Retail cleaning can be a daunting task. Customers expect a well organized, clean, safe retail environment. It’s important to have a retail store cleaning checklist to help you stay organized and ensure that all of the areas of the store are clean.
When it comes to retail store cleaning, there are a few key areas that need to be cleaned on a regular basis. These areas include the
- shopping area
- entrances/exits, and
- the restrooms.
It is also important to have the appropriate cleaning products on hand at all times.
Entrance and Exit Cleaning
When cleaning a retail store, it is important to start with the areas that are most visible to customers. These areas may include the front of the store, entrances, and windows. The entrances/exits should also be kept free of dust and dirt at all times, as dirty windows can deter customers from coming in.
Retail store cleaning checklist for entrance and exit areas:
- 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
- Detailed floor cleaning
- Vacuum or sweep entryway and doormats
Shopping Area Cleaning
The shopping area should be cleaned every day, as customers will track in dirt and debris from their visits. It is important to remove any litter or abandoned items from this area before the customer arrives so that they have an enjoyable experience when they do enter.
Cleaning checklist for shopping areas:
- 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 Area Cleaning
Retail checkout areas are often very cluttered and dirty. They need to be cleaned regularly to ensure a pleasant shopping experience for customers.
Cleaning checklist for checkout areas:
- Dust, clean, and wipe down checkout stands
- Clean any glass surfaces
- Clean display area
- Organize merchandise
- Empty trash
Restroom Cleaning
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important to avoid the spread of bacteria and illness along with making sure your retail store patrons feel as safe as possible so they continue shopping at your store.
The restrooms should be cleaned every day, as they are often used by a large number of people in a short amount of time. Make sure to remove any debris or stains, and to clean the mirrors and stalls. This will help keep the store looking fresh and clean.
Retail store cleaning checklist for 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
Stairway Cleaning
Retail stores are often crowded with people and items, which makes it difficult to keep the store clean. Stairs can be a particular challenge, as they often become cluttered with merchandise, boxes, and other objects.
Retail store cleaning checklist for stairways:
- Pick up trash
- Dust and polish ledges, railings, banisters, and fixtures
- Clean any glass surfaces
- Sweep and mop or vacuum stairs and landings
Backroom and Storage Area Cleaning
Retail store backroom and storage area cleaning is important to maintain a clean and organized work environment. To clean the backroom, staff needs to sweep, mop, and vacuum. To clean the storage area, staff needs to sweep, dust, and vacuum.
Retail store cleaning checklist for backroom and storage areas:
- 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 Cleaning
Retail stores are often crowded with people and products, which can make the back office a messy and cluttered place. A checklist of items to be cleaned should be created and followed regularly to ensure the back office is kept in order. Regularly cleaning the back office can help reduce chaos and make it easier for the staff to find what they are looking for.
Retail store cleaning checklist for the 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 Cleaning
The Breakroom is often busy and can become messy quickly. A good cleaning routine for a break room should include: vacuuming, wiping down surfaces with a cloth or mop, and dusting. Items that should be stored in a cabinet or on a shelf should also be dusted and organized.
Retail store cleaning checklist for the breakroom:
- Pick up trash
- Throw out old refrigerator food
- Empty trash cans
- Unload dishwasher and put away clean dishes
- Load the 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
Conclusion
In order to give your shoppers the best customer experience, keeping your retail store clean, organized and dust free is important. It should be done at a professional cleaning level. If you are unable to do this with your staff, consider outsourcing to a professional cleaning company that provides the consistent high quality commercial cleaning services that your retail store relies on. Make sure to rotate these tasks so that they are all done periodically in order to keep the store looking its best.
