Restrooms represent one of the most difficult cleaning tasks in our industry. By their nature, restrooms tend to get soiled very quickly. Yet they must be kept as clean as possible at all times. Doing so can seem like a daunting task to janitorial staff. They are no sooner done when they must turn around and start again.
A common model for providing commercial cleaning surfaces makes heavy use of daily and weekly checklists. Checklists are quite helpful for staying ahead of restrooms. Following a checklist leaves nothing to chance. It guarantees restrooms get the attention they deserve without janitorial staff having to remember a lengthy list of tasks and when they need to be done.
Even a Basic Checklist Works
A checklist doesn’t have to be long and complicated to be effective. Even a basic checklist can help janitorial staff stay ahead of the restrooms. From a business or office cleaning standpoint, a checklist is a lot like a budget. It provides the framework for daily and weekly cleaning.
Restroom checklists also act as a reference point for reviewing janitorial staff performance. They point out what work needs to be done and provide a means of tracking whether tasks are completed. All this combined creates cleaner restrooms and happier guests.
The Basic Daily Checklist
Business and office cleaning services all have their own methods for maintaining clean restrooms. Different companies create and maintain different checklists. Truth be told, there isn’t a single checklist or strategy that applies to every circumstance.
That being said, we’ve put together a basic daily checklist sample for you to consider. On average, daily restroom cleaning usually involves the following:
- Cleaning all countertops, sinks, and mirrors
- Cleaning all urinals and toilets, including wiping down stalls
- Sweeping and mopping the floor; spot cleaning as needed throughout the day
- Checking and restocking toilet paper, hand towels, and soap
- Emptying trash cans (inserting new liners where applicable).
Depending on how much use the restrooms get, some of these tasks might have to be repeated multiple times per day. For example, a busy bar or restaurant bathroom may need a good cleaning every couple of hours. Meanwhile, a public restroom in a department store may be okay with just one or two cleanings per day.
The Basic Weekly Checklist
The point of daily restroom cleaning is to remove all surface dirt and grime, disinfect, and present a clean and comfortable appearance. However, weekly cleaning is more involved. At least once per week, restrooms should be deep cleaned. Here is a sample weekly checklist to facilitate deep cleaning:
- Addressing sink, urinal, and toilet stains
- Scrubbing stall partitions and walls
- Clearing and cleaning drains
- Examining grout and scrubbing were necessary
- Polishing fixtures, faucets, etc.
- Disinfecting all flat surfaces
- Cleaning toilet paper dispensers, towel dispensers, and hand dryers.
Once again, deep cleaning once per week is a basic guideline. If your restrooms get heavy use, the janitorial staff may have to deep clean several times per week. You might be okay with deep cleaning once or twice a month if your restrooms get very little use.
Regardless of the daily and weekly schedule, a checklist provides a reference point indicating all the tasks that should be completed during a typical cleaning. A checklist eliminates questions and claims of “I didn’t know it had to be done” among janitorial staff.
As always, commercial cleaning services like All Pro can keep your entire property clean – including your restrooms. Contact us to learn more about our professional cleaning services for small businesses.
