Janitor’s carts are often referred to as the janitor’s rolling office. In most cases, they are the only real workspace they have. If well-designed and well-stocked, they can carry just about every tool a cleaning worker usually needs to perform their job.
However, if you are a cleaning worker or a hotel or hospital housekeeper, there is one more thing we need to know about janitor’s carts. They are a reflection of you.
How can we expect our customers to have confidence in our cleaning ability if our own janitor’s cart – remember, this is your office – is dirty, dusty, and disorganized. Clean and organized, they tell building users we are well-trained professionals. Not in such top-notch condition, they can say just the opposite.
However, beyond being a reflection of the cleaning worker, the most crucial role of a well-designed janitor’s cart is that it helps improve worker productivity. Cleaning workers don’t always know what they may run into during their work. What if cleaning a restroom and the cleaning worker discovers that a light fixture has been removed, leaving dust and debris on counters, ledges, as well as the floor.
Their regular restroom cleaning tools are not designed to handle this type of cleaning so they must return to the janitors closet and collect new tools. This hampers worker productivity. However, a well-designed janitor’s cart will include an array of tools and products to address both the expected and unexpected when it comes to cleaning.
We’ve been referring to “well-designed” janitor’s carts a few times now. How about we discuss what makes a well-designed janitor’s cart? Here’s what you need to look for:
Quiet: Look for carts with rubber wheels because they are quieter and more durable.
Textured, rounded front end: If carrying a mop bucket, the front of the cart should be rounded.
Zippered vinyl refuse bag: This is something relatively new. A zippered refuse bag hides trash, and it allows the worker to remove the trash from the side, rather than lift it up and over the cart, reducing physical stress.
Moisture block: Look for a cart that clearly separates wet and dry areas of the cart. This protects cleaning chemicals and electrical items, such as vacuum cleaners.
Designated space for a vacuum cleaner: Many carts do not have provisions for carrying an upright vacuum cleaner. Because vacuum cleaners are the second most important tool a cleaning worker will need, select a cart that can securely hold a vacuum cleaner.
Handles away from trash: Make sure the handles are as far away from the collected trash as possible. It’s more sanitary.
Aesthetically pleasing: For some manufacturers, yellow, the traditional color used for janitorial carts, is slowly disappearing. The change is part of the goal to make janitorial carts more aesthetically pleasing. Darker colors, specifically a deep blue, appear to be the color of choice for today’s nifty cleaning worker. Aesthetically pleasing janitorial carts are morale boosters and make the cleaning worker feel more professional.
Ergonomic: Ergonomically designed janitorial carts are light-weight, compact, and easier to maneuver. In turn, they reduce physical stress and prevent work-related strain and injuries. Compact carts not only make it easier on the worker but protect walls and doors. For more information on janitor’s carts and other utility products, contact an Impact Products Specialist.