Janitor Closet Sign - Metal Plaque on Wall


Cleaning teams literally work night and day to keep facilities clean and healthy for their building occupants. It's serious work that requires training, education, and attention to detail. But that doesn't mean there aren't moments that cause a person to stop and smile. 

In a recent industry poll, CleanLink asked readers to weigh in on what surprises (good, bad, crazy) managers or workers have encountered when opening the janitor's closet door. The results were quite comical. 

Here are some of the top responses when asked "What's the most surprising thing you've found inside a janitor's closet?"

One reader commented that they found "a worm farm in a tote." Obviously, the team member who owned the worms was asked to take the tote home. 

Another CleanLink member was taken aback when they opened the janitor's closet door in a Los Angeles public service building to find "two ladies sitting on a sofa, watching TV next to the toaster-oven, having a snack." As this was not during a designated break time, this member approached management with the inefficiency. They were told the women were "having a meeting."

It seems one janitor has a little fun with their building occupants by leaving rubber ducks of various sizes and colors on desks and in interesting places throughout the facility. The reader commented, "We love it! We've even joked with him about it. It's almost like getting a surprise gift." 

Rounding out the top four responses: One reader found "50 half rolls or less of paper towels on the shelves. The custodian was afraid that the towels would run out and occupants would complain." This would cause anyone to stop in their tracks, but it turned into a training moment. 

"I explained that I'd rather see the product completely run out. Waste is worse than hearing that we need paper in the restroom. Having nearly eight cases of wasted product sitting there not being used just in one closet was ridiculous. The custodian was also not aware that you can place the smaller rolls in the bottom of dispenser to have two sheets dispense at the same time."

Watch for future polls to voice your opinion.