As a cleaning business owner, how many times do you walk into a janitor’s closet to find dirty equipment, dirty mop buckets, vacuums that haven’t been emptied, and spray bottles that no longer spray properly? Have you or your supervisors taken the time to train your employees on how to properly care for your equipment? Use this checklist to keep your supplies and equipment in top working order.
plastic spray bottles
- Clean bottles as needed to prevent residue and buildup.
- Replace label when necessary
- Periodically disassemble the trigger and clean it to avoid clogging.
gross and caddy
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Clean inside and out as needed
Rags
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Do not leave them lying around, they are a safety and disease hazard. Store in a dirty rag bag
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Discard greasy or oily rags
collectors
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Disinfect and clean the front edge as needed
brushes
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Rinse with clean, cold water, shake off excess. If the brush is dirty, wash it with a warm cleaning solution and rinse it with clean water. Let dry with straight bristles.
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Storage – hanging brush – do not put the weight of the brush on the bristles.
brooms
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Do not use when wet, do not stand on your straws. Do not use the broom to scrub. Rotate frequently for even wear.
Spatula
- After each daily use, wipe down the knife to remove moisture and debris.
- Store in a clean and dry place.
- Sharpen the blade as needed to keep it sharp.
measuring cups
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Rinse with water immediately after use.
dust mops
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Do not use dry mops to pick up liquids. Do not use dust mops on oily floors.
- Remove loose soil frequently, using a vacuum if possible; otherwise, shake it out in a large waste container.
- Never keep a mop on the floor. Hang the mop so air can circulate.
wet mops
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Before using a new mop, soak it for several minutes to remove primer and harden the fibers.
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Rinse after use.
- Do not twist the mop in the wringer. If it is twisted or tightened too much it can be destroyed because the actions will break the fibers.
- Use your fingers to smooth the strands.
- Cut loose or uneven strands.
- Hang mops to dry in a bright, ventilated area. Never store it on the floor or in the mop bucket.
Floor Finishing Mop
- After use, wash all floor finish or wax with clean water.
- Squeeze out as much water as possible, shake to fluff up strands.
- Never use detergent or soap on a mop designed for floor finishing.
- Place the mop in a clean plastic bag after use.
Buckets and drainers
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Do not use force on the wringer lever; use just enough hand pressure on the lever to wring out the mop.
- Remove any loose thread, string or foreign matter that has become entangled in the wringer.
- Wash and scrub all surfaces of the pail with disinfectant. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Keep the wringer oiled and tight.
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Keep the drainer in the “release” position when not in use.
- Rinse the blade in clean water after use.
- Dry, do not store blade side down or folded.
upright vacuums
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Empty the bag regularly.
- Clean the exterior of the vacuum after emptying it.
- Check for strings, carpet threads, etc. wrapped around the beater bar.
- Check the belt for cuts and replace it when necessary.
- Empty magnetic bar after each use.
tampons
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Clean the entire surface after each day of use. Also clean the cable.
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Check the pad to replace it.
- Blow out the engine about every 2 weeks.
- Once a month, check the screws and bolts to make sure they are tight.
slow speeds
- Clean the entire surface after each day of use. Also clean the cable.
- Rinse the tank after each use.
- Check drive unit for wear cracks.
Synthetic floor pads
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Floor pads can be used on both sides. Once both sides have been used, the pad should be set aside for cleaning or soaking.
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Floor pads can be cleaned by rubbing against each other’s surface. Or you can use a hand scraper. Then rinse with a strong stream of hot water and give a final rinse with cold water. Pads that do not respond to this method should be soaked overnight in a strong synthetic detergent or stripping solution. After soaking, each pad should be rinsed under a strong stream of hot water. After a final rinse with cold water, the pads should be agitated and placed on a flat, non-rusting surface to dry. The pads are not ready to be reused until they are completely dry.
- Tip: When the pads get too worn, they can be cut into small sections that can be used as hand or foot scratch pads.
Wet/Dry Vacuums
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Rinse inside, wipe inside and out after each use.
- Rinse and clean hoses and accessories.
carpet machinery
- Rinse the inside of the tank, filters, hoses and accessories.
- Clean outside.
pump sprayers
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Release pressure.
- Clean outside.
- When empty, rinse, spray water through the sprayer to prevent clogging.