As a cleaning business owner, how many times do you walk into a janitor’s closet and find dirty equipment, dirty mop buckets, vacuums that have not 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 avoid residue and build-up.
• Replace the label when necessary
• Periodically disassemble the trigger and clean it to avoid clogging.

Brute and Caddy

• Clean inside and out as needed

Rags

• Do not leave them lying around, they are a disease and a safety hazard. Store in a dirty cloth bag

• Discard greasy or oily rags

Dust Containers

• Disinfect and clean the front edge as needed

Brushes

• Rinse with cool, clean water, shake off excess. If the brush is dirty, wash it with a warm cleaning solution and rinse with clean water. Let dry with straight bristles.

• Storage – hanging brush – do not place the weight of the brush on the bristles.

Brooms

• Don’t use it when wet, don’t stand on your straws. Do not use a broom for scrubbing. Rotate it frequently so that it wears evenly.

Spatula

• After each daily use, clean the knife to remove moisture and dirt.
• Store in a clean and dry place.
• Edge the blade as needed to keep it sharp

Measuring cups

• Rinse with water immediately after use.

Dust mops

• Do not use dry mops to pick up liquids. Do not use dust mops on oily floors.

• Remove loose dirt frequently, using a vacuum cleaner if possible; otherwise, shake it in a large waste container.
• Never store a mop on the floor. Hang the mop to circulate the air.

Wet mops

• Before using a new mop, let it soak for several minutes to remove the size and harden the fibers.

• Rinse after use.

• Do not twist the mop on the wringer. If it is twisted or over-tightened, it can be destroyed because the actions will break the fibers.
• Use your fingers to straighten the strands.
• Cut loose, uneven golden strands.
• Hang mops to dry in a bright, airy area. Never store it on the floor or in the mop bucket.

Floor Finishing Mops

• After use, wash entire floor finish or wax with clean water.
• Squeeze out as much water as possible, shake to fluff up the strands.
• Never use detergent or soap on a mop designed for finishing floors.
• Place the mop in a clean plastic bag after use.

Buckets and drainboards

• Do not exert force on the squeegee lever; use just enough hand pressure on the lever to wring out the mop.

• Remove any loose line from the mop head, string, or foreign matter that becomes tangled in the squeegee.
• Wash and scrub all surfaces of the bucket with disinfectant. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Keep the drainer oiled and tight.

• Keep the wringer in the “release” position when not in use.

• Rinse the blade with clean water after use.
• Wipe dry, do not store sheet down or folded.

Upright vacuum cleaners

• Empty the bag regularly.

• Clean the exterior of the vacuum after emptying.
• Check for threads, carpet threads, etc. wrapped around the mixer bar.
• Check the belt for cuts and replace it when necessary.
• Empty the bar magnet after each use.

Shock absorbers

• Clean the entire surface after daily use. Also clean the cord.

• Check the pad to replace it.

• Blow out the engine approximately every 2 weeks.
• Once a month, check the screws and bolts to make sure they are tight.

Slow speeds

• Clean the entire surface after daily use. Also clean the cord.
• Rinse the tank after each use.
• Check the drive unit for cracks from wear.

Synthetic floor pads

• The floor pads can be used on both sides. After both sides have been used, the pad should be set aside for cleaning or soaking.

• Floor pads can be cleaned by rubbing one against the other’s surface. Or you can use a hand scraper. Continue rinsing with a strong stream of hot water and giving a final cold water rinse. Wipes that do not respond to this method should be soaked overnight in a concentration of synthetic detergent or stripper solution. After soaking, each pad should be rinsed with a strong stream of hot water. After a final cold water rinse, the pads should be shaken and placed on a flat, non-rusted surface to dry. The pads are not ready for reuse until they are completely dry.

• Tip: When the pads become excessively worn, they can be cut into small sections that can be used as scratching pads for hands or feet.

Wet / Dry Vacuums

• Rinse inside, clean inside and out after each use.

• Rinse and clean hoses and fittings.

Carpet Machines

• Rinse the tank interior, filters, hoses, and accessories.
• Clean the exterior.

Pump sprayers

• Release pressure.

• Clean the exterior.
• When empty, rinse, squirt water through the nozzle to prevent clogging.