Dust bunnies the size of forklifts? A warehouse shouldn’t feel like an abandoned archaeological site. But warehouses, with their vast spaces, high ceilings, and constant foot traffic present unique challenges when it comes to cleaning and sanitation.
This guide covers actionable tips and a clear plan to keep warehouses clean and dust-free effectively so that not only the operations floor, but also the office spaces, loading docks, storage areas, and virtually every corner of the structure is clean and well-maintained.
Dust in warehouses is primarily due to several factors:
Materials
Many goods stored in warehouses like paper, cardboard, wood, and certain fabrics, shed fibers and particles that contribute to dust buildup. Additionally, construction materials like concrete and drywall can release dust over time.
Equipment
Heavy machinery like forklifts, conveyors, and pallet jacks are major culprits when it comes to kicking up dust in warehouses.
Their constant movement and friction generated by their moving parts can release high amounts of dust particles into the air.
Additionally, industrial fans used for ventilation can circulate dust throughout the warehouse, making it even more challenging to control.
External Factors
Open loading docks, windows, and doors allow dust and debris from outside to infiltrate the warehouse. Environmental factors like wind and pollen can also contribute to the problem.
Dust accumulation in warehouses goes beyond causing a nuisance. It can trigger allergies and respiratory issues in employees, which can lead to potential health risks.
This is why many industries have specific regulations regarding dust control and air quality in workspaces.
Without further ado, here are the tips to keep your warehouse dust-free, clean, and sanitized. Read on.
1. Craft A Regular Cleaning Schedule
Having a well-structured cleaning schedule ensures cleaning tasks are delegated, tracked, and consistently completed.
Here’s a sample cleaning schedule tailored for warehouse environments, outlining daily, weekly, and monthly tasks, along with the personnel responsible:
Daily Tasks
- Floor sweeping or vacuuming by every warehouse worker. They should work on their designated area at the end of every shift.
- Spot cleaning of spills or leaks
- Emptying garbage bins
- Cleaning touchpoints like door handles, light switches, and equipment through a disinfectant
- Cleaning forklifts and other machinery: Heavy equipment should be inspected by a certified professional, while forklift operators or maintenance personnel should clean their equipment after the shift ends.
Weekly Tasks:
- Janitorial staff should thoroughly mop or scrub warehouse floors, especially high-traffic zones like fulfillment areas, loading docks, operations floors, etc.
- Restrooms and break rooms should be disinfected to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of germs.
- Shelves, racks, and equipment should also be dusted.
- Janitorial staff should check and refill soap dispensers, paper towels, and other cleaning supplies throughout the warehouse.
- Loading dock personnel should sweep and remove debris from loading docks at the end of the day.
Monthly Tasks:
- Professional cleaning services or designated staff should perform a deep clean of warehouse floors, including scrubbing, stripping, and waxing.
- Janitorial staff or professional cleaners should dust high ceilings, light fixtures, and other hard-to-reach areas.
- Maintenance personnel should perform routine cleaning and maintenance checks on warehouse equipment, including forklifts, conveyors, and ventilation systems.
- A pest control professional should conduct a thorough inspection of the warehouse to identify and address any potential infestations.
2. Train Employees on Cleaning Procedures
Invest time in comprehensive training which covers proper techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols.
Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from commercial cleaning companies who can provide invaluable insights and training resources to improve in-house cleaning efforts.
3. Invest in the Right Cleaning Equipment and Supplies
Warehouse cleaning and dusting require specialized tools and industrial-strength cleaning solutions.
Here’s a breakdown of the essentials any warehouse should have:
- Industrial sweepers and scrubbers
- Wet/dry vacuums
- Mops and buckets
- Extendable dusters and poles
- Aerial lifts or scaffolding
- Industrial degreasers
- Disinfectants
- All-purpose cleaners
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be worn at all times when handling cleaning equipment and solutions. This prevents inhalation of fumes and protects the body from abrasives and other debris.
4. Tackle Spills and Leaks Immediately
OSHA reports that upwards of 190,000 illnesses and 50,000 deaths are connected to chemical exposure.
When leaks or spills occur at your facility, the first step is to assess the situation and identify the substance involved. Refer to the material safety data sheet for specific handling instructions. If the spill poses a risk, cordon off the area to prevent accidents and ensure proper ventilation.
Contact HAZMAT teams or specialized cleaning companies equipped to handle hazardous spills safely and efficiently to minimize exposure risk and environmental damage.
5. Declutter and Organize
Set up a system of regular decluttering and organization. Designate specific zones for specific types of inventory, equipment, and work areas.
Clear labeling is also key to maintaining an organized system. Label shelves, bins, and storage areas with their contents and corresponding codes or numbers.
This simplifies inventory management and reduces time wasted searching for specific items. Implementing a “First In, First Out” (FIFO) system ensures older items are used first, preventing them from becoming obsolete or expired.
Regularly discard unwanted or damaged items like packaging materials, broken equipment, or unused goods.
6. Clean and Sanitize High Surfaces
Dusting shelves and equipment at arm’s reach might be manageable for your warehouse staff, but tackling ceilings, rafters, and vents often requires the pros.
That’s where professional warehouse cleaning companies come in. Choose the right company that will tailor the quote based on your facility’s cleaning needs.
Mention specific areas you want cleaned, such as high ceilings, light fixtures, HVAC systems, and any other hard-to-reach surfaces. Set the cleaning to a regular schedule that works for your operations to prevent any disruption.
7. Prioritize Floor Care
Overlooking the cleanliness of warehouse flooring is all too easy in a high-traffic environment. But it needs the most attention, as it endures a constant barrage of heavy machinery, spills, dust, and debris.
Invest in daily sweeping, mopping, and using the right cleaning solutions. You certainly don’t want to damage your floors by using inappropriate chemicals or abrasive tools.
For example, acidic cleaners can etch concrete floors, while harsh scrubbing can scratch epoxy flooring. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations or call your floor cleaning company for advice.
8. Hire Pest Control Technicians
Pest control technicians can inspect your warehouse facility, identify potential vulnerabilities, and implement a customized Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan.
Their approach combines biological and chemical controls to target pests at all stages of their lifecycle to prevent incidents like product contamination, structural damage, and health hazards.
9. Conduct Regular Inspections
Warehouse supervisors or designated safety officers should conduct routine inspections like checking for potential hazards, damaged equipment, or obstructed aisles.
It’s also important to verify that safety equipment like fire extinguishers and alarms are in working order.
Regular inspections can help identify and address issues promptly, preventing accidents, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining a productive work environment.
Keep Your Warehouse Dust-Free And Maintain Its Cleanliness With Professional Services
A clean warehouse is crucial to running a safe, efficient, and profitable operation. Alongside the tips in this guide, partner with a commercial cleaning provider that can meet all the requirements of cleaning your facility.
Comply with regulations and make your facility safe for employees through Craddock’s Warehouse Cleaning Services.
We will craft a customized cleaning plan that’s guaranteed to keep your warehouse sparkling clean. Claim your FREE quote and the owner, Jeremy will personally contact you in the next 24 hours to finalize the details and schedule your first cleaning session.