Every detail of your store reveals something to your customers. From the merchandise displays to the lighting to the decor, everything should come together to create an atmosphere that fits the store’s brand and invites shoppers in. But none of that really matters if your store isn’t clean!
No matter what your store sells, the foundation of your store’s positive image is cleanliness. If your store doesn’t undergo a daily cleaning routine, it’s time to consider implementing one. Not only will guests start to notice the grime, but you’re also inviting germs and odors to your space. The last thing you want to get is a health code violation.
If you struggle to keep your store clean, using a comprehensive and detailed retail store cleaning checklist will get you on track.
Does your store cleaning checklist work for you?
Maybe you already have a retail store cleaning checklist. But are staff members following it? Does it make sense for your store? Does it cover every area and include every task? Ultimately, does it help you quickly and efficiently clean your store every day? If the answer is no, it’s time to revamp your store cleaning checklist or create a new one from scratch.
Making a new store cleaning checklist
A good checklist should be organized. Store cleaning checklists work best when divided into areas. Generally, these seven areas apply to every store:
- Entrances and exits
- Checkouts/service counters
- Store area
- Restrooms
- Stairways
- Backhouse/store rooms
- Back office
- Breakroom
As you create your cleaning checklist, you can start with these areas and add any others that exist in your store. This should ensure that all parts of the store are covered when you begin listing individual tasks. It also helps you divide up the cleaning duties among staff by assigning them duties according to area.
Different kinds of stores might require different kinds of tasks. For instance, the type of cleaning required in a grocery store will differ from pet store cleaning and auto dealership cleaning. Your store cleaning checklist should reflect the kinds of messes, trash, and soil your store creates and attracts.
Stores have different types of features, as well. Think VCT tile vs concrete or large storefront windows vs. small or no windows. These differences will also affect the cleaning tasks you put on your checklist.
Inspiration for your retail store cleaning checklist
As you rework the cleaning checklist for your store, there are many examples to look at online. You can use any of these as the foundation for your store’s checklist and add missing items or remove irrelevant tasks to make a tailor-made checklist for your store.
We’ve created a great retail store cleaning checklist to help you start your own.
Entrances and exits
- Clean door and window glass (exterior and interior)
- Clean/disinfect door handles
- Clean signage around the doorway
- Empty exterior trash cans
- Clean exterior planters, benches, trash cans, etc.
- Pick up litter
- Remove cobwebs from the entryway
- Vacuum or sweep entryway and doormats
Store area
- Dust and clean shelves
- Dust and clean furniture, fixtures, and decor
- Clean displays and cabinets
- Clean all glass surfaces, partitions, and mirrors
- Organize merchandise
- Pick up and put away misplaced merchandise
- Clean spots on carpets, furniture, and walls
- Pick up trash
- Vacuum soft furniture
- Vacuum carpets
- Sweep and mop hard floors
- Empty trash cans
Checkout/Service Area
- Dust, clean, and wipe down checkout stands
- Clean any glass surfaces
- Clean display area
- Organize merchandise
- Empty trash
Restrooms
- Empty trash
- Replenish soap, hand towel dispensers and toilet paper
- Clean all sink surfaces, fixtures, and unclog drains
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
- Wipe down backsplash
- Clean and disinfect all toilet and urinal surfaces
- Clean and disinfect baby changing stations
- Wipe down cabinets and closets
- Sanitize doors and door knobs
- Sweep and mop floor
Stairways
- Pick up trash
- Dust and polish ledges, railings, banisters, and fixtures
- Clean any glass surfaces
- Sweep and mop or vacuum stairs and landings
Backhouse/store rooms
- Pick up trash
- Empty trash
- Dust shelves, furniture, and fixtures
- Clean any windows
- Sanitize door handles
- Clean air vents
- Sweep and mop floors
Back office
- Empty trash bins
- Clean glass surfaces, including windows and window sills
- Dust, wipe, and polish desks, chairs, tables, and counters
- Sanitize telephones, light switches and lamps, door handles, and other frequently touched items
- Declutter and organize tables and desks
- Mop hard floor surfaces
- Vacuum carpets and soft furniture
Breakroom
- Pick up trash
- Throw out old refrigerator food
- Empty trash cans
- Unload dishwasher and put away clean dishes
- Load dishwasher with any dirty dishes and start a cycle
- Clear countertops and sinks and sanitize
- Wipe down outside of cupboards, drawers, and refrigerators
- Clean outsides and insides of microwaves
- Wipe and sanitize doors and door handles
- Vacuum or sweep and mop floors
When a store cleaning checklist isn’t enough
A checklist can only tell you what to do— it can’t do the cleaning for you. Most stores can handle the daily cleaning tasks with the staff they have on hand, but some stores might be too big or suffer from too much grime for employees to do it alone.
Even if the daily tasks are manageable, you’ll periodically need the kind of deep cleaning only professionals can do. Paying for retail store cleaning services will give your store a great foundation of cleanliness that your staff can build on with the daily tasks from your store cleaning checklist.
When it’s time to get some help cleaning your store, you want experts who have the knowledge and experience to tackle any retail cleaning job. You want All Building Cleaning Corp. We believe in giving our customers high-quality, fast cleaning services that will make your store look great and let you focus less on dirt and more on your customers and sales.
If it’s time to invest in retail store cleaning services, give us a call and we’d be happy to give you more information and a free quote.
