Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Church families gather all the time. Whether it is the weekly service, volunteer training, or special event – when members gather, they use the buildings.
And, when people are in the building, they use the restroom.
Have you ever gone into a restroom and thought – Yuk! Then you think, what adjective would I use to describe this church?
That is because using a restroom can either be a pleasant experience – or not.
And the cleanliness of a restroom will send a subtle message about the church’s commitment to excellence.
Organizations that focus on excellence use a quality tool called a checklist.
What Is A Quality Checklist?
Checklists are used to help workers remember the key steps to completing tasks successfully.
It helps workers perform their jobs correctly, and it helps managers monitor the quality of the work.
One would think that simply instructing an employee or volunteer to clean the restroom would get the job done right.
However, cleaning a public restroom is very different than cleaning a restroom at home. The supplies, process, and approach are different.
Training is an important part of every employee’s job, but training is even more critical for those who use chemicals and are responsible for cleanliness.
Think about your kids and how they would do if you asked them to clean the bathroom. Do you think they’d do a good job without instructions?
It’s the same for custodial help. To be successful, they need the tools, supplies, and training for the task.
We have put together a checklist to help you help your employees get the job done the way you expect.
How to Clean the Restroom In Your Church
1. Gather All Necessary Supplies
It is important to have all the necessary supplies to start this job.
This includes having a stocked cart with gloves, masks, goggles, chemicals, mops, brooms, and cleaning rags.
Create a storage area where supplies are kept and ask workers to stock their supply carts before they make their rounds.
2. Prepare the Work Area
Help others know that the area will be cleaned by putting out notification signs.
Place signs at the entrance to the restroom or hallway. This will give notice to others that the area will be out of commission for a while.
3. Start With Urinals and Toilets
Toilets and urinals are breeding grounds for germs and odors, so cleaning them helps eliminate unpleasant smells.
Follow instructions on the manufacturer’s label to ensure chemicals are applied appropriately.
Use a toilet brush and wipe down the urinal, toilet, and all surrounding areas, including doors and walls.
4. Empty Trash
Empty all trash containers, including those in the women’s stalls. This needs to be done daily to eliminate odors.
5. Restock Supplies
Put liners in trashcans, refill paper towels, soap dispensers, and toilet paper, and check air fresheners.
6. Clean All Glass Surfaces
Clean the mirrors and any other glass surfaces.
7. Clean Sinks
Clean sinks and any surfaces, including stall doors and dispenser handles.
8. Sweep and Mop the Floor
Sweep the floor thoroughly and mop from the back of the restroom to the front. Leave signs up until the floor is completely dry.
How To Create A Cleaning Checklist
Checklists help employees or volunteers remember what needs to be done.
To create a checklist, list tasks that need to be performed every time the restroom is cleaned or daily. For instance, you will probably want the toilets, sinks, and floors done daily, at least when people are in the building.
Next, determine those tasks that may only need to be done monthly or quarterly. For instance, cleaning the light fixtures may not be done daily.
List all those items on a sheet with checkboxes and add details to each item. For instance, include a list of cleaning supplies that should be available on the cleaning cart so the employee or volunteer can inventory supplies.
Keep printed copies of the list on the cleaning cart, or if you use technology, allow access to the list to the custodial staff.
Ask staff to date and sign the form every shift to remind them of what needs to be done and to ensure accountability for job responsibilities.
Example Restroom Cleaning List
| Gather Supplies – Gloves, masks, goggles, chemicals, mops, brooms, and cleaning rags. |
| Prepare the Work Area – Put out signs at the entrance to the restroom or hallway. |
| Put on Protective Gear – Gloves, respirators, or goggles to ensure protection from chemicals or other bacteria. |
| Clean Toilets and Urinals – Clean and disinfect toilets and urinals. |
Perform Occasional Work Audits
Now you have the checklist, and employees are doing their job. Support the custodial staff by doing occasional work audits to ensure tasks are complete or to learn of barriers to getting the job done.
For instance, if the custodial staff is not getting needed supplies because of a vendor issue, you need to know about that to help them acquire the supplies and equipment needed to do their job.
Let The Young People Help
Many churches hire high school or college kids to help with custodial duties.
Help these workers or volunteers succeed by providing the necessary supplies, equipment, and training to get the job done.
Finally, church visitors judge a church based on their perception of the excellence of the church.
Take the time to train your custodial help and give them a cleaning checklist to ensure they remember what they need to do.
You may never know the perception one visit to the restroom will give a member or first-time visitor.
For a downloadable and editable copy of this checklist, click here.
Does your church use checklists?
