Keeping warehouse floors clean during autumn and winter can be challenging due to wet, muddy, and slushy conditions brought in by foot traffic, vehicles, and equipment. Here’s how to maintain clean floors during these seasons:
1. Prevention & Preparation
- Install heavy-duty entrance mats:
- Place industrial-grade mats at all entrances and high-traffic areas to capture dirt, water, and debris before it enters the warehouse. Use scraper mats outside the doors and absorbent mats inside.
- Add boot scrapers at entrances:
- Install boot scrapers or brushes so workers can clean off snow, mud, or debris from their shoes before entering the warehouse.
- Set up cleaning stations:
- Provide easy-to-access cleaning supplies like brooms, mops, or floor dusters in various sections to encourage quick cleanups by staff.
2. Regular Sweeping and Mopping
- Frequent sweeping:
- During autumn and winter, leaves, mud, and snow can accumulate quickly. Use push brooms or industrial sweepers daily to remove loose debris.
- Wet mopping or scrubbing:
- If the floor becomes wet from snow or rain, it’s important to mop regularly to prevent slip hazards. For large spaces, use a floor scrubber with appropriate brushes or pads.
- Spot cleaning:
- Clean specific areas with heavy traffic or mud accumulation immediately, rather than waiting for full cleanings.
3. Moisture Control
- Use dehumidifiers:
- In cold, damp weather, humidity levels rise. Placing dehumidifiers strategically around the warehouse helps reduce moisture buildup that can make floors slippery or allow mold growth.
- Squeegee floors:
- If water or snow has been tracked into the warehouse, use squeegees to quickly remove puddles and water from the floors.
4. Daily Maintenance Routine
- Sweep and mop at the end of each shift:
- Create a schedule where employees sweep or vacuum debris and mop any wet areas after each shift, keeping floors clean throughout the day.
- Inspect high-traffic areas:
- Regularly inspect entryways, loading docks, and forklift paths to spot dirt or moisture build-up and clean as needed.
5. Focus on High-Traffic Areas
- Loading docks and delivery areas:
- Pay special attention to these areas, as vehicles and pallets can track in mud, snow, and salt. Place additional mats or absorbent material in these zones to minimize the impact.
- Employee break areas and restrooms:
- These areas often experience heavy foot traffic in bad weather. Ensure they are cleaned frequently to prevent the spread of dirt.
6. Use Specialised Cleaning Equipment
- Floor scrubbers with vacuum functionality:
- For large warehouse spaces, invest in a floor scrubber with vacuum functionality that can clean up water and dirt in one go, making it efficient to manage wet floors.
- High-pressure washers:
- For loading docks or areas where vehicles bring in significant mud or grime, use high-pressure washers to remove dirt effectively.
7. Protect Against Salt and Deicers
- Salt can cause damage:
- During winter, salt and deicers used outside can be tracked in, leaving behind residue that damages floors. Use neutral floor cleaners to remove these residues regularly.
- Choose a proper cleaner:
- Some floor cleaners are specifically designed to break down salt without causing damage to the floor’s finish. Use them regularly to prevent long-term damage.
8. Safety Measures
- Signage for wet floors:
- Always place “Wet Floor” signs in areas prone to moisture to remind employees to walk carefully.
- Use non-slip treatments:
- Consider applying a non-slip treatment to high-risk areas where water and mud might accumulate to reduce accidents.
9. Encourage Employee Participation
- Training on cleanliness:
- Educate employees about the importance of cleaning during bad weather and encourage them to take proactive steps in maintaining cleanliness.
- Assign responsibilities:
- Designate specific employees or teams to monitor floor cleanliness in particular sections of the warehouse.
By implementing these practices, your warehouse floors will remain cleaner and safer, reducing the risk of accidents and maintaining a more efficient work environment during the challenging autumn and winter months.
Contact Us
Columbus UK based in Darlington, County Durham is your total solution for all types of indoor and outdoor cleaning equipment. We supply high quality industrial cleaning machines to all industries and commercial businesses in mainland Britain, including Newcastle Upon Tyne, Teesside, Durham, North Yorkshire and Wearside.
Our friendly dedicated team are available to help you with purchasing advice to ensure that you have the correct machine for your industrial floor at an affordable and cost effective price. Columbus offers premium services while ensuring affordability for all Industries. We cover all areas from Scotland, North East of England, West Midlands down to London.
We also offer mobile service & repair support to all locations.
Email: info@columbusuk.co.uk
Tel: 01325 371 439
Web: www.columbusuk.co.uk