The cleanliness of a warehouse is a great indicator of how effective a warehouse is. Cleaner warehouses are more productive, safer, and tend to be more organized. However, cleaning the warehouse doesn’t happen on its own – it requires commitment and consistent leadership. Unclean warehouses are also as dangerous to workers as they are unproductive. With various work hazards all over the place, including forklifts, high shelves and huge piles of waste and debris, it is important to clean warehouses so that they function efficiently and effectively.

Here are tips for keeping your warehouse clean, so that you can get the maximum use out of it.

1. Set regular cleaning goals It is much easier to do small cleaning tasks periodically than it is to conduct a massive cleaning process (which will also not be lasting if not maintained). Assign need-based cleaning tasks on daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly rotations. However, just setting these goals will not be enough. Create documentation and calendar items for these tasks.
2. Implement a clean-as-you-go policy A lot of warehouses do not consider a task completed until the mess has been cleaned up. Any task that leaves residues must be dealt with immediately. Unpacking and shipping containers produces waste wrappings, that must be cleared as soon as possible.
3. Assign employee’s zones to clean In every warehouse, there are employees responsible for tasks in certain areas. Make sure that they are responsible for maintaining cleanliness in their zone of work. Don’t allow workers to leave a mess for the next shift or the cleaning crew.
4. Make cleaning supplies easily available Cleaning supplies should be readily available to employees if you expect them to keep the warehouse clean. If employees have to walk half the warehouse for a broom, then they will look to cut corners and skip these tasks.