How to Choose the Right Housekeeping Cart For Your Business

While there are numerous types of organizations across the country, they all have one thing in common: They must be kept clean. Every business must keep its restrooms, desks, floors, and other areas tidy and hygienic. These needs are usually handled using a housekeeping cart to help staff keep their supplies at hand. However, while all businesses need housekeeping carts, not all organizations have the same cleaning needs.

Evaluating Your Business’s Housekeeping Cart Needs

There are a few areas to consider when selecting a housekeeping cart for your organization or business. The first is to consider the size and capacity needed. Take into account your facility’s size, types of surfaces to clean, and the amount of daily waste to discard. Next, think about maneuverability needs. Consider what type of flooring the cart will move on and the size of hallways and doorways. Durability is another important consideration as housekeeping carts are exposed to daily wear and tear.

Final considerations include ergonomics and safety. Housekeeping is a physically demanding job, so carts need to be easy to move and manage. Your housekeeping carts should also have safety features like brakes, locks, and, in some cases, antimicrobial properties. Lastly, look into carts that are aesthetically appropriate for your business and with customization options. Regardless of your organization type, it’s likely you’ll need to update or change your carts over the years. Customization allows you to easily update each cart as changes come your way.

Hospitality Housekeeping Cart Needs

Housekeeping is essential in the hospitality business. Multiple rooms must be turned over every day, meaning housekeeping carts need to be fully stocked yet easy to move. Some primary considerations to take when selecting a housekeeping hospitality cart include the following items.

1. Storage: Supplies must be separated and stored strategically for easy access. Carts must also include space to store vacuums and brooms, as well as separate areas for clean and dirty items.

2. Maneuverability and ergonomics: Hospitality carts are moved frequently during a day, meaning they need wheels that move smoothly. Motorized wheels can help in this area. Frequently used items should be easy to reach to make it easier on staff, preventing them from bending and crouching too often.

3. Aesthetics: Housekeeping uniforms and carts should reflect the establishment’s aesthetics. While some may prefer carts that are discreet, others may opt for carts with brand-specific colors or images. Regardless of your brand's needs, the cart quality should remain high.

4. Safety: To keep staff and patrons safe, all hospitality carts should have sturdy brakes and bumpers to prevent wall or cart damage.

Healthcare Housekeeping Cart Needs

Healthcare is another area where frequent housekeeping is necessary. However, medical facilities have much stricter cleanliness requirements, many of which are monitored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The types of facilities vary, but there is some consistency among housekeeping cart needs.

1. Multiple Cart Types: Medical facilities use multiple cart types. Operating rooms, restrooms, waiting rooms, and offices vary in their cleaning needs. For this reason, it’s best to have versatile housekeeping carts ranging from standard cleaning carts to commercial garment racks to deliver scrubs and medical gowns.

2. Security: Unlike other organizations, medical facilities need a higher level of security on their housekeeping carts. Hospitals are busy places, and people may not think twice about grabbing supplies off a cart, causing them to deplete quickly. There are also hazardous materials that cannot be used in some areas that need to be locked.

3. Noise: While loud housekeeping carts are never welcome, it’s vital to have quieter carts in many medical settings. In areas like NICUs, patients and caregivers alike must get rest at all hours of the day. A noisy housekeeping cart could easily disrupt their much-needed rest.

4. Safety: The CDC has several requirements around safety in healthcare, including around housekeeping. These include having antimicrobial surfaces, separating clean and soiled items appropriately, and equipping all housekeeping staff with appropriate PPE. All of these must be taken into consideration when selecting a housekeeping cart.

Office Building Housekeeping Cart Needs

All employers are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to maintain good housekeeping practices in their offices. To stay on top of these requirements, you’ll likely need to select housekeeping carts to control clutter and maintain cleanliness. There are a few areas to keep in mind when selecting the right housekeeping cart for your office.

1. Capacity: Take into consideration the size of your office and the areas to be cleaned. Think about what you’ll need on carts (i.e., trash containers, mops, dusters) and how many you’ll need.

2. Maneuverability: Offices vary in size and shape. Consider your office’s layout, including hallway and bathroom sizes. Some offices may need a more compact cart. Think about your office’s flooring as well; carpets, laminate, and hardwood flooring all require different wheel types and configurations.

3. Customization: Since each business has different needs, you should look into easily customizable carts. Standard carts may not work for a small business, and your business’s needs will likely change as you grow.

4. Damage Prevention: Most businesses rent their office spaces, so you’ll want a housekeeping cart that won’t damage walls and floors. Look for something equipped with bumpers and locking wheels to promote stability.

Final Considerations

The final elements to consider when selecting a housekeeping cart for any organization are quality, innovation, and value. Housekeeping carts are used daily, making them vulnerable to wear and tear. Look for a cart that is durable and will last for multiple years. Consider materials like rust-resistant stainless steel to ensure your carts stay functional for the long term.

Your business also requires innovation. You’re striving to use the best tools for the modern era, and your housekeeping carts should be among them. Find a provider that regularly updates its inventory to keep up with evolving needs.

Finally, price is always a consideration. While you shouldn’t only shop for the lowest price, there is a balance to strike between quality and cost. Select a retailer that has quality, durable carts at an affordable price. Once you find a match, you’ll be set for years to come.