Maintaining a clean and organised business environment is essential both for creating a positive impression on customers and for fostering a productive workplace. While professional cleaning services play a vital role in this, business owners and building managers can also take proactive steps to keep their establishments clean during the lull in between services.

In this article, we will explore DIY maintenance tips that business owners can implement to ensure cleanliness and hygiene when the hustle and bustle of daily operations subside.

Create an Off-Peak Cleaning Schedule

Establishing a cleaning schedule is crucial for the systematic tackling of tasks. During off-peak hours, allocate specific time slots for various cleaning activities. This could include easy-to-do daily tasks like emptying trash bins, wiping down surfaces, and tidying common areas.

One of the biggest benefits of doing all of these small but important tasks is that it reduces the time needed to accomplish bigger cleaning duties at the end of the day. Ultimately, this results in improved cleanliness and faster processes.

Set Up a Quick Cleaning Station

It’s important to be able to address small spills and messes promptly, especially in business establishments like restaurants or cafes. To make things easier for your cleaning crew, set up a cleaning station with basic cleaning supplies like all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant, and a few cleaning rags.

Having these supplies readily available empowers employees to maintain a clean environment and simplifies clean ups during .

Make Your Own Air Fresheners

Off-peak hours provide an excellent opportunity to refresh the air within the business space. Create DIY air fresheners using natural ingredients like citrus peels, herbs, or essential oils. Strategically place or spray these natural air fresheners in common areas to ensure a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.

Do note that finding the right balance is very important when it comes to air fresheners. Using too much air freshener can overwhelm the nose and may even cause irritation, which you definitely don’t want your customers to experience. You also want the fragrance to serve as a complement to your business’s cleanliness, and not something that simply masks unpleasant odours resulting from a dirty, grimy space.

Use Natural Odour Absorbers

Speaking of freshening the air, it’s also a good idea to place natural odour absorbers in areas that may need extra attention. Some options include baking soda or activated charcoal; simply put them in tubs or other decorative containers, and then place them in spaces that usually generate unpleasant smells.

In between busy hours, replace the contents of the odour absorbers when necessary. Depending on the amount you used and the size of the space, odour absorbers should be replaced every 2 to 3 months.

Schedule Bigger Cleaning Tasks During Breaks

Off-peak hours are ideal for tackling cleaning tasks that may be disruptive during regular business operations, such as cleaning the restroom, cleaning the windows, or wet-mopping the floors. Schedule such tasks during a lull in the service hours to minimise disruptions.

When conducting these tasks, make sure to use appropriate notices and warning signs to guide your customers or guests. Also, make sure that the staff is informed what cleaning tasks are currently being done so that they can adjust their other responsibilities accordingly.

Disinfectant Surfaces With DIY Sprays

For businesses like restaurants, banks, and retail stores, the time in between services is the perfect opportunity to disinfect surfaces. You can use disinfectants like alcohol, or make your own using a mixture of water and either vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.

Focus on commonly touched surfaces like tables and countertops, doorknobs, light switches, and shared equipment to help maintain a healthy and germ-free environment.

Prepare Stain Removal Kits

During peak business hours, spills are practically inevitable. This is particularly true for food-based establishments, but spills are also entirely possible in other environments. To prevent these messes, prepare stain removal kits with basic supplies like spot cleaners, microfiber cloths, and absorbent materials.

Of course, it’s a must to let your employees know about the availability of these tools so they can address stains promptly.

Conduct Employee Training Sessions

You can use off-peak hours to conduct brief training sessions on proper cleaning techniques and the importance of maintaining a clean workplace. Educate employees on the DIY cleaning supplies available, emphasising their role in keeping the business environment clean and welcoming.

It’s also important to split cleaning tasks between team members to ensure that everything gets covered during in-between cleaning sessions.

Keeping Things Clean

Maintaining a clean business environment in between services or during breaks is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a major factor for a healthy and productive workspace. By implementing these DIY tips, business owners can empower their employees to take an active role in cleanliness, ensuring that the establishment remains welcoming and professional at all times. Consistency in these efforts will not only leave a lasting positive impression on customers but will also boost employee morale and satisfaction.