The Cleaning Business Supplies Checklist All New Cleaners Need

Starting a new commercial cleaning business and want to make sure you have the right cleaning supplies for the job? This is a great place to start!

There are quite a few essential tools that you'll need to ensure your business can operate at maximum efficiency but luckily this blog will provide you with all the information you need to get started.

From cleaning solutions and disinfectants to vacuum cleaners and mops, there are a lot of tools to consider. When also taking into consideration the cost of commercial cleaning equipment, it may seem to be an overwhelming task. However, as industry professionals with years of experience, we have created this easy checklist that will help cleaning business owners understand all the supplies they need to succeed.

Commercial cleaning supplies checklist

Regardless of whether you're undertaking a cleaning job in a school, hospital or gym, there are essentials you'll need for every job. We've identified these and will explain more about them and the reason for their importance below.

1. Brooms/floor sweepers

Brooms are a very affordable and easy to use tool that's essential no matter what sector you're working for. They provide a convenient way to sweep dirt that collects on the floor and hard to reach corners and gather it up for easy disposal.

Floor cleaners have a higher price of entry and aren't essential from the get-go, however they are still worth a mention. Industrial grade sweepers don't only sweep dust, grit and dirt, but they also collect it. This is due to brush rotation which sweeps the dirt into a container. These sometimes large volume containers can then be deposited in a bin in a matter of seconds.

2. Dustpan and brush

A dustpan and brush is a portable cleaning solution that works hand in hand with brooms, where you can easily gather the remnants of dust and debris before removing them.

3. Mops and buckets

Floors are prone to staining for a variety of reasons, and some dirt simply can't be swept away and therefore requires an alternate solution. Mops and buckets allow you to scrub away these tougher stains as they are also usually paired with a variety of other cleaning products and chemicals.

Buckets can be filled with a precise amount of water and cleaning chemical mix, depending on the strength you require and this makes them great in a wide variety of uses.

4. Vacuum cleaners

Where mops are less suitable for carpets and hard surfaces, this is where vacuum cleaners shine. A vacuum cleaner is an essential tool for any cleaner, removing dirt, dust and debris from floors and surfaces and helping to prevent a build up of harmful pollutants. If these pollutants aren't dealt with swiftly, they can lead to a whole range of respiratory, skin and even potential brain issues.

5. Sponges/cloths

Scrubbing sponges have a similar use to mops, but on a smaller scale. By absorbing cleaning chemicals quickly, they are an efficient tool to wipe down smaller surfaces.

As important as cleaning is, disinfecting is also a key part of ensuring business premises are safe.

Microfiber cloths thoroughly clean all surfaces, while being gentle enough to not damage surfaces by causing scratches. They too are useful for wiping down smaller surfaces that have been sprayed with a disinfectant solution, such as tables, doorways and contact points.

6. Dusters

Commercial long-handled dusters are great for removing cobwebs and dust build ups from hard to reach locations. These include along the ceiling, window frames, on top of appliances and in corners of the room.

7. Pressure washers/steam cleaners

Pressure washers use high powered water to remove tough stains from floors. They are made for outdoor environments and are ideal in a commercial setting.

Steam cleaners lift and remove tough stains from any floor or surface and are perfect for cleaning jobs in a variety of commercial environments such as schools, hotels and restaurants. They typically don't require detergents which can also save you money in the long run.

8. Window cleaning tools

Window wipers and other stainless-steel appliances make for easy cleaning of windows. The rubber surface helps to prevent the glass from being scratched but is firm enough to direct window cleaning chemicals along the surface.

Glass cleaner is perfect for removing grime, finger and watermarks in just a single spray. Not only does this eliminate bacteria and any stains, but it also leaves your windows spotless and perfectly transparent.

9. Cleaning chemicals

Cleaning chemicals are used for a variety of different surfaces and with a wide range of different types, it can be confusing.

The chemicals you should have are:

• An all purpose cleaner
• Disinfectant cleaners
• Floor cleaning solutions
• Glass and window cleaning solutions

10. Trolleys

Trolleys provide you with space to store equipment and chemicals as you move around the premises you're cleaning. Some essential cleaning supplies can be heavy, and having a trolley to assist you with transporting them can save time and resources, as you won't need to rely on other cleaners. By operating at maximum efficiency, you can focus on delivering excellent cleaning services while not wasting time where it's unnecessary.

11. Safety signs

It is essential that staff are notified when cleaning is taking place, as floors can be slippery. This ensures that they can move around the premises with caution to avoid falls and injuries.

You need to be careful when it comes to this as some people may choose to attempt to sue you in the event that your cleaning work causes them an injury. It is advised that you also look into getting public liability insurance for cleaners so you can protect yourself and your business.

12. Protective equipment

At the core of delivering expert services from your own cleaning business, you must make sure you are working safely. A major part of following correct safety guidelines is that you wear the correct protective equipment. This includes:

• Aprons
• Gloves
• Hair ties
• Masks (if chemicals are harmful when inhaled)
• Glasses/goggles
• Shoe covers

Get commercial cleaning support from Jani-King

Jani-King are experts in the commercial cleaning industry that provide the best franchise opportunities, providing ongoing support and mentoring to help you succeed.

To get started, or if you have more questions, don't hesitate to contact us.