The cleanliness of commercial spaces is not just a basic requirement; it's a crucial part of any successful business operation. It's about far more than aesthetics – as an employer, maintaining a clean work environment goes some way to demonstrating that you value your workplace and your employees’ health and wellbeing. This is a key factor for any business wanting to boost productivity, strengthen morale, and ultimately keep hold of staff. Likewise, a well-maintained, professional environment impacts the comfort, safety and overall impression customers and visitors gain from your premises.
Put simply, the effort you put into the cleanliness of your business will directly impact the reputation of your company.
Regardless of the type of commercial space you operate – be it an office, retailer, leisure facility, hotel, or restaurant – the importance of using non-hazardous, eco-friendly, and cost-effective cleaning products and equipment to minimise germs and maintain a high standard of cleanliness cannot be overstated.
To help you navigate the breadth of commercial cleaning products and equipment available, this guide will run through the five essential types of product our commercial cleaning experts at phs Interclean recommend for maintaining high standards of cleanliness in your commercial space.
Cleaning Essentials
Understanding the type and size of your business is the first step to maintaining cleanliness in a commercial space. Different businesses have distinct cleaning needs – a bustling restaurant might require more frequent clean-ups, especially in the kitchen area, as might a daycare setting or leisure facility, while an office space might necessitate daily dusting and vacuum cleaning.
Establishing a comprehensive cleaning and hygiene policy is crucial. Such a policy should detail the areas to be cleaned, assign cleaning responsibilities, and specify cleaning frequency. This frequency will inevitably vary depending on the nature of your business and the usage of the space. Keeping a log of all cleaning activity is also essential to maintaining the effectiveness of your policy and procedures.
Moreover, having a structured cleaning and maintenance plan in place can help ensure your commercial space stays consistently clean, welcoming, and conducive to productivity. This plan should outline the cleaning procedures, list the products to be used, and identify the personnel responsible for each task.
- Cleaning Equipment:
Reliable cleaning equipment – from vacuum or steam cleaners, and floor buffers, to mops, cloths and dusters – form the backbone of any cleanliness regime. These tools tackle dirt and grime at the ground level, ensuring your space always appears presentable and hygienic. When choosing your cleaning equipment, consider the size and layout of your space, the type of surfaces you're dealing with, and the nature of dirt and debris your business generates.
- Chemical Cleaning:
Chemical cleaners, including disinfectants, degreasers, glass cleaners, and carpet and upholstery cleaners, are indispensable for maintaining high standards of cleanliness. They penetrate beneath the surface to eliminate grime and germs, leaving your space fresher, safer, and more inviting. When selecting these cleaners, prioritize products that are eco-friendly, safe for users and occupants, and effective at combating the specific types of dirt common in your space.
- Staff and Customer Hygiene:
In our increasingly health-conscious world, customer hygiene has never been more important. Providing hand soaps and sanitizers is a non-negotiable aspect of any commercial space. These products, which should be gentle on the skin but tough on germs, showcase your commitment to the health and safety of your patrons and can significantly enhance their experience.
- Waste Management:
Effective waste management is essential for maintaining a clean, organized, and odour-free commercial space. Having the right bins, bin bags, and specialist disposal systems as required, can make a world of difference. When selecting waste management solutions, look for products that are durable, easy to clean, and visually pleasing, as these will contribute to a more harmonious environment.
- Paper Products and Dispensers:
Paper products and their dispensers, including toilet tissues, hand tissues, and paper towels, are essential for maintaining hygiene standards. When selecting these products, opt for high-capacity dispensers to minimize refill frequency, and ensure a continuous supply. The quality of these products also matters – they should be soft, absorbent, and preferably made from sustainable sources.
Consider an external cleaning provider
Maintaining a clean commercial space is not a one-off task, but an ongoing commitment. It requires a comprehensive and well-planned approach that includes reliable cleaning equipment and a consistent supply of products, strong focus on customer hygiene, effective waste management, and above all – the capacity to manage the job. Each of these elements plays a unique role in creating a clean, healthy, and inviting environment that both your employees and customers will appreciate.
If the task of maintaining the high standard of hygiene your business needs and deserves seems daunting, it is well-worth employing an external cleaning service provider to manage this operation on your behalf. phs Interclean is a leading provider of commercial cleaning services in the UK, Ireland and Spain, supporting over 120,000 customers across 300,000 locations. Our expertise extends across a range of services, including interior commercial cleaning, kitchen deep cleaning, commercial floor cleaning (all types of floor), exterior cleaning and more.
Talk to one of our experts to discuss options available and receive a personalised quote.
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