Blog - Floorcare

Ultimate List Of Janitorial Supplies To Make The Job Easier

Written by Jay Goldberg | May 10, 2022 11:00:00 AM

Keeping your building clean and smelling fresh is no easy task. It’s a challenge that many business owners and managers are not prepared to handle on their own. Luckily, janitorial supplies can help make the job easier.

The janitorial supplies you choose can make a big difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your cleaning staff. Here is the ultimate cleaning supplies checklist to help make the job easier.

With the right janitorial supplies, you can keep your building clean and sanitary in no time. You’ll find everything you need to keep your building organized, from disinfectants and cleaners to mops and brooms. Read on for the ultimate list of janitorial supplies to make the job easier.

What Is A Janitorial Supply?

A janitorial supply is a type of supply designed to help you keep your office clean. They include cleaning cloths, mops, brooms, brooming brushes, vacuum cleaners, and more.

They’re designed to help you clean your office, but they’re also designed to be affordable. You can find janitorial supplies for sale at most large retailers. For example, you can find janitorial supply items at The Home Depot and online at Amazon.

Why Do Businesses Need Janitorial Supplies?

Businesses need janitorial supplies because they need to keep their office clean. A clean office is a productive office, and it’s also a sign of professionalism. If you want your business to be taken seriously, you need a clean office.

Differences Between Janitorial Supplies And Office Supplies

Because janitorial supplies are designed to help you clean your office, they’re different from office supplies. Office supplies include paper, ink, and toner, whereas janitorial supplies include cleaning cloths, brooms, mops, vacuums, and more.

Some people mistakenly think that janitorial supplies are the same as office supplies. However, janitorial supplies are specifically designed to help with cleaning; office supplies are designed to help with office work, including writing, researching, or meeting with clients or business associates.

That’s why it’s essential to know the difference between janitorial supplies and office supplies. Knowing the difference will help you better understand what each type of supply is designed to do and which ones are best suited for your needs as a business owner.

Types Of Janitorial Supplies

There are many different types of janitorial supplies on the market. Knowing their differences can help you make more intelligent purchases, saving you time and money in the long run.

This section will go over the most common types of janitorial supplies and their differences.

Cleaning Cloths 

Cleaning cloths are an essential item in a janitorial supply box. They’re made of paper or cloth and help you clean different surfaces, like tabletops, floors, windows, walls, etc.

Brooms 

Brooms are designed to help you sweep floors and dust walls and furniture. Depending on the broom you buy, you can sweep floors, dust walls, or both.

Mops 

Mops are designed to help you clean floors. They’re usually made of hard plastic, rubber, or cloth (depending on the type of mop you buy).

Vacuums 

Vacuums are designed to help you clean carpets, hard floors, and upholstery. They can clean carpets and hard floors, but not upholstery.

Tips For Buying Janitorial Supplies

Now that you know what to look for when buying janitorial supplies, here are some tips to help you choose the right items.

Make A List

Before you head to the store or shop online, make a list of everything you need. This will help you know what you should look for when shopping.

Keep It Simple

Don’t buy more than you need. When it comes to janitorial supplies, less is usually more. You probably don’t need a huge mop or vacuum if you have a small office. Conversely, you might need multiple mops or vacuums if you have a large office.

Shop Online

Instead of driving to the store, look online and shop at a store that sells janitorial supplies like Amazon. This can save you time and money.

Look For Deals

When shopping online, look for deals and coupons. You can find deals on janitorial supplies by visiting websites like Amazon.com or HomeDepot.com.

Know The Difference

We mentioned this above, but it’s worth mentioning again. Knowing the difference between janitorial supplies and office supplies will help you choose the best items for your needs.

Know The Different Types

Knowing the different types of janitorial supplies and how each one is used will help you minimize your expenses because you won’t have to buy items that aren’t necessary.

Shop Around

If you’re new to buying janitorial supplies and want to learn more, it’s good to shop around. You can see what different stores charge for the same items.

Which Shops For Janitorial Supplies Are The Best?

While there are many different types of janitorial supplies on the market, there are only a handful of shops that you should consider. In this section, we’ll go over the best brands so that you can see what they have to offer and choose the ones that suit your needs as a professional cleaning business.

Amazon

Amazon is one of the best places to shop for janitorial supplies. They offer a variety of products, including janitorial supplies and other types of supplies like cleaning tools and more.

Home Depot

Another great place to shop for janitorial supplies is at Home Depot, an affiliate of Amazon. Home Depot is one of the largest stores in the world, so you can be sure to find whatever you need there.

Target

Target is another great place to shop for janitorial supplies. They have stores all over the country, so you can go to the closest one to your location.

Walgreens

Walgreens is another great place to shop for janitorial supplies. They have many locations in major cities, so you won’t have to travel far to find one nearby.

Walmart

Walmart is another great place to shop for janitorial supplies. They have lots of locations in major cities, making it easy for you to find one nearby.

Things You Should Never Buy For Your Office Cleaning Supply Purchases

Now that you know what to look for when buying office cleaning supplies, it’s worth mentioning some things you should never buy for your office cleaning supply purchases.

For example, you shouldn’t buy the cheapest items on the market. Instead, you should research prices and make sure you’re getting the best quality for your money.

That said, you shouldn’t spend a fortune when it comes to purchasing janitorial supplies either. The items you need are designed to help you clean your office without breaking the bank.

So, there’s no need to spend a ton of money on items like cleaning cloths or brooms. Instead, shop around and see what cheaper options are available.

Here are a few items you should never buy for your office cleaning needs:

  • All-purpose cleaners - All-purpose cleaners can be used on multiple surfaces, but they’re not as effective as specialized cleaners.
  • Glass cleaner - Glass cleaner is designed for windows and mirrors, but it’s not effective on other surfaces.
  • Carpet cleaner - Carpet cleaner is designed for carpets and upholstery, but it’s not effective on hard floors.
  • Furniture polish - Furniture polish is designed for wood furniture, but it’s not effective on other surfaces.
  • Window cleaner - Window cleaner is designed for windows and mirrors, but it’s not effective on other surfaces.
  • Multi-surface cleaner - Multi-surface cleaner is designed for multiple surfaces, but it’s not as effective as specialized cleaners.

When it comes to office cleaning, you should always use the right product. You can ensure that your office is clean and that your surfaces are protected.

The Ultimate Cleaning Supplies Checklist

Mops And Brooms

A good quality mop is essential for any janitorial closet. Look for mops with durable heads that can stand up to heavy use.

If you have a high-volume building, a mop is a must. The best mops have a sponge or pad on one end to lift wet dirt or stains from floors. Most mops also have a hose to wash the mop after use.

For cleaning large areas, use brooms. Brooms are best for floors or walls, as they don’t require the same level of care as a mop. For example, you don’t have to wash a broom like a mop after use.

Buckets

A good quality bucket is essential for carrying cleaning supplies and solutions. Look for buckets with solid handles and sturdy bottoms.

Tossing dirty cleaning supplies or trash bags into buckets can soak up any extra liquid spilling from the applicators and hold it until thrown out.

Vacuums

A good quality vacuum is essential for any janitorial closet. Look for vacuums with powerful suction and durable bags or filters.

Cleaning high-traffic areas such as hallways or offices can be a challenge. For example, vacuuming areas where people walk daily can lead to injuries.

To vacuum high-traffic areas, use a large-capacity vacuum. Vacuums with large motors are best for cleaning large areas, as they can provide more power. For small spaces, choose a handheld vacuum.

Before vacuuming any high-traffic areas, remove any furniture and heavy objects. That way, you can vacuum safely while minimizing damage to the floor.

Trash Can Liners

Trash can liners are a must-have for any janitorial closet. Look for trash can liners that are thick and durable enough to handle heavy use.

Bagging trash is often a large part of your janitorial staff’s job. Trashing the garbage can be hugely time-consuming if you deal with trash that is heavy enough to rip the can liner.

Protectors

Protectors will save the day. Protectors are perfect for desks and chairs that get used for long periods. This latex layer coating keeps stains from setting into the covers if spills occur on them.

These covers change colors when completely contaminated and disinfected. This way, stains never set in, making cleaning easy and effortless.

Apron And Gloves

Depending on where you work, you may need to wear an apron. These can help protect your clothing, as an apron can absorb spills.

A good pair of rubber gloves is also a good idea. Use rubber gloves while cleaning or working with chemicals or cleaning products. That way, you’ll avoid getting injured by the product.

Paper Towels

Paper towels are a quick, easy way to clean messes. They are also easy to store, making them ideal for individuals at home, small business owners, and cleaning crews.

Cleaning rags are an excellent alternative to paper towels. Rags can be used multiple times, making them more environmentally friendly.

Cleaning Solutions

A good quality cleaning solution is essential for any janitorial closet. Look for cleaning solutions that are effective and safe to use.

Because janitors work with so many different types of surfaces, many cleaning solutions are available with different properties and concentrations. However, the most effective solution that a janitor can purchase may not provide relief to their wallets.

Less expensive solutions on the market tend to be less effective than their higher-end counterparts. Anything that promises a miracle or intriguing new technology is the sign of an inferior product.

Where To Purchase Goods

The obvious choice for purchasing janitorial cleaning solutions is your local supermarket and big box stores. These products will be more expensive because they have higher overhead costs associated with marketing and consulting fees.

In this scenario, because you are purchasing in bulk quantities or on-demand, you will find huge deals for very competitive prices that you would normally pay for an equivalent-sized product in small amounts.

Corporate and institutional level buyers should focus on the larger vendors of retail janitorial supplies – purchasing online is possible with little difficulty. Big box store prices can be deeply discounted.

Where To Find Further Information

Fantastic sites provide comparative reviews of all of the most popular brands/products available in each category of cleaning products, including water-based, alcohol-based (Floor Finish Removers), solvent-based, area rug, and upholstery leather cleaners.

These sites will also provide complete information regarding any chemicals or product ingredients so that you can avoid high TCEP-count products and any product that is known to contain cancer-causing chemicals (benzene, aldehydes).

Disinfectant

One of the most important items on the list is a disinfectant. As the name suggests, disinfectants kill bacteria and viruses, making them useful for cleaning. However, some disinfectants can be toxic if not used correctly.

Before using a disinfectant, make sure your hands are clean. Washing your hands with soap and water before using a disinfectant is vital to prevent the spread of bacteria. You can also disinfect surfaces by spraying the disinfectant on a rag and wiping surfaces clean.

For hard, non-porous surfaces, you can use a disinfectant wipe. These wipes are made of paper and come in various disinfectant scents. Wipes are easy to use. Just clean with one wipe and disinfect with another.

Detergent

Detergents, like disinfectants, can help you clean and remove bacteria and stains from surfaces. You can use either liquid or powdered detergents.

Liquid detergents are easier to use, as they can be sprayed or poured onto surfaces. Powdered detergents are more concentrated, making them ideal for cleaning large areas.

If you have a high-volume building, powdered detergents are the best option. They are also safer than liquid detergents, as they don’t require as much dilution. Safety is especially important when cleaning floors, as spilled liquid detergent can lead to serious injuries.

To safely clean floors, you’ll want to dilute powdered detergents. You’ll need a bucket, spray bottle, and a floor squeegee. Place the floor squeegee in the bucket and fill with water. Next, add your diluted detergent and let it sit for a few hours. After that, use the floor squeegee to remove dried detergent from the floor.

Spray Bottle

Spray bottles are the perfect choice for disinfecting surfaces or cleaning large areas. You can carry a spray bottle in your cleaning kit or use it inside or outside your building while cleaning.

Sponges

A good quality sponge is essential for any janitorial closet. Look for sponges that are durable and effective at cleaning.

Sponges are perfect for cleaning windows, tables, and other hard surfaces. They can also be used to clean your hands or body.

Scrub Brushes

A good-quality scrub brush is essential for any janitorial closet. Look for scrub brushes with strong bristles that can handle heavy use.

Scrub brushes are perfect for cleaning tubs, showers, and toilets. They can also be used to clean floors or other hard surfaces. Disposable toilet brushes are also available if you don't want to reuse scrub brushes when cleaning.

Squeegees

A good quality squeegee is essential for any janitorial closet. Look for squeegees with a durable blade that can handle heavy use.

Squeegees are perfect for cleaning windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces. They can also be used to remove water from floors or other surfaces.

Extension Cords

Extension cords are a must-have for any janitorial closet. Look for extension cords long enough to reach all areas of your facility.

Extension cords are perfect for cleaning large areas or reaching high places. They can also power janitorial equipment such as vacuums and floor buffers.

Safety Supplies

Safety supplies are a must-have for any janitorial closet. Look for safety supplies that are effective and easy to use.

Safety supplies are perfect for protecting yourself and others while cleaning. They can also be used to clean up spills or other hazards.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a must-have for any janitorial closet. Look for a first aid kit that is complete and easy to use. A first aid kit is perfect for treating minor injuries and ailments. 

Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is a must-have for any janitorial closet. Look for a fire extinguisher that is easy to use and effective. A fire extinguisher is perfect for putting out small fires. 

Hazardous Waste Disposal Bags

Hazardous waste disposal bags are a must-have for any janitorial closet. Look for hazardous waste disposal bags that are durable and easy to use.

Hazardous waste disposal bags are perfect for disposing of dangerous materials. They can also be used to clean up minor spills or other hazards.

Cleaning Rags

Cleaning rags are a must-have for any janitorial closet. Look for cleaning rags that are absorbent and durable.

Cleaning rags are perfect for cleaning up spills or other messes. They can also be used to dust or polish surfaces.

Floor Buffer

A floor buffer is a must-have for any janitorial closet. Look for a floor buffer that is easy to use and effective.

A floor buffer is perfect for cleaning large areas or reaching high places.

Organizers And Shelves

Having space to store basic cleaning supplies helps you stay organized. You don’t have to worry about cleaning supplies cluttering your kitchen or living room.

If you have a big enough space, consider installing shelves. Shelves are helpful for organizing cleaning supplies, as they allow you to separate supplies by type.

Factors To Consider When Buying Janitorial Supplies

Every business needs janitorial supplies to run its operations efficiently. However, not just anyone can buy janitorial supplies. You need to make sure that you get the right supplies at the right price.

The right cleaning supplies must meet the needs of your business and your budget. You need to consider so many factors before buying janitorial supplies.

Know The Purpose Of Your Janitorial Supplies

Knowing the purpose of your cleaning business supplies will help you determine which products you need for your cleaning services and which you don’t. For example, if your business generates a lot of paper, you need to buy unique paper shredders and cutters.

Similarly, if your business involves a lot of food, you need to buy special equipment to sanitize and store food properly.

Productivity And Cost-Effectiveness

Since janitorial supplies are costly, you need to ensure they are productive and efficient. You can use a physical inventory to find the most productive supplies and organize them to save time and effort.

Nowadays, people have a misconception about janitorial supplies. They tend to think that janitorial supplies are for cleaning only. However, this is not true.

Janitorial supplies can be used for house cleaning, organizing, planning, and so on. It all depends on how you unleash their potential. 

Ensure Proper Disposal

Supplies last a long time, and once they are no longer of use to you, they need to be appropriately disposed of. This is important because it prevents you from wasting resources and contaminating the environment.

You need to ensure proper disposal of your janitorial supplies. This means putting them in the right place and ensuring that they are disposed of properly. You can’t just throw them in the trash can without thinking about it first.

Durability And Safety

Safety is vitally important when it comes to janitorial supplies. This means ensuring that your products are durable and safe to use. If you don’t consider durability and safety when buying your janitorial supplies, you will have a lot of money and supplies ruined.

The best way to ensure durability and safety is to conduct a physical inventory of your current supplies and buy durable and safe products.

Know The Right Suppliers

This shouldn’t be a surprise, but who you buy your janitorial supplies from depends significantly on the factors we discussed above. You need to know the suitable suppliers to get the best supplies at the right price.

You can find suppliers online or ask your business colleagues who use the supplies frequently. You can also do your research to find the best suppliers and compare the prices with other suppliers. If you're a new cleaning business owner, cleaning business software would help you know which suppliers have the best cleaning products.

Check The Quality Of Supplies

Quality is quite important when buying janitorial supplies. However, this is entirely subjective. It all depends on your needs, budget, and preferences.

You can’t blindly trust reviews or physical inventory to help you decide on the quality of supplies. You need to check the quality of the products yourself. One of the best ways to do this is to ask other people who use the products frequently.

Set A Budget Before Buying Supplies

This is the most crucial factor you need to consider when buying janitorial supplies. You need to set a budget before you purchase the supplies.

This will help you in two ways. One, it will help you ensure that you don’t buy products that are way over your budget. And two, it will also help you ensure that you don’t purchase unnecessary supplies.

You need to make sure that your budget is well-planned. This will help you in ensuring that you don’t go over your budget. To ensure that this doesn’t happen, you need to make a realistic and flexible budget to suit your needs.

Janitorial Supplies: The Safety Hazards You May Not Know

When you think of jobs that involve commercial cleaning, you probably picture people in white suits, vacuuming carpets, and mopping floors. However, there is another side to cleaning that most people don’t think about. That is the side of cleaning that involves maintenance.

Many people don’t realize that janitorial supplies are dangerous and toxic. However, they are.

The people who work in the janitorial industry spend a lot of their time around harmful chemicals and other toxins. As a result, the risk of harmful side effects is very high. This section will explain what you need to know about janitorial supplies to help you stay safe.

The Dangers Of Using Janitorial Supplies

When people use janitorial supplies, they risk chemical burns, chemical inhalation, and chemical ingestion. Chemical inhalation happens when you breathe in fumes from a chemical. Chemical ingestion occurs when you eat or drink chemicals.

Each year in the United States, janitorial workers are injured or sickened after using janitorial supplies. When this happens, workers and their families have to deal with the consequences of ruined clothing, injured skin, burns, and vomiting.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the most common harmful chemicals found in janitorial supplies cause burns, chemical inhalation, and chemical ingestion.

Which Chemicals Are In Janitorial Supplies?

Let’s look at the most common chemicals found in janitorial supplies. These substances can cause injuries, chemical burns, and chemical inhalation.

Hydrofluoric Acid: This chemical can cause severe burns to your skin and eyes. It can also damage your skin and cause permanent damage to your kidneys, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Hydrofluoric acid can also cause other health problems, such as cancer.

Carbon Monoxide: This is a colorless and odorless substance that is toxic to your nervous system. Breathing in too much of this chemical can lead to dizziness, headaches, nausea, and unconsciousness. In severe cases, breathing in too much carbon monoxide can cause death.

Toluene: This chemical causes dizziness, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause seizures, coma, and death.

N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP): This is a chemical commonly used as a disinfectant and as a component in many janitorial supplies. It can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Things To Remember When Working With Janitorial Supplies

When working with janitorial supplies, you need to follow some safety guidelines. These will help keep you safe and healthy.

  • Wear protective gloves when using chemicals. You can also wear a respirator or a mask to prevent the chemicals from entering your body.
  • When you’re finished cleaning with janitorial supplies, take extra care to dispose of them properly. Don’t pour chemicals down the drain or let them sit in your garbage bin.
  • Have a way to get medical help if you need it. That way, you can receive the care you need if you experience an injury while cleaning.
  • Know your rights as a worker. You should know your rights to know when and how to report unsafe conditions or unsafe cleaning practices.
  • Follow your employer’s cleaning safety rules. You should always follow your employer’s safety rules. Doing this could keep you from getting injured or sick.

Signs Of Janitorial Supplies Hazardous Waste

Now that you know about the dangers of janitorial supplies, let’s talk about signs that you might have hazardous waste in your building.

If you notice any of these signs, call 9-1-1:

  • Janitorial workers are reporting illness or injuries after working with chemicals.
  • Employees complain about chemical burns or smell like bleach from time to time.
  • Employees have reported vomiting while cleaning or have been to the emergency room after vomiting while cleaning.
  • The building inspector has found hazardous waste in the building.
  • The janitorial company has been using hazardous waste generators.

Protect Yourself From Janitorial Supplies Hazards

If you want to protect yourself from hazardous waste, you have to be careful. Here are some ways you can do this:

  • Use gloves when cleaning. You can also use a respirator or a gas mask.
  • Don’t eat or drink anything while cleaning. Doing this can put you at risk for chemical ingestion.
  • Always wear your safety gear while cleaning. You’ll be protected if you accidentally hit your head or get injured while cleaning.
  • Dispose of hazardous waste properly. Never pour it down the sink or leave chemicals sitting around. That can lead to a hazardous waste leak.
  • Report unsafe conditions. Report conditions that make you feel unsafe. Doing this could help you keep your coworkers safe.

Safety Gear For Janitorial Supplies

Safety is always a top priority when working with chemicals and other equipment. When working with cleaning supplies, it’s essential to wear appropriate safety gear.

Wearing safety gear such as a mask, gloves, and protective eyewear will protect you from harmful chemicals and reduce the risk of injury.

Working with janitorial supplies is not just about cleaning; it’s also about keeping yourself and others safe.

What Is The Purpose Of Safety Gear?

When working with chemicals, you need to protect your skin, eyes, and respiratory organs. Safety gear can help you do this. It’s a layer of gear that keeps you protected from injuries that could occur from mishandling chemicals or equipment.

Every industry has its own safety gear standards. This article covers the safety gear standards for janitorial supplies.

Benefits Of Safety Gear

When it comes to the benefits of wearing safety gear, there are countless stories. One of the most common is a worker injured from chemical exposure.

When the worker removed their eye protection, they were exposed to an extremely harmful chemical. Although this is a rare occurrence, it does happen. Injured workers can have medical bills and time off work. This can be avoided with safety gear.

Another common benefit of safety gear is increased productivity. If you're wearing protective gear, this means you’ll be more careful while handling chemicals and equipment.

Another key benefit of safety gear is the reduced risk of accidents. If you’re careful when wearing safety gear, you’ll have a better chance of not bumping into things. It’s also unlikely that you’ll hurt anyone else because you’ll be more mindful.

Different Types Of Safety Gear

The most important factor when selecting safety gear is the chemical resistance level. One common type of safety gear is a respirator. It filters and protects you from dangerous airborne particles. They’re often worn with a face mask.

Respirators come in many different styles. They can be disposable or reusable. You can also find hybrid respirators. When selecting a respirator, you need to think about how long you’ll be wearing it.

Next, you’ll want to protect your hands. Regularly, workers get cuts or blisters on their hands. It’s also likely that your hands will become calloused due to years of use.

Protect your hands with gloves. Different gloves can be worn for different tasks such as cleaning and handling chemicals.

Gloves come in many different styles and materials. You can select the ones that fit your needs and your budget.

Hearing Protectors

Hearing loss is one of the most common occupational injuries. It can also have a significant impact on your quality of life. Hearing protectors provide noise reduction. This reduces the risk of hearing loss.

Hearing protectors can be worn either in the ear or over the head. They come in different sizes and styles. To select the best ones for you, think about how you’ll use them.

Footwear

Workers often stand for long periods. This leads to back pain, arthritis, and foot pain injuries. The best way to prevent these injuries is to wear proper footwear.

There are three types of footwear that janitors can wear. These are safety footwear, medical footwear, and cleaning footwear. You need to select the one that fits your needs.

Lock-On Grips

Lock-on grips are a convenient way to secure your tools. When using tools, you need to be careful. You could hurt yourself or others while working.

Lock-on grips come in different styles. Some have a plastic handle that flips down to secure the tool. They also have a lock-on button that you push. It serves as a security device.

Lock-on grips are very useful for janitorial supplies. It prevents injuries from occurring when you’re using tools.

Tips For Wearing Safety Gear

You can never be too careful while wearing safety gear. Make sure you’re familiar with the equipment you’re wearing and using. For example, you need to know how to use all your tools.

It’s also important to select the correct type of clothing for the job. For example, wear protective clothing when working in a warehouse.

When working on a project, always wear your safety gear. Doing so will protect you from injury.

Selecting the best safety gear for janitorial supplies can be challenging. There are a lot of options. This article covers the different types of safety gear and their purpose. It also discusses the benefits of each item.

Conclusion

Keep your building clean and free of bacteria with these janitorial supplies. You can clean your building quickly and safely by using supplies like disinfectant wipes, mops, and brooms.

Before you leave the building each day, clean the restrooms and kitchens. Doing so can help reduce the risk of bacteria in your building.

These are just a few must-have janitorial supplies for your cleaning job. With these supplies on hand, you can be sure that your staff will be able to perform their job efficiently and effectively.