Cleaning in retail

Customers' expectations of cleanliness and hygiene have risen. When a space is well cared for, people not only enjoy spending time there, but they also feel safe and reassured. The overall condition of a shop, whether selling food, clothing or consumer electronics, is as integral to a customer's impression as the products on display. To ensure that cleanliness meets the high standard expected, optimum cleaning processes and methods must be defined for the building. When work is carried out efficiently and the spread of dirt is prevented, a high standard of cleanliness can still be achieved in the face of budgetary pressures and skilled labour shortages.

Feel-good atmosphere and peace of mind for customers

A person cleaning the floor with a Kärcher electric broom

A person cleaning the outdoor area with a manual sweeper

Establishing priorities, weighing up risks

If a cleaning concept is to be developed for a shop, the first step is to analyse the physical circumstances. Where might there be high-risk areas that require more frequent cleaning or even disinfection, and where are low-risk areas that can be cleaned less frequently? The first category includes groups of rooms such as toilet facilities or counters where food is processed or sold, while the second category includes administrative rooms, warehouses or car parks, for instance. Of course, cleanliness must be ensured everywhere, but this risk assessment helps to establish priorities and organise processes logically.

Good equipment boosts motivation

In smaller independent shops, as well as in some chains, the cleaning work in the shop is often carried out by the shop's own staff. This makes it all the more important that cleaning sequences are explained clearly and that equipment is provided that makes working straightforward and ergonomic. For example, pretreated mop covers are much easier to handle when cleaning fitting room floors than dealing with a heavy bucket filled with water. Ultra-lightweight backpack vacuums with rechargeable batteries make removing loose dirt child's play, and compact, push scrubber dryers clean entrance areas quickly and thoroughly. Investing in the right equipment pays off very quickly, as employees have to invest significantly less time in reaching the desired result.

A person operating a scrubber dryer in a clothing store

Efficient floor cleaning with walk-behind scrubber dryers

Daytime or evening? Why not both!

Cleaning work is often carried out in the evening, whereby it is deemed a necessary evil and may be less thorough. It makes sense to do certain jobs during the day as well, for example cleaning the dust control mats at the entrance several times a day, in order to reduce the amount of dirt that gets in. Surfaces at food counters need to be cleaned several times each day, and wet spills should be cleaned up immediately to prevent stains from setting in. Overall, cleaning during the day tends to make a positive impression on customers, ensures the safety of pathways and dramatically reduces the time needed for cleaning after closing time in the evening.

For large areas: robots or ride-on machines

Even retail shops are benefiting from developments in robotics, as high-performance solutions are available that can safely navigate through crowds. Whether for a DIY store or a shopping centre, investing in scrubber dryer robots, robotic vacuum cleaners or carpet cleaning robots is worthwhile to relieve the pressure on staff and guarantee cleanliness. Alternatively, there are ride-on machines that offer a high area performance and make work easier.