Author:
Jackie Holbrook
A fresh, clean and organized business improves employee attitudes and creates a welcoming atmosphere for customers. The cleaner your shop, the more likely customers are to make a purchase. Spring cleaning is a tradition rooted in new beginnings. That’s why spring is the perfect time to conduct what’s considered a “deep clean.”
A yearly deep cleaning tackles all the nooks, crannies and problems you’ve put off for months, or more. This is also a great time to take a deeper look at other areas of your business that need some organization. Meet with staff and review what’s working and areas that could use some improvement.
Follow these checklists to get the most out of your annual deep clean.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
You schedule employee shifts, paydays and even social media posts. Schedules ensure that things happen on time and get done without procrastination. A cleaning schedule keeps these important tasks on track. Daily and weekly cleaning schedules hold your shop accountable. Post the schedules somewhere that’s visible. Some businesses even have a whiteboard or laminated checklist that allows people to check off what’s done and initial which tasks they’ve accomplished. Don’t be afraid to have these checklists in areas that are visible to customers. People appreciate the fact that you’re keeping your shop clean.
Make sure popular areas, like bow displays, are organized daily. Photo Credit: ATA
Daily Cleaning Schedule
— Wipe down counter surfaces.
— Remove clutter from the checkout and display counters.
— Disinfect the bathroom and remove garbage.
— Check paper towels, toilet paper and bathroom soap.
— Vacuum/sweep the entrance inside and out.
— Clean floors in high-traffic areas.
— Take out the garbage and replace liners.
— Organize bow displays.
— Organize arrow displays.
— Organize target displays.
— Organize clothing displays.
— Refill shelves.
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
— Deep clean the bathroom (basins, toilets, doors, floors and fixtures).
— Update and organize your bulletin boards and class schedules.
— Tidy up and refill any displays for flyers and brochures.
— Vacuum/sweep all floors.
— Dust all displays and shelves.
— Dust all fans, vents and lighting covers.
— Organize back stock areas
— Clean and sanitize all glass surfaces, including window displays.
— Wipe down or vacuum furniture.
— Clean microwaves/refrigerator.
Make sure the area behind the counter is clean as well. Photo Credit: ATA
What to Include in the Deep Clean
Deep cleaning goes further than the basics. It’s the type of tidying that takes care of areas you never think to address unless you’re focused on tackling everything. This type of comprehensive clean can make things look worse before they get better. Think about pulling everything off the shelf to get into those areas that are hardly ever cleaned. Sometimes it’s necessary to do a deep clean on a day when business is closed or after hours. But by making it an annual ritual, you ensure that everything remains in working order and you avoid grimy buildup over time that can create more work in the future.
Deep Cleaning Tasks
— Dust taxidermy.
— Check batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
— Clean rugs.
— Repaint parking-lot stripes.
— Clean 3D targets.
— Wipe down walls.
— Check light fixtures.
— Clean out and wipe down the fridge.
— Fix anything broken.
Take a Deeper Look at Your Business
Spring cleaning is also a great time to take a deeper look at other areas of your business that could use some organization.
— Host a staffwide meeting/retreat and consider addressing the following:
- best practices for customer service;
- and an update on annual goal-setting and progress.
— Hold staff reviews.
— Review social media analytics and adjust the plan accordingly.
— Review the marketing plan and make adjustments where necessary.
— Review budget.
— Look at the scheduling of lessons, leagues and events.
Organization at all levels improves efficiency. If you keep up with cleaning, there’s less to do in the long run.
