How to organise your cleaner’s cupboard: requirements every business should know.

Nearly everyone loved the 90’s sitcom Friends. In fact, many of us (of a certain age), can conduct entire conversations, purely in Friends references. Do you remember when Joey admitted to using Chandler’s toothbrush? Or even more horrifyingly, when he licked a spoon and then put it back in the drawer? I KNOW! 

There is a reason these scenes were so funny, all of us recognised (even pre Covid) why some practices were just awful to even think about when it comes to germs. It could have been worse though, Joey could have stored his toothbrush (or even Chandler’s), next to the toilet brush in the cleaners cupboard! 

At Cleaning Technique, we understand that an organised cleaner’s cupboard is about more than just policies and procedures—it’s a key part of maintaining hygiene, health, and safety in any business environment. Having worked with businesses across various sectors, we know that the cleanliness of your workspace starts with the cupboard that stores your cleaning materials. But it’s not just about tidiness—it’s about making sure the right tools are used for the right tasks, and that starts with a system.

One (of many) critical cleaners’ cupboard requirements, is implementing a robust colour-coded system. This system not only ensures efficiency but also helps to prevent the spread of germs and cross-contamination, which is vital for keeping both your staff and customers healthy.

Why Colour Coding is Essential

Colour coding in cleaning refers to the practice of assigning specific colours to different cleaning tools, such as cloths, mops, and buckets, based on where they will be used. This simple yet effective practice is especially important in environments where hygiene is paramount, such as healthcare settings, schools, and food preparation areas. At Cleaning Technique, we use a colour-coding system across all our contracts, whether it’s a clinical setting or a commercial office. We believe that the risk of cross-contamination is not something to be taken lightly and it forms a key part of our Health and Safety platform

For example, we ensure that different colours are used for different areas. Blue might be designated for general, low-risk areas like office desks, while red is reserved for high-risk areas such as toilets or washrooms. By assigning specific tools to specific tasks, we avoid the risk of germs being spread from one area to another.

If your current cleaning company doesn’t use colour coding, it should raise an immediate red flag. Without this system, your business could be unknowingly contributing to the spread of bacteria, increasing the risk of illness among staff and customers. If you’re noticing frequent sickness or hygiene issues in your workspace, it might be time to consider switching to a company like ours, which places health and safety at the core of everything we do. You want to put Monica in charge of your cleaners’ cupboard requirements…not Joey! 

How to Set Up Your Colour-Coded Cleaning Cupboard

To implement a proper system, the first thing you need is an organised cupboard. Here’s how we do it at Cleaning Technique:

Designate Areas for Different Equipment

We start by clearing out the cupboard and creating designated spaces for everything. From the moment we begin a new contract, we ensure that every cupboard is clean, free from unnecessary clutter, and organised logically. Every item has a place, so it’s easy for our staff to find exactly what they need, right when they need it.

Clear Labelling

Colour-coded tools need to be clearly labelled and separated within the cupboard. We make use of available wall space to display colour-coding charts, checklists, and cleaning schedules. These visual reminders reinforce the importance of using the correct tool in the correct area, even when staff are under pressure (think 11 categories of towels). It’s a simple measure, but it keeps our cleaning practices consistent across the board.

Training and Reinforcement

It’s one thing to implement a colour-coding system; it’s another to ensure that all staff use it consistently. That’s why, at Cleaning Technique, we ensure that all operatives are fully trained in the system and understand the implications of not following it. Regular audits and retraining sessions are part of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Monitor Stock Levels

An organised cleaning cupboard also ensures that cleaning materials are always fully stocked and ready for use. By maintaining proper stock levels, we minimise disruption and ensure that staff don’t run out of supplies midway through a task. This also helps to ensure that every cleaning job is completed to the same high standard.

The Consequences of Poor Organisation

A disorganised cupboard or the absence of a colour-coding system can lead to serious consequences. Without a clear system, there’s a greater chance of cross-contamination, where bacteria from high-risk areas, like washrooms, are spread to lower-risk areas, like office kitchens or workspaces. This not only compromises the cleanliness of your environment but can also lead to increased illness among your staff, ultimately affecting your business’s productivity.

Research has shown that disorganisation in the workplace leads to reduced efficiency and a higher risk of mistakes. In a study on workplace organisation, businesses that implemented structured systems, like the one we use at Cleaning Technique, saw improvements in both productivity and employee wellbeing.

Why It might be time to PIVOT!

If your current cleaning provider doesn’t have an organised system in place—especially one that follows a colour-coding scheme—it’s time to rethink your cleaning strategy. A company that overlooks these essential practices is compromising the health and safety of your business. At Cleaning Technique, we pride ourselves on doing things differently. We don’t just clean—we protect your workspace from contamination risks, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

When you work with us, you’re not just hiring cleaners—you’re partnering with a company that prioritises health, safety, and efficiency. So, the next time you check your cleaner’s cupboard, ask yourself: is it organised? Is it safe? Does it follow a system designed to protect your staff and clients? If not, give us a call. We’ll take care of it—professionally, thoroughly, and with care. Not only that, but our bespoke, personalised service means that every cleaning schedule is tailored to the specific needs of your business. This means you’ll never pay for anything you don’t need and we will always be there to adapt to your changing circumstances and requirements. Get in touch today for a free, in-person quotation and partner with a commercial cleaning team that puts your business first!