Spring is finally here, which means it’s time to clean! If the idea of deep-cleaning your workspace makes you groan, you’re not alone in that feeling.
A new survey by Clorox shows that 54 percent of polled individuals struggle to find the motivation to get started, and 40 percent have trouble making time to get everything done.
However, a third of people admit they feel a sense of accomplishment after cleaning. Decluttering your space helps decrease stress levels and improves your ability to focus on producing better results for your business.
Game Plan
How you manage the big clean depends on your salon’s needs. You may have to spread the work out over a few days, tackling some of the larger, main floor duties before and after business hours. If you have free time during the day, conquer the “back-of-house” tasks while stylists are working. Or if you’re fully committed to the “deep” part of deep-cleaning, book out a whole day to take on bigger projects like power washing or applying the fresh coat of paint that your salon desperately needs.
The best way to undertake a big spring cleaning is to divide and conquer. Organize your to-do list into sections, checking off each item as you go to track what you’ve done and get an idea of how much longer it will take to finish the rest.
“Decluttering your space helps decrease stress levels and improves your ability to focus on producing better results for your business.”
On the Surface
Before you dive into scrubbing down every square-inch, do a surface-level cleaning first. Dispose of any existing garbage that may be sitting around the front desk or break room. Go through drawers and recycle or trash any old documents, advertising or knick-knacks.
While sorting through your retail area, divide tools and products into four categories: Keep, discard, donate, and sell. Check the expiration dates on all products and toss any that are past their prime. Now would also be a good time to evaluate what products are winners and which ones aren’t selling well. Getting rid of products that are proven duds or have expired will free up space you didn’t realize you had.
The same categorized system should be applied to your storage closet. Decide what stays and what goes, and then wipe down every item you intend to keep. If you don’t currently have an inventory system in place to keep track of your products, now would be the opportune time to establish one.
STX Cloud makes inventory management incredibly easy, allowing users to update inventory information (like SKU, product name, quantity, cost, price) all on one screen for multiple items in the same product line or inventory group. Plus STX Cloud helps owners keep a handle on their inventory investments by generating several useful reports, including Product Sales by Rank, Inventory Usage and Adjustments, Product Sales Chart, and more.
Get Dirty
Now that you’ve cleared off all surfaces, it’s time to get down to business. Dust and disinfect every surface, from shelves and countertops to furniture and walls, making sure to get into every neglected corner and crack of hard-to-reach areas. Wipe down the inside of drawers and sinks and thoroughly clean each station.
Even if your salon already has a daily cleaning regimen in place (sweeping floors, cleaning tools, laundering towels and capes, etc.) it may surprise you how much grime can accumulate despite your best efforts. If you don’t have a regular checklist or you notice that efforts to clean have slacked, now might be a good time to implement a better system.
One of those daily routines should include the bathroom. During your deep clean, scrub overlooked areas like the inside of cabinets and drawers, the pipes under the sink, the plumbing and any tile grout that may be discolored. Ensure that your bathroom supplies are fully stocked, including toilet paper, paper towels, soap and air freshener, and trash cans are regularly emptied to leave guests with the best impression.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve completed every task on the cleaning portion of your checklist, it’s time to review the cosmetic changes. Before you return every item to its previous location, consider mixing it up and rearranging your retail space for a fresh look. Make sure your most popular items are in easy-to-reach spots and highlight products you would like to feature in a prominent manner.
Brainstorm ideas for advertising service and product specials and find a way to incorporate them into your front-of-house displays. Ask your team members for their input (they do have a natural knack for creativity, after all); getting everyone involved is the best way to explore the most options, plus it’s a good chance to bond as a group.
On the topic of services, revisit your menu and determine which offerings are hits and misses. Are there any services customers have requested that you don’t have, but could add to your roster? Refreshing your menu will help breathe new life into an otherwise stale list of services.
New plants and framed pictures or art pieces are also an easy way to add interest to a lackluster space. If you notice any tears in furniture or decor, or cracks in shelving, consider replacing them now if your budget permits.
Time to Relax
When you’re finally done with your deep clean, be sure to make a resolution to stick to a regular cleaning schedule, dividing tasks into four categories: daily, weekly, monthly and annually. If you clean religiously throughout the year, you’ll have a much smaller workload next spring.
Still not convinced that the big spring clean is for you? Research and hire a reputable company to do the dirty work for you. If it’s in your budget, hiring someone(s) to clean your salon will save you the hassle and the time that your schedule might not allow. Be sure to provide a detailed list so that everyone is on the same page regarding expectations.
Once your salon is clean, you’ll be amazed at how the lack of physical clutter leads to a lack of mental clutter as well. Enjoy these new beginnings and the great spring weather!
FAQs about Spring Cleaning
Q: Why is spring cleaning essential for my salon?
Spring cleaning is crucial for your salon as it helps declutter and organize your space, reduces stress levels, and improves focus—all of which ultimately enhance your business operations and outcomes. Deep cleaning not only ensures a hygienic environment but also helps portray a professional image to your customers.
Q: What is the ideal way to manage a comprehensive spring cleaning in my salon?
The best way to manage extensive spring cleaning in your salon is to divide and conquer. Categorize tasks into sections and check them off as you complete, to manage the cleaning process efficiently and ascertain the time required to conclude the remaining tasks.
Q: How can I implement an effective cleaning system in my salon?
To establish an efficient cleaning system, start by categorizing your tasks into daily, weekly, monthly, and annual chores. Consistently following this system throughout the year will reduce workload during seasonal deep cleans and ensure a continuously tidy salon.
Q: How can I begin the spring cleaning process in my salon?
Start by conducting a surface-level cleaning. Dispose of any existing garbage, recycle/trash old documents, and clear out your storage spaces. Categorize items into keep, discard, donate, and sell. Remember to check the expiration dates on all products and clear out the ones past their prime.
Q: What software can help me manage inventory during spring cleaning?
The STX Cloud system can ease your inventory management process. You can update inventory information like SKU, product name, quantity, cost, and price, for multiple items on one screen, saving time and improving efficiency.
Q: What are some of the overlooked areas that require thorough cleaning in my salon?
It’s easy to overlook areas like the inside of cabinets and drawers, the pipes under the sink, plumbing fixtures, tile grout, and hard-to-reach corners. Doing a deep clean throughout your salon helps ensure these areas are not neglected.
Q: What are some of the finishing touches to consider after spring cleaning the salon?
Once you have finished cleaning, consider rearranging your retail space for a fresh look and making cosmetic changes like adding new plants, framed pictures, or artwork. Also, revisit your service menu and refresh the offerings based on customer preferences.
Q: How can I maintain cleanliness in my salon after the deep cleaning process?
After your deep clean, stick to a regular cleaning schedule, dividing tasks into different categories: daily, weekly, monthly, and annually. Maintaining a consistent cleaning routine throughout the year will lessen your workload during the subsequent cleaning periods.
Q: Can I hire a cleaning company to undertake the spring cleaning process for my salon?
Yes, if it fits your budget, hiring a reputable cleaning company can be an excellent option to save time and effort. Make sure to provide them with a detailed checklist so that they understand your expectations.
Q: How can a clean salon space positively impact my business?
A clean and clutter-free salon not only provides a delightful and hygienic environment for customers but also boosts your staff’s productivity and focus. Moreover, it contributes to the professional image of your salon, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Not an STX user? Sign-up for a free STX Cloud trial today and discover how STX Cloud can help you manage simply!