Post event cleanup is an inevitable part of hosting an event that you’ll want to make sure is executed well! With the proper preparation, this process can be super simple. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a thorough post-event cleanup checklist to make wrapping up your awesome event as easy as possible!

Benefits of a thorough cleaning checklist 

As with anything, having a solid plan of what you need to do beforehand makes getting those things done a whole lot easier. With a detailed checklist of all the cleaning duties to complete at the end of your event, you can easily delegate tasks to your event staff so everyone is on the same page. This adds a bit more structure to the cleaning process and saves people from wondering what they should be doing to help after your event day wraps up. You as the event creator also receive peace of mind knowing that no stone is left unturned when it comes to cleaning requests from the venue space.

Be sure to tailor your event cleaning checklist to your specific event venue to ensure all unique spaces are accounted for. You may even want to schedule a brief meeting with the venue’s coordinator to clarify these exact needs. This reduces the chances of potential garbage or damage fees from your venue and fosters your relationship with them to hopefully use the venue again for your future events! After the event, you’ll be confident you fully wrapped up the amazing experience you just curated, knowing that the cleanup is all taken care of.

Maintaining a clean environment is crucial for ensuring a welcoming and enjoyable experience for guests! Not only will your post event cleaning checklist help you after the event, but it will also help you keep tabs on what to maintain during the event. Your guests will appreciate your attention to detail in the long run!

Preparing for post-event cleaning

First things first, discuss post-event clean-up with your venue ahead of time. You may find out if the cost of your venue includes clean-up services, or they may have services you can add on for a fee. If not, ask what their expectations are when it comes to cleaning. In this conversation, you should ask if they have their own post-event checklist for you to follow. Otherwise, you’ll need to make one yourself based on your notes from them. Next, be sure to locate where the cleaning supplies are in the venue, and determine if there’s any additional cleaning supplies you’ll need to gather before event day. Is there a carpet? Will you need a vacuum? What types of surfaces are there? Wood or stainless steel? These are just a few factors you’ll want to consider when gathering the types of necessary cleaning supplies. 

Pro tip: store your supplies in a concealed yet easy-to-find place so your team can quickly retrieve them after your event. The sooner they can grab the supplies, the faster the cleaning process will be! Beforehand, discuss with your event staff who’s responsible for what during and after the event. Assign responsibilities like trash can duty or spill cleanup to distribute the tasks in a manageable way for your staff. Lastly, have a clear guideline for when post-event cleanup starts and ends, especially if the venue needs it done by a certain time.

During the event 

If your venue doesn’t include janitorial services, you’ll need to determine who on your event staff will be responsible for refilling paper towels, soap, and emptying trash cans among other related tasks. You’ll want to be sure to maintain the tidiness of the main event area as well. This is especially important for long events that span over a few days, like a festival. 

Post-event cleaning checklist 

Drum roll, please! Here is the cleanup checklist that’ll make your post-event cleaning a breeze! 

General areas

• Carefully take down any decorations or signage present.
• Remove and properly empty any trash or debris from the surroundings.
• Sweep or vacuum the floors thoroughly.
• Wipe down all surfaces and furniture.
• Conduct a thorough check for any damages in all spaces and address them.

Restrooms

• Sanitize toilets, sinks, and countertops with disinfectant (only if your venue doesn't already do this).
• Sweep the floors to remove dust and debris, paying attention to corners and under furniture.
• Empty trash cans and replace liners as needed.

Kitchen or food service areas

• Wipe down all appliances, countertops, and sinks using a disinfectant cleaner to remove any lingering germs or bacteria. 
• Dispose of any leftover food by sealing it in a waste bin or composting it.
• Sanitize all cooking equipment and utensils.

Outdoor areas

• Pick up any litter or debris. 
• Clean all outdoor furniture thoroughly. 
• Remove all decorations and signage.

Final walkthrough

• Walk through all areas of the venue to make sure everything is clean.
• Address any missed items or areas. 
• Return any checklist your venue may have provided you to fill out.

Event cleaning supplies checklist

Basic cleaning tools:

1. Brooms (both soft and hard bristles)

2. Dustpans

3. Mops (wet and dry)

4. Buckets

5. Squeegees

6. Scrub brushes

7. Feather dusters

8. Vacuum cleaner (with attachments for different surfaces)

9. Garbage cans and liners (various sizes)

Cleaning solutions:

1. Multi-surface cleaners

2. Glass cleaner

3. Disinfectant sprays or wipes

4. Floor cleaner (suitable for the type of flooring at the venue)

5. Stain remover (for fabrics and carpets)

6. Bleach or bleach-based cleaners (if necessary)

7. Eco-friendly cleaning alternatives

Waste management

1. Trash bags (regular and heavy-duty)

2. Recycling bins and bags

3. Compostable waste bags (if composting is part of your sustainable waste strategy)

Do your post-event cleaning like a pro!

Now, you're well on your way to having a super efficient post-event cleanup process. From preparation to execution, you’ve got what you need to succeed! Talk with your venue, gather necessary supplies, delegate tasks among your staff, and use our handy-dandy checklist to execute your post-event cleanup successfully!

Make sure you've got all the supplies for your post-event cleanup covered! Check out our FREE event cleaning checklist!