How to Create a Proper Office Cleaning Checklist

No matter which line of business you’re in, keeping your corporate offices neat and clean is non-negotiable. Most entrepreneurs understand the importance of a tidy and inviting office space in impressing potential partners and showcasing the company’s commitment to its employee’s safety and comfort. However, more and more businessmen and facility managers are starting to pay attention to the role a decluttered and clean office can play in the reduction of workdays lost and increased productivity.

In today’s article, we partner with the leading commercial cleaners to outline a comprehensive office cleaning checklist to help you ensure that your HQ stays shiny and decluttered, operating efficiently and smoothly even during the busiest time of year.

What should an office cleaning checklist include?

While small offices can get away with two cleaning visits per week, most businesses will need daily commercial cleaning appointments to keep their working areas crisp. To this end, we’ve compiled a detailed checklist that covers all the major areas found in typical office buildings across the country. If there’s an item missing on our checklist, feel free to discuss it with your cleaning company and ask them to add it to their usual routine.

The reception, foyer & waiting areas

The reception space is the first thing that people see and interact with when they come to your workplace. For this reason, their cleanliness plays a key role in the first impression people get when they walk into your office space.

• Wipe and polish lighting fixtures, seating arrangements, and décor
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like switches, handles, and counters
• Clean the furniture and seating areas
• Empty the trash and wipe the cans clean.

Flooring

Floors are usually the dirtiest part of any office space and as such they require daily care. Make sure that your commercial cleaners of choice have the experience, tools, and delicate touch needed to tackle various types of flooring in your office.

• All carpets need daily vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning to preserve their shine and longevity.
• Hard floors should be swept and wet mopped daily and polished periodically with appropriate solutions.

Hallways & transit areas

Hallways, elevators, lobbies, staircases, and break rooms see heavy footfall every day and need a lot of attention to stay hygienic and look fresh around the clock.

• Make sure that these areas stay clutter-free at all times to avoid congestion and ensure safe passage
• Slips, trips, and falls are the most common causes of workplace injuries so keeping hallways and other transit areas is key to avoiding costly litigation.

Offices & workstations

As the centerpiece of an office building, this is where employees spend most of their time during the day. Maintaining the cleanliness of these areas is about more than just keeping appearances; it’s about reducing the spread of germs, ensuring that the workstations stay clutter-free, and providing comfort for the employees so they can perform to the best of their abilities.

• Disinfect, keyboards, light switches, mouse devices, and phone receivers.
• Wipe computer screens, TVs, tables, countertops, office chairs, and any other furniture pieces found in the offices
• Dust shelves, lamps, décor, office equipment, and the appliances
• Sweep, vacuum, and wet mop the floors depending on the material
• Empty the trash and replace the liners

Restrooms

If left unkempt, restrooms can quickly turn into contagion hotspots due to their heavy use and humidity. In most workplaces, they need daily maintenance to avoid the build-up of germs and bacteria.

• Disinfect high-touch surfaces like door and flush handles, faucets, and light switches 
• Clean the countertops, sinks, stall partitions, and mirrors
• Sanitize sinks, urinals, and toilets
• Wet mop the flooring with a touch of disinfectant solution
• Take care of the trash and refill the soap, toilet paper, wet wipes, and paper towels

Break room & the kitchen

Kitchens and break rooms are high-traffic areas that play an important role in the everyday functioning of the office. It’s where people make their coffee and take their meals. Both of these areas are particularly vulnerable to the spread of microorganisms due to food preparation and storage. 

• Clean all appliances including, air fryers, microwaves, coffee makers, refrigerators, ovens, kettles, blenders, and toasters
• Disinfect the sink and faucet
• Wipe the shelves and outside of cabinets
• Sweep, vacuum, and wet mop the flooring
• Restock the supplies including, dish and hand soap, sponges, dishcloths, and paper towels

Remember, while elbow grease and attention to detail are important, establishing a regular schedule of commercial cleaning services is the best way to ensure that your offices get the attention they need. Keeping a pleasant, welcoming, and comfortable atmosphere in the office is important in ensuring not only workplace safety and avoiding hefty fines but also boosting your bottom line and protecting your brand image.

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash