A clean office is more than just an aesthetic consideration; it's a crucial factor in creating a healthy, productive work environment. Research shows that a clean workspace can reduce sick days, boost morale, and increase overall productivity. In this article, we'll share ten essential office cleaning tips that can help you maintain a healthier workplace for your team.
1. Focus on High-Touch Surfaces
Door handles, light switches, lift buttons, stair railings, shared equipment like printers and kitchen appliances—these high-touch surfaces can harbour germs and should be cleaned and disinfected daily. In busy offices, consider cleaning these surfaces multiple times throughout the day, especially during cold and flu season.
Use a disinfectant that's effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, and make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding contact time (how long the surface needs to remain wet to effectively kill germs).
2. Don't Neglect Desk Hygiene
The average desk can harbour more bacteria than a toilet seat. Encourage employees to clean their desks regularly, including keyboards, mice, phones, and desk surfaces. Provide cleaning supplies like disinfectant wipes to make this easy.
A good practice is to implement a "clean desk policy" at the end of each workday, where employees clear their desks of clutter and wipe down surfaces. This not only promotes cleanliness but also enhances organisation and productivity.
3. Tackle Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can lead to health problems and decreased productivity. Regular HVAC maintenance, including changing filters and cleaning ducts, is essential. Additionally, consider adding air-purifying plants like peace lilies, spider plants, or snake plants to naturally improve air quality.
Opening windows periodically (weather permitting) can also help circulate fresh air, though this may need to be balanced with energy efficiency considerations in centrally heated or air-conditioned buildings.
4. Prioritise Restroom Cleanliness
Office restrooms require special attention. They should be cleaned and disinfected at least once a day, with more frequent cleaning in busy offices. Pay particular attention to toilet seats, flush handles, taps, and door handles.
Ensure soap dispensers, hand dryers or paper towel dispensers, and toilet paper holders are regularly checked and refilled. Installing touchless fixtures can also help reduce the spread of germs.
5. Don't Forget the Break Room
Office kitchens and break rooms can quickly become germ hotspots. Refrigerators should be cleaned out weekly, with old food discarded. Countertops, microwaves, coffee machines, and other shared appliances should be wiped down daily.
Implement a clear policy about washing dishes and not leaving them in the sink, and consider providing disposable cleaning wipes near common areas for easy wipe-downs after use.
6. Implement Proper Waste Management
Empty waste bins daily to prevent odours and pest infestations. Consider implementing recycling stations to encourage proper waste segregation. Providing clear guidelines on what can be recycled can help improve compliance.
For food waste in kitchen areas, use bins with lids to contain odours and deter pests. Regular cleaning of the bins themselves is also important to prevent bacteria growth and odours.
7. Address Carpet and Floor Maintenance
Carpets can trap dust, allergens, and pathogens. Regular vacuuming is essential, ideally with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Professional deep cleaning should be scheduled periodically, typically every 6-12 months depending on foot traffic.
Hard floors should be swept or dust-mopped daily and wet-mopped regularly. Consider using microfibre mops and cloths, which are more effective at trapping dust and germs than traditional cleaning tools.
8. Don't Overlook Often-Missed Areas
Some areas are frequently overlooked in regular cleaning routines. These include light fixtures, ceiling fans, window blinds, air vents, and areas behind furniture and equipment. Establish a schedule for addressing these often-missed areas to prevent dust accumulation and maintain air quality.
Door frames, baseboards, and corners are other areas that tend to collect dust and should be included in periodic deep-cleaning sessions.
9. Create a Comprehensive Cleaning Schedule
A well-structured cleaning schedule is vital for maintaining cleanliness consistently. This should include daily tasks (emptying bins, wiping surfaces), weekly tasks (thorough vacuuming, refrigerator cleaning), and monthly or quarterly tasks (deep cleaning carpets, cleaning windows).
Assign responsibilities clearly if you're managing an in-house cleaning team, or establish explicit expectations with your professional cleaning service. Regular audits can help ensure standards are being maintained.
10. Consider Professional Cleaning Services
While daily maintenance can be handled internally, professional cleaning services bring expertise, proper equipment, and thorough techniques that can achieve a deeper level of cleanliness. They can also help establish effective cleaning protocols tailored to your specific workplace.
Professional cleaners are trained to use appropriate products for different surfaces and are knowledgeable about safety protocols and environmentally friendly cleaning methods. Investing in professional services can often be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house cleaning team, particularly for specialised tasks.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean office environment is an investment in your employees' health and productivity. By implementing these ten essential cleaning tips, you can create a workspace that not only looks professional but also promotes wellbeing and efficiency.
Remember that consistency is key—establishing regular cleaning routines and clear expectations will help ensure that your office remains clean and healthy year-round. Whether you manage cleaning in-house or partner with professional cleaners like ResiSquadr, prioritising cleanliness is a business decision that pays dividends in reduced absenteeism and enhanced workplace satisfaction.
Need professional help with your office cleaning? Contact ResiSquadr today for a customised cleaning solution tailored to your business needs.