November and December are peak season for year-end functions, weddings and parties. For venue managers, the real work starts when the last guest leaves. A clear plan, the right supplies and a set order of tasks can cut clean-up time in half.
Before the event
- Put out enough bins, lined with strong refuse bags, near the bar, food stations and exits. Overflowing bins are where mess starts.
- Protect vulnerable surfaces such as wooden floors near the bar with mats.
- Stock the washrooms generously with toilet paper, hand towels and soap. Running out mid-event is a common complaint.
- Brief your team on who does what afterwards.
The clean-up order that works
- Clear and bag rubbish first, separating glass and recyclables if your venue recycles.
- Collect glassware and crockery and get the dishwasher running while you do the rest.
- Strip tables, shake out cloths outside and bag them for laundry.
- Spot-clean spills on chairs, walls and floors before they dry.
- Clean washrooms thoroughly: toilets, urinals, basins, mirrors and floors.
- Sweep, then mop all floors with a floor, wall and tile cleaner.
- Freshen the air and do a final walk-through.
Sticky floors near the bar
Spilled cooldrink and beer leave a sticky film that a quick mop just spreads around. Sweep first, mop with warm water and a good floor cleaner at the correct dilution, then go over the area again with clean rinse water. Changing mop water often makes a big difference.
Getting rid of the "morning after" smell
Stale alcohol, food and smoke linger in curtains and carpets. Open doors and windows, empty every bin (including the ones in the kitchen and washrooms) and use an air freshener in enclosed areas once surfaces are clean. Air freshener works best on a clean room, not as a cover-up.
Stock up
Black Refuse Bags 40 micron, Floor, Wall & Tile Cleaner and Air Freshener are available in bulk from maxproducts.co.za, ideal for busy venues.
Products mentioned in this guide
Available now from our sister company Max Products at maxproducts.co.za, in trade sizes and delivered in Cape Town.
Black Refuse Bags 40 MicronShop now →
Floor, Wall & Tile CleanerShop now →
Air Freshener FloralShop now →
