5-Step Locker Maintenance Guide

Keeping on top of locker maintenance can help keep lockers working as they should whilst preventing any costly replacements later down the line. 

Locker maintenance can be broken down into five main categories: cleaning, hardware, hinges, locks and aesthetics. If you keep on top of each of these factors, changing room lockers will stay in good working order for a long time. 

Here, we’ll take a detailed look at the work that needs to be carried out in each category, providing a comprehensive checklist for locker maintenance. 

How Often Should Locker Maintenance Be Done? 

Generally, locker maintenance should be carried out every 6 – 12 months. Annual maintenance is probably the most realistic for many establishments, but there are instances where lockers may benefit from more frequent attention. 

In high-traffic areas, such as schools or gyms, where lockers see very regular use, it may be necessary to perform maintenance every three to four months. In contrast, lockers in less frequently used areas, such as office buildings, may require less frequent maintenance, such as once a year. 

It's also essential to perform maintenance immediately if you notice any signs of damage, such as rust, corrosion, or loose parts, regardless of the regular maintenance schedule.  

Timely maintenance can prevent further damage and extend the lifespan of the locker. 

5 Steps of Locker Maintenance 

1. Cleaning

• Sweep out any large debris or dust from the locker. 
• Clean the inside and outside of the locker using a mild soap solution and a damp cloth. 
• Ensure lockers are thoroughly dried – use a dry cloth if necessary.  

Avoid the use of caustic cleaners or chemical disinfectants as these are likely to be too abrasive and damage the locker finish. 

2. Hardware Checks 

• Check all screws and tighten any loose hardware components on all parts of locker body. 
• Check the screws that hold the lockers to the wall. Replace any missing screws and tighten loose ones.  
• Check and tighten any screws on handle or lock.  
• Check door jambs (the vertical parts of the frame). If bent, use pliers to straighten out. 

3. Hinges 

• Lubricate all hinges with a lightweight machine oil. Anything too heavy may do more. harm than good and jam up the hinge. 
• Wipe off excess oil after lubrication. 
• Check that all screw hinges are tight. 

It’s worth lubricating the hinges during your regular maintenance check, whether they have been sticking or not. This will make sure they continue to work smoothly. 

4. Locks 

• Lubricate the locks to make sure the mechanism continues to work easily and that keys don’t get stuck. Use a dry lubricant for the inside of locks. 
• Check to see that any sliding catches or pivoting parts move. If the parts do not operate smoothly, lubricate them and see if this makes a difference. 
• If there is a structural problem preventing the catch from moving freely (e.g., dents or damage), it may need replacing.  

5. Aesthetics 

• Use this maintenance time to fix any chips or damage in the lockers’ paint. 
• Touch up any nicks and scratches – sand down the damaged areas to prime them for repainting. 
• Check for rust on all metal locker parts and remove with a fine emery cloth. 

Aesthetic maintenance is beneficial for preserving both the appearance of the lockers, and the locker’s structural integrity over time.  

Organising Replacement Parts 

If there are components that have broken, they may be beyond repair and require replacing. For the most part, regular maintenance will limit the frequency with which this is needed. 

Commercial Locker Specialists 

At Commercial Washrooms, we have been specialising in supplying lockers for over 20 years – in this time, we’ve learned a thing or two about keeping lockers maintained so they last as long as possible. 

We offer a wide selection of lockers to provide safe and convenient storage options for your facility, regardless of whether you are setting up an office, school, staff room, changing room or other area. Additionally, we carry a diverse range of changing room equipment. 

Browse our range of lockers, contact us for a quote, or call us on 01202 650900 to discuss your requirements.