Checklist of what your housekeeping facilities should contain

What do these janitorial facilities look like? Tidy? Clean? Containing what's needed to function properly? Let's take a look at what your janitorial facilities should look like and what they should contain.

On the other hand, let me highlight the work of this designer that you can find at this address as well as all these other works. I love your art! Thank you.

Housekeeping premises

Let's face it, we're not often spoiled! We often leave the concierge the space of a wardrobe, a space under the stairs, or at least inadequate and sometimes even crappy premises! But what do concierges really need?

• Local large enough to contain their tools and washing products and if possible, household cleaning equipment
• Of the shelves so that the caretakers can properly install their stock.
• A ground tank so that employees do not have to force themselves when emptying or filling their boilers
• A adjacent wall covered with plastic or stainless steel with hooks so they can hang their mop handles, brooms, etc. on it. It will then be easier to wash.
• A floor drain so that the floor can be easily washed and brushed.
• As much as possible, that the premises do not have to be shared with mechanics, maintenance workers, laborers, etc. There is an irremediable overlap of one or the other.
• If this is not possible, try to delimit the space. Each has equal importance, moreover. They both need adequate space and premises.

The housekeeping premises are part of the building and must be maintained in the same way as other premises. The floor should be expected to be swept and mopped regularly. Therefore, there should be no leftovers, food, or drinks on it.

The organization of housekeeping premises

The equipment

First of all, the equipment should be stored together, clean and tidy. It only takes a few minutes at the end of the shift to clean your washing equipment and accessories. Daily or periodic maintenance may be required depending on the manufacturer. I suggest you read this other article on preventive maintenance on household maintenance equipment.

Washing products should be chosen carefully because they are a guarantee of quality. In addition to being able to save you time. floor washing equipment are particularly affected by this remark.

Here is my opinion:  Don't skimp on equipment, you will be the first to lose! They do a better job and at a better speed!

Washing products

On the side of the washing products, I see both extremes and neither is better. So, either I see premises that do not have all the necessary washing products, or they contain products in industrial quantities. You should know that washing products have a limited lifespan. After 1 year, the products lose their effectiveness. So, depending on your supplier's delivery time, you should have the products for your regular consumption plus 1 week of storage. For example, if you order once a month and delivery is scheduled around the 1st of the month, you should have enough in stock to last a good week. 

Additionally, I highly recommend theadding washing product dispensersThis allows for automatic dosing of the chemical and water required. There is therefore no possibility of underdosing or overdosing. This is important to avoid damaging surfaces.

Chemical manufacturers are listening to our needs! Many now have laundry containers with a built-in dispenser. This can be a great replacement for wall-mounted dispensers. These are typically 500ml or 1-liter containers that fit easily on a cleaning cart, allowing employees to refill them at any janitorial facility equipped with a laundry tub.

Laundry products will be stored on a separate shelf or at the bottom of a shelf. If a gallon of product is ever punctured, it will not leak onto paper boxes or other accessories.

And…. I don’t want to be silly… but you need detergents to clean. Water doesn't remove bacteria.! So, equip your employees properly. I've seen employees with only 1 gallon of neutral cleaner to clean everything: kitchen, toilet, floor, furniture!! It doesn't make sense.

Sanitary supplies

THE sanitary supplies such as toilet paper and hand papers and other papers should be filed together. Each one classified by type of paper. To this end, I suggest everyone try to standardize the dispensers for these. Manufacturers are happy to provide the dispensers for free if you take their supplies! Some distributors might even install them for you for free!

Note that the type of products needed This will be part of another blog. However, it should be noted that the building survey will determine the type of products needed.

Washing accessories

As you know from my latest blogs, I advocate the microfiber wash. You will therefore have to determine the types of cloths and flat mops that you will need for washing your buildings.

As for the window cleaning, I very often see poorly equipped janitors. Washing a glass door and washing a small partition window should not be washed and dried with tools of the same size. So you should have two sizes +/- of sheep and window scrapers.

The same applies to the dry mops for floors. Take the time to visit the buildings and determine the necessary sizes. For example, if the corridors are 6 to 8 feet wide, you would benefit from using 48 or 60 inch dry mops (microfiber, of course). This will allow you to mop in both directions only once.

Speaking of laundry accessories like microfiber and dry mops, you'll need to plan for a washing system. Either change them weekly or monthly, or equip the project with a washing machine. And laundry detergent, of course.

Message for the concierges

We've talked extensively about the necessary facilities, equipment, accessories, and laundry supplies. However, I see a gap that is all too common among concierges. Premises, equipment and other housekeeping accessories must be kept tidy and clean. It takes anywhere from a few minutes to less than 15 minutes to clean your wash inventory. It's unacceptable to still see buckets/wringers full of dirty water. If you want to be treated with respect, be respectful of your job too. You can only wash effectively with clean water!

During the big summer cleaning, just like in winter, take this opportunity to give your cleaning rooms some love. Dust your shelves, clean them. Sweep, wash your floors. You might even take this opportunity to scrub your floors thoroughly. Wash the walls every year. You'll find that working in such an environment will be a joy for all the employees.

On that note, please do me a favor and send me a picture of your clean and tidy cleaning premises. I will be 1000 times happy to see it. . 

Lydia

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Who am I?

My name is Lydia Frascarelli, a trainer and consultant in housekeeping – sanitation within my company:  CF Salubrity Inc. After 32 years at the helm of a cleaning company with around 100 employees, I now offer consulting and training services, specializing in cleaning and food safety. I also have the pleasure of supporting entrepreneurs in their businesses or building managers as well as housekeeping managers. I love my job and I take great pleasure in seeing these managers dare to create.