffic your store receives. For instance, hard floors like tile or concrete will do with daily mopping and sweeping.
Meanwhile, carpets need to be vacuum-cleaned more frequently, as well as, deep-cleaned. Remember: clean floors make a lasting impression and dirty ones can even cost your business money in ways you can’t imagine.
7. Make a great first impression with your windows
Your shop’s exterior is the first thing potential visitors see, so it’s important to make a positive impression. A clean storefront, shiny, streak-free windows, and a tidy entrance all impact how a customer perceives your business.
Sweep the sidewalk and entrance area daily to get rid of the usual debris and leaves. Wash windows, glass surfaces, and doors regularly so these surfaces remain visible and allow natural lighting to pour in.
8. Manage your inventory and stockroom
If you have these areas, it needs no reminding: organize them like no tomorrow.
Yes, technically they’re part of the backroom areas that customers or your clients don’t see, but your employees see them and a cluttered storage space directly impacts their efficiency.
Have a clear system for organizing inventory and supplies. Add clear labels on shelves and bins, set up designated zones for various types of merchandise, and ensure everything is in its proper place.
Regularly throw away discarded boxes or packaging, and implement a FIFO (First-In, First-Out) system to reduce the number of expired goods that go to waste.
A well-organized stockpile makes your store’s processes much much faster and makes it easier for staff to locate what they need while preventing clutter from spilling over into the main shop area.
9. Dusting the little details
Trust us, you wouldn’t want any of your customers to touch a chair or countertop in your store, only to find their fingers coated in dust.
While floors and major surfaces demand your attention, the smaller elements often go under the radar.
Be different from other storefronts. Take the time to dust light fixtures, shelves, and decorative items daily. Microfiber dusters or cloth work wonders for this job— the best part is, they don’t leave behind streaks or any sign at all of an unprofessional cleaning job.
If your shop’s interiors have mirrors or glass displays, leave them clean as well so that everything is polished. Remember, the little details can make or break a welcoming ambiance. A dust-free environment shows customers you are proud of your business.
Key Takeaway: A Clean Shop Is A Thriving Shop
Maintaining a clean and organized shop is an ongoing process, but one that pays off in dividends. Implement these practical tips and benefit from the value that a welcoming and inviting space brings your customers.