Maintaining a clean and hygienic workplace is essential for the health, safety, and efficiency of any commercial space. Whether it’s an office, hospital, hotel, or industrial site, having the right cleaning processes in place helps create a healthier environment, reduce the spread of germs, and make a positive impression on staff and visitors alike.
Different industries have unique cleaning challenges, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. The right tools and techniques are key to achieving thorough, professional cleaning results. That’s where Rubbermaid Commercial Products comes in—offering industry-leading cleaning solutions designed to enhance hygiene, efficiency and compliance.
In this guide, we'll explore best practices for commercial cleaning, including essential equipment and effective methods for various commercial properties.
With 592 active COVID-19 cases across 99 residential aged care homes (RACHs) in Australia as of 2025 February, the need for stringent infection prevention measures remains critical. Effective cleaning and hygiene protocols are essential in minimising outbreaks, protecting vulnerable residents, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
Using HYGEN™ Microfibre Cloths & Mops helps eliminate 99.9% of microbes, reducing the risk of spreading germs between different areas. Assigning specific colours for different zones (e.g., patient rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms) ensures hygiene compliance.
High-contact areas such as patient beds, door handles, light switches, and shared equipment should be cleaned regularly using hospital-grade disinfectants. This prevents the transmission of pathogens that can compromise a healthy environment.
Following standard and transmission-based precautions is essential to maintaining infection control standards. This includes regular cleaning, waste management, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Effective waste management is key to infection control. Hands-Free Waste Bins help minimise touchpoints, reducing the risk of contamination. Sealed biohazard waste containers also ensure the safe disposal of infectious materials.
Accidental spills can lead to cross-contamination. Spill Mop Kits provide a fast and efficient solution for absorbing and removing biohazard spills, maintaining a clean workspace and reducing health risks.
To effectively remove dirt and reduce the spread of harmful substances, it is crucial to use high-quality commercial cleaning equipment. The HYGEN™ Pulse Microfibre Spray Mop Kit helps prevent cross-contamination with its colour-coded system. Its microfibre technology improves cleaning efficiency, while the built-in spray function reduces water use and prevents spills.
Cleanliness has always been a critical factor for guests when choosing accommodations. Studies indicate that cleanliness is one of the most important factors for guests when choosing a hotel, often influencing reviews and return visits. In fact, 85% of guests consider cleanliness a primary factor influencing their overall experience.
The importance of keeping hotels clean really hit home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Review of Hotel Quarantine showed how crucial it is to stick to strict hygiene practices to stop the virus from spreading in hotel settings. They pointed out that any slip-ups in cleanliness could lead to contamination and outbreaks, affecting both guests and staff.
A structured cleaning checklist assists housekeeping teams in providing consistent, thorough cleaning across all guest rooms and common areas. The process should include:
Changing bed linens and towels daily.
Vacuuming and mopping floors to remove dust and allergens.
Disinfecting furniture, countertops, and bathroom surfaces to eradicate bacteria.
Using housekeeping carts helps staff remain organised, ensuring that all necessary cleaning supplies are readily available for efficiency.
Surfaces frequently touched by guests, such as remote controls, light switches, elevator buttons, and bathroom fixtures, should be cleaned and sanitised regularly. Microfibre Cleaning Cloths and mops are essential for ensuring streak-free surface cleaning while effectively removing dirt and germs.
Addressing these high-contact areas regularly enhances the hotel's overall cleanliness and significantly reduces the risk of spreading germs. This contributes to a healthier and more inviting environment for guests. Implementing a routine cleaning schedule for these surfaces reinforces the hotel's commitment to guest safety and satisfaction.
Slips and falls in hotels are a common safety concern, often leading to potential injuries and liability issues. Implementing quick-dry mopping solutions ensures that floors are thoroughly cleaned and rapidly dried, minimizing the risk of accidents for guests and staff alike.
The Executive Janitorial Cart helps the staff discreetly store and transport cleaning chemicals, enabling efficient and unobtrusive cleaning in guest-accessible areas. This proactive approach enhances safety and maintains a pristine and welcoming environment for all hotel visitors.
Hotels generate significant waste from guest rooms, kitchens, and common areas. To effectively manage this, high-capacity BRUTE® Waste Containers are essential. These containers help accommodate large volumes of waste, preventing bins from overflowing and ensuring a clean, odour-free environment.
Regular waste disposal is crucial, as it reduces the risk of attracting pests and maintains a hygienic atmosphere. Moreover, efficient waste management contributes to a positive guest experience by upholding the hotel's cleanliness standards and enhancing its reputation for quality services.
For an added level of odour control, particularly in bathrooms, the TCell Passive Air Care System offers continuous, hassle-free air freshening. Designed for hospitality, aged care, and public restrooms, it helps eliminate unpleasant odours and provides a fresher, more welcoming experience for guests.
In environments where heavy machinery, raw materials, and production processes generate dust, debris, and hazardous waste, implementing commercial cleaning best practices is essential. It ensures compliance with safety regulations while reducing risks for workers. Unclean industrial spaces can lead to equipment malfunctions, air quality issues, and workplace accidents, making a structured cleaning process essential.
In 2023, the United States reported approximately 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses. Implementing effective cleaning protocols mitigates these risks and fosters a safer working environment.
Spills in industrial settings can pose serious health and safety risks. Having a Spill Response Kit readily available allows for quick containment and removal of hazardous substances, preventing slips, contamination, and chemical exposure. Facilities should establish a comprehensive spill response plan that includes:
Identifying high-risk areas where spills are most likely to occur, ensuring that all potential hazards are addressed promptly.
Training employees on handling hazardous spills with the appropriate cleaning products and deep cleaning methods to maintain a healthy work environment.
Using proper containment equipment to control liquid and chemical leaks, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals and safeguarding employee health.
By implementing these strategies, industrial facilities can effectively manage spills and contribute to a safer and more hygienic workspace for all employees.
Manufacturing facilities generate large volumes of debris and waste, from packaging materials to scrap metal and chemical byproducts. Proper waste management is crucial to maintaining cleanliness and safety. Using BRUTE® Heavy-Duty Containers ensures that waste is securely collected and disposed of, effectively minimising the risk of workplace hazards.
Professional cleaners play an essential role in implementing efficient waste disposal practices, contributing to a clean, clutter-free environment supporting operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Regularly removing garbage and maintaining proper care of waste management systems enhances safety and upholds the facility's reputation for quality services.
Industrial cleaning requires specialised equipment, including mop buckets, utility carts, and high-powered vacuums. Proper training on the use of cleaning solutions and industrial-strength equipment is crucial to prevent injuries and ensure effective cleaning processes. Providing employees with personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when handling chemicals, heavy waste, and cleaning machinery.
The WaveBrake® Mop Bucket is designed to minimise splash contamination. X-Carts and Utility Carts are invaluable for securely transporting cleaning supplies, reducing strain, and boosting productivity.
Engaging commercial cleaning services or a professional cleaning service can further enhance the quality of industrial cleaning. These experts bring the right expertise and advanced tools to ensure thorough cleaning and compliance with safety standards. Their professional approach ultimately supports operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Poor air quality in industrial spaces can lead to respiratory issues and reduced worker productivity, as well as potential health hazards. Regular dust control measures are essential to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. Utilising microfibre cleaning cloths, HEPA filter vacuums, and air purification systems effectively removes dust and airborne particles, promoting a healthier workspace.
Also, regularly cleaning light fixtures, vents, and shared equipment helps prevent dust build-up and ensures optimal air circulation throughout the facility. Implementing these practices not only supports a clean workspace but also enhances overall employee morale and productivity.
Cleanliness in the workplace is non-negotiable—not just for appearances but for productivity and employee health. A clean office means fewer sick days, better morale, and a more professional atmosphere. Improper office hygiene is a major factor in workplace absenteeism because it spreads infections and illnesses.
Shared office equipment and high-touch surfaces, such as keyboards, phones, and door handles, can harbour harmful bacteria and viruses. Without regular cleaning and disinfection, these pathogens can easily transfer between employees, leading to increased sick days and reduced productivity.
Regular cleaning of communal spaces like kitchens, meeting rooms, and reception areas reduces germ buildup and creates a healthy workspace. Cleaning staff should follow a structured cleaning checklist that includes:
Vacuuming and mopping floors to remove dirt and allergens.
Sanitising high-touch areas like elevator buttons, door handles, and desks.
Wiping down shared equipment such as printers, telephones, and keyboards.
Offices generate significant waste, including paper, food scraps, plastic, and e-waste. Installing Slim Jim® Recycling Bins in strategic locations encourages proper waste segregation, ensuring the workplace remains clean and eco-friendly. This approach to office cleaning best practices helps maintain an office pristine by effectively managing trash cans and reducing odours and clutter.
Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to reduce workplace illnesses and maintain a germ-free environment. Placing hand hygiene stations near entrances, workstations, and communal areas encourages employees to sanitise regularly. This practice reduces the spread of germs and viruses for a healthy workspace. Utilising eco-friendly products also supports sustainability and leaves a good impression on clients and visitors who value environmental responsibility.
Key locations for hand hygiene stations:
Reception areas – As the first point of contact for visitors and staff, ensuring a germ-free zone creates a positive impression.
Break rooms & kitchens – Where food handling occurs, making it essential to minimise contamination with eco-friendly solutions.
Conference rooms – High-traffic, shared spaces benefit from regular sanitisation to maintain cleanliness and professionalism.
Disruptive cleaning processes can significantly impact focus and productivity in an office setting, leading to decreased efficiency and increased employee frustration. To avoid these issues, offices must invest in low-noise cleaning equipment such as microfibre dusting tools, spill mop kits, and quiet vacuum cleaners. These tools are designed to provide thorough cleaning without causing unnecessary disturbances to the workflow.
Moreover, these tools allow for swift clean-ups of coffee spills, dust build-up, and carpet stains, ensuring the office remains pristine and leaves a lasting positive impression on clients and visitors. Prioritising non-disruptive cleaning practices supports a more productive work environment and reflects a commitment to maintaining a professional and inviting atmosphere.
Even the best-intentioned cleaning routines can fall short if key mistakes are made. Poor cleaning practices affect hygiene and can lead to cross-contamination, compliance issues, and decreased workplace safety. Here are some common commercial cleaning mistakes and how to fix them.
One of the biggest cleaning mistakes is cross-contamination—spreading bacteria from one area to another by using the same mop or cloth in multiple spaces. The solution? Colour-coded, launderable microfibre cloths help contain bacteria by designating specific cleaning tools for different areas, such as restrooms, kitchens, and offices. This simple practice ensures a more hygienic and effective cleaning process.
Many businesses clean floors and bathrooms regularly but forget about high-touch areas like door handles, elevator buttons, light switches, and shared equipment. These surfaces are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Daily disinfection with microfibre cleaning cloths and hospital-grade disinfectants prevents the spread of germs and creates a healthier workspace.
Overflowing bins, improper segregation, and lack of high-capacity waste containers can lead to odours, pest problems, and compliance violations. Offices, hotels, and industrial facilities should use Slim Jim® Recycling Bins or BRUTE® Heavy-Duty Containers to manage waste effectively. Regular emptying and correct disposal methods keep spaces clean and environmentally responsible.
Even with the best cleaning equipment, untrained staff can struggle with efficiency. Without proper training, employees may misuse products, waste supplies, or leave behind harmful residues. Providing hands-on training and clear cleaning protocols ensures consistent, high-quality cleaning performance while extending the life of cleaning tools and equipment.
Avoid these mistakes, and your commercial space will be safer, cleaner, and more efficient.
Avoid common cleaning mistakes and maintain a safe, hygienic environment with Rubbermaid Commercial Products. From colour-coded microfibre cloths to heavy-duty waste management solutions, we provide the right tools for every space. Upgrade your cleaning routine today—explore our range and keep your business spotless. Shop now!
