How to Store Equipment for a Cleaning Business
Sep 8, 2026 / Alina Bradford
The best way to store equipment for a cleaning business is to organize similar items together, clean and dry everything before storage, protect equipment from dust and moisture, and keep frequently used equipment easy to reach. Vacuums, carpet cleaners, floor machines, cleaning carts, mops, buckets, and other equipment can be stored in a self-storage unit when properly prepared.
Key takeaways
- Wash and dry cleaning equipment before putting it into storage.
- Empty water tanks, hoses, buckets, and other equipment that can hold moisture.
- Inspect equipment for leaks, damage, or worn parts before storing it.
- Keep electrical equipment protected from moisture.
- Store cleaning tools together so they’re easy to find.
- Use shelving for smaller equipment and supplies when permitted.
- Keep frequently used equipment near the front of the storage unit.
- Leave a clear walkway so equipment can be removed without unloading the entire unit.
- Check Public Storage’s current rules before storing cleaning products or chemicals.
What equipment can a cleaning business store?
A cleaning business can use self-storage to keep equipment between jobs or when its workspace doesn’t have enough room. Common cleaning-business equipment that you can store includes:
- Commercial vacuum cleaners
- Carpet cleaners
- Floor buffers and polishers
- Floor scrubbers
- Mops and buckets
- Brooms and dustpans
- Cleaning carts
- Pressure washers
- Hoses
- Extension poles
- Replacement equipment
- Towels and microfiber cloths
- Equipment accessories
- Extra cleaning solutions
The specific items allowed in a storage unit depend on the facility’s rules. Always check the current prohibited-items list before storing anything that could be hazardous, flammable, toxic, or otherwise restricted.
How do you prepare cleaning equipment for storage?
Before putting equipment away, follow these steps:
- Clean the equipment: Remove dirt, debris, and cleaning residue.
- Empty tanks and containers: Remove water or cleaning solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Dry everything completely: Pay particular attention to hoses, tanks, buckets, and other equipment that comes into contact with water.
- Inspect the equipment: Look for damaged cords, leaking hoses, broken parts, or other problems.
- Make repairs: Fix equipment before storing it if possible. That way, it’s ready for the next job when you need it.
- Organize cords and hoses. Coil them loosely to prevent kinks and damage. For longer hoses, a hose reel may be useful for keeping them stored and neat.
- Protect equipment. Use covers to reduce dust and accidental scratches.
- Label everything. Make equipment easy to identify when you’re getting ready for a job.
- Make an inventory of everything in your storage unit. This can be helpful for finding items and for insurance purposes.
How do you store commercial vacuum cleaners?
Store commercial vacuum cleaners by:
- Emptying and cleaning them
- Maintaining filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Making sure they are completely dry before storage
- Keeping cords organized and avoiding wrapping them so tightly that they become damaged
Storing vacuums in a stable position where they won’t be knocked over or buried under heavy equipment
If your business has several vacuums, group them together and label the area where they’re stored. Keeping all of your vacuums in one location can save time when employees need to grab equipment before a job.
How do you store carpet cleaners?
Before storing a carpet cleaner:
- Empty water tanks
- Remove leftover cleaning solution
- Clean brushes and attachments
- Rinse components when recommended by the manufacturer
- Dry hoses and tanks thoroughly. Pay attention to hoses, tanks, brushes, and other components that can retain water or cleaning solution
- Check the machine for leaks
- Store cords neatly
- Cover the machine to protect it from dust
How do you store floor buffers and floor machines?
Store floor buffers, polishers, scrubbers, and similar machines the same way. Start on a stable surface where they won’t tip over. Then, clean the equipment after use, remove debris, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing the machine for storage.
Keep electrical components away from moisture, and don’t store wet pads, brushes, or other attachments against the machine.
For larger machines, leave enough room around them to remove the equipment without having to move several other items first.
How do you store mops, buckets, and cleaning tools?
Clean and dry mops, buckets, brooms, dustpans, brushes, and other hand tools before putting them into storage. Also, a simple organization system can help:
- Mop heads: Keep clean, dry mop heads together in a lidded bin to keep them dust-free.
- Buckets: Empty and dry them before storage and then stack them.
- Brooms: Store upright when practical. You can keep them in a repurposed 50-gallon barrel, handle first, to keep them together and out of the way.
- Brushes: Large metal baskets are a good place to store cleaning brushes where they can get airflow and dry completely after cleaning.
- Small tools: Keep them together in labeled plastic bins.
- Replacement parts: Use separate labeled bins that clearly identify what each part is for. Don’t just label the bin “replacement parts.”
How do you keep cleaning equipment from getting moldy in storage?
The best way to reduce the risk of mold is to store only clean and completely dry equipment. Empty water tanks, dry hoses, wash mop heads thoroughly, and allow wet-cleaning equipment to dry before covering or storing it.
Most importantly, don’t wrap damp equipment in plastic. A sealed covering can trap moisture against the equipment.
For equipment that has been exposed to significant moisture, give it plenty of time to dry before storage. Wipe it down or use a fan for drying if you’re in a hurry.
If an item already shows signs of mold or mildew, address the problem before putting it into a storage unit.
How should you organize cleaning equipment in a storage unit?
Organize cleaning equipment by putting frequently used items near the entrance, larger equipment along the sides or toward the back, and smaller tools and supplies on shelves.
A simple layout might look like this:
Front: Equipment used every day or every week.
Sides: Vacuums, carpet cleaners, floor machines, and other large equipment.
Shelves: Smaller tools, replacement parts, towels, and eligible supplies.
Back: Backup equipment and items used less frequently.
Leave a walkway through the unit. You don’t want an employee moving five buckets, two vacuums, and a floor machine just to reach one mop.
If multiple employees use the unit, keep the organization system simple and label shelves, bins, and equipment.
How do you store cleaning equipment to save space?
Save space by using vertical storage, disassembling removable components when practical, nesting compatible items, and keeping smaller tools in labeled containers. For example, buckets may be able to nest inside one another, while smaller cleaning tools can be grouped in bins.
Sturdy shelving can also make use of vertical space. Check the storage facility’s rules before bringing shelving or other equipment into the unit, and make sure any shelving can safely support what you place on it.
Don’t stack heavy equipment on top of fragile machines or create unstable piles simply to squeeze more items into the unit.
Can you store cleaning chemicals in a storage unit?
Whether you can store cleaning chemicals depends on the specific product and the storage facility’s rules. Many storage facilities prohibit hazardous, flammable, toxic, or otherwise restricted materials.
Before bringing cleaning products into a storage unit, check:
- The product label
- The manufacturer’s storage instructions
- Local requirements that may apply
- Public Storage’s current list of prohibited items
- Any additional rules for your specific facility
Don’t assume that a product is allowed simply because it is commonly used by cleaning businesses. If you’re unsure about a particular chemical or product, confirm that it is permitted before storing it.
What size storage unit does a cleaning business need?
The right storage unit size depends on the amount and dimensions of your cleaning equipment. A small cleaning business with a few vacuums and supplies may need considerably less space than a company storing multiple floor machines, cleaning carts, and backup equipment.
As a general guide:
| Storage unit size | Cleaning business equipment |
| 5′ x 5′ | Small equipment, tools, buckets, and supplies |
| 5′ x 10′ | Vacuums, cleaning carts, tools, and smaller equipment |
| 10′ x 10′ | Multiple vacuums, floor machines, carts, shelving, and supplies |
| 10′ x 15′ | Larger equipment inventory and equipment for multiple cleaning teams |
| 10′ x 20′ | Extensive equipment, backup machines, carts, and supplies |
These are general examples. Equipment dimensions vary, so measure large machines and consider how much room you’ll need to walk around them.
Frequently asked questions about storing cleaning business equipment
Can a cleaning business use a storage unit for equipment?
Yes. A cleaning business can use a storage unit for eligible equipment such as vacuums, carpet cleaners, floor machines, cleaning carts, mops, buckets, and tools. The specific items allowed depend on the storage facility’s rules.
How do you store cleaning equipment without it smelling?
It all comes down to cleanliness. Clean and dry equipment before storage, particularly anything that comes into contact with water, dirt, or cleaning products. Empty tanks, wash mop heads, dry hoses, and allow equipment to air-dry before covering it.
Can you store commercial cleaning machines in self-storage?
Commercial cleaning machines can generally be stored in self-storage when they meet the facility’s eligibility rules. Clean and dry machines before storage, protect them from dust, and make sure larger equipment is positioned securely.
How should a cleaning business store backup equipment?
Keep backup equipment clean, dry, labeled, and grouped together. Store it where it won’t be damaged by heavier equipment and keep an inventory so employees can quickly find a replacement machine when needed.
Where should cleaning equipment go in a storage unit?
Put frequently used equipment near the entrance, large machines along the sides or toward the back, and smaller tools and supplies on shelving or in labeled containers. Leave a clear walkway through the unit.
Is climate-controlled storage necessary for cleaning equipment?
Not necessarily. The need depends on the equipment, materials, storage duration, and local environment. Climate-controlled storage may be beneficial for equipment that is sensitive to temperature or humidity changes.
