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Cleaning Your Office Like a Pro: Key Supplies, Expert Tips & Checklists

Posted on by Emma Corder

Maintaining a clean and hygienic office is crucial for the productivity, health, and general well-being of employees and visitors. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporate office, keeping your space tidy reflects positively on your brand.  A clean workspace leaves a good impression on visitors and creates a comfortable, productive environment for employees.

How to Keep the Office Clean & Tidy

The office cleaning routine, like any other cleaning routine, can seem overwhelming at first. But if you have a plan of action and prepare in advance, even the biggest messes will seem less challenging. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential office cleaning tasks and recommend top-notch products to ensure your office is spotless and hygienic, from the reception area to the bathrooms and kitchens. These products have been carefully selected for their effectiveness, durability, and ease of use, making your cleaning routine as efficient as possible.

Table of Contents:

Gathering the Right Tools & Supplies

Gathering the right tools and supplies is crucial before diving into any office cleaning routine. Having the appropriate equipment on hand streamlines the cleaning process and ensures that every area of your office is cleaned effectively and efficiently. The right tools can help you tackle different surfaces and areas, ensuring that your office space is hygienic, welcoming, and professional. Here’s a quick summary of what you’ll need, we’ll provide product recommendations for specific use in various cleaning locations throughout this guide. 

  • Vacuum Cleaner: A reliable vacuum cleaner frees floors from dirt, dust, and debris. Choose one with multiple attachments to handle various surfaces, from carpets to hard floors.
  • Microfiber Cloths & Dusters: These are perfect for dusting and wiping down surfaces. They’re highly absorbent and trap dirt rather than spreading it around.
  • Mop & Cleaning Agents: A mopping system is essential for hard floors. Consider using a microfiber mop and mopping system for efficient cleaning.
  • Glass & Window Cleaner: To keep windows and glass surfaces streak-free, a quality glass cleaner is necessary.
  • Trash Bags & Bin Liners: Having the right size of trash bags and bin liners makes waste management more efficient and hygienic.
  • Disinfectants: These are great for quickly sanitising high-touch areas like door handles, keyboards, and phones.
  • Bathroom Equipment & Chemicals: These are a must for maintaining hygiene in office bathrooms.
  • Janitorial Trolley: A janitorial trolley is a handy addition to keep your cleaning supplies organised and easily accessible.

Cleaning General Office Space: General Working Space, Floors, Surfaces & Carpets

First, we’ll tackle cleaning the general office space. This includes floors, surfaces, and carpets in general working areas, even the desks of the messy workers (shudder). Keeping the general office area clean and tidy is key to office hygiene and creates a good first impression for everyone who walks through the door. Here’s how to get started.

Checklist

  1. Vacuum or sweep floors to remove dust, dirt, and debris
  2. Mop hard floors with an appropriate cleaning solution
  3. Dust and wipe down surfaces such as desks, tables, shelves, and countertops
  4. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like door handles, light switches, and office equipment
  5. Clean windows and glass surfaces
  6. Empty trash bins and replace liners
  7. Clean and sanitize shared equipment like photocopiers, printers or fax machines
  8. Spot clean any stains on carpets or upholstery
  9. Inspect for any maintenance issues and report them for repair
  10. Ensure the overall tidiness and organisation of the space

Frequency & Tips:

  • How often to clean: Deep thorough clean every other day. Touch up and tidy every day. 
  • Get staff to keep their own desks clean and tidy: Generally, people are quite particular about their personal space. Providing some multipurpose cleaner for desks, keyboards, and screens gives them access to keep their spaces clean and take pride in their workspace. 
  • Empty bins regularly: Regularly emptying trash bins prevents odours and maintains cleanliness. Ensure bins are sanitized with a disinfectant to prevent germ build-up. 
  • Keep an eye out for maintenance issues: Regular inspections help maintain the office’s condition and prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. 
  • Keep it tidy: A tidy office boosts morale and productivity, allowing employees to focus on their tasks.

Equipment & Cleaning Chemical Recommendations:

1. Vacuum Cleaner

  • Key features: reliability, ease of use, and superior filtration to ensure a cleaner and healthier office environment. 
  • We recommend Nilfisk VP300, Aero 21 & Attix 30: These vacuum cleaners efficiently remove dust and dirt from carpets and hard floors. Their powerful suction and filter systems ensure a thorough cleaning, making them perfect for busy office spaces.

2. Mopping System

  • Key features: Efficient for large office spaces, providing deep cleaning without leaving streaks or residue.
  • We recommend Filmop Twice Bucket Unit, Vileda Spray Pro Inox Express Set & Vileda Ultra Speed Pro System: These mopping systems offer versatility and efficiency. They allow you to clean large areas quickly and with minimal effort. Their ergonomic designs make them comfortable to use, reducing strain during prolonged cleaning sessions.

3. Dusting & Wiping

  • Key features: Gentle,  effective, ensuring surfaces are left clean and polished without damage
  • We recommended 3M Microfibre Cloths, Chicopee Lavette Range & Rubbermaid High-Performance Duster: These tools are perfect for dusting and wiping surfaces without scratching or leaving lint behind. The microfibre cloths are especially effective at trapping dust and dirt.

4. Disinfectant

  • Key features:  strong defence against harmful pathogens, ensuring a healthier workspace.
  • We recommendedProsan Q Disinfectant: This disinfectant is powerful against germs and bacteria, making it ideal for high-touch areas. For the best results, use it in conjunction with the microfibre cloths or Chicopee Lavette range.

5. Windows & Glass Cleaner

  • Key features: make window cleaning quick and easy, with a professional finish every time
  • We recommended Progen or Indushine with 3M Microfibre Cloths: These glass cleaners deliver a streak-free finish, leaving your windows and glass surfaces sparkling clean.

6. Stain Remover &  Upholstery Cleaner

  • Key features:  Deep cleaning, removing even the most ingrained dirt and stains
  • We recommended Viper CAR275, Viper CEX410 & Protex: These carpet cleaners are effective in removing stubborn stains, ensuring your carpets and upholstery remain fresh and presentable.

Commercial Bathroom Cleaning Checklist

Office bathrooms, with their frequent use and constant moisture, can easily become wet and damp, making them prime breeding grounds for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. The humid environment, combined with high foot traffic, means that germs can quickly spread, posing health risks to everyone who uses the facilities.

Toilets, in particular, require special attention. They are the epicentre of potential contamination, and without regular, thorough cleaning, they can harbour pathogens that lead to unpleasant odours and even illness. Ensuring that toilets are properly sanitised and that surfaces are kept dry is essential in maintaining a healthy and safe bathroom environment. Regular disinfection and attention to moisture control are key to preventing bacteria from flourishing and keeping your office bathroom fresh and hygienic.

Here’s how to keep your office bathrooms spotless, hygienic and odour-free.

Checklist

  1. Clean toilets, including seats, lids, and handles
  2. Clean sinks and faucets
  3. Wipe down mirrors and countertops
  4. Refill soap dispensers and replace hand towels or refill hand dryers
  5. Replenish toilet paper as needed
  6. Empty and deodorise trash bins 
  7. Sweep and mop floors, paying attention to corners and around fixtures
  8. Ensure adequate ventilation and report any maintenance issues

Frequency & Tips:

  • How often to clean:
    • The frequency of bathroom cleaning is entirely dependent on office size and how much traffic it gets. 
    • Small to Medium offices with low traffic: Once a day is sufficient, with a quick wipe down here and there. 
    • Increase to 2 to 10 cleans per day depending on staff complement and office size. 
  • General tips: Proper ventilation prevents moisture build-up, which can lead to mould and odours.

Equipment & Cleaning Chemical Recommendations:

1. Toilet Disinfectants & Cleaning

  • Key features: Effectively removes dirt and bacteria while being safe for regular use.
  • We recommended Indubowl, Prosan XP, Chicopee Lavette Cloths & Vileda Gloves: Indubowl is perfect for deep cleaning, while Prosan XP is ideal for regular maintenance. Use durable cloths and gloves to achieve a thorough clean.

2. Sinks & Faucets Disinfect

  • Key features: Powerful against germs yet gentle on surfaces, ensuring a clean and safe bathroom.
  • We recommended Prosan XP, Prosan Q & Sintol: These cleaners and disinfectants are excellent for maintaining hygiene in high-use areas like sinks and faucets.

3. Surface Wiping

  • Key features: Crystal-clear finish, perfect for maintaining the appearance of your office bathrooms.
  • We recommended Progen, Indushine & 3M Microfibre Cloths: These products leave mirrors and countertops shiny and streak-free.

4. Dispensers Refills

  • Key features: Designed for high-traffic areas, offering long-lasting and reliable service. Control paper usage and minimise waste.
  • We recommend:
    • Tork Foam Soap Dispenser, Tork Reflex Systems: These dispensers are efficient and easy to maintain, ensuring that soap and hand towels are always available.
    • Tork SmartOne System: Efficiently dispenses toilet paper with minimal waste, perfect for high-traffic areas.

5. Bins & Odour Control

  • Key features: Controlling odours, and ensuring your bathroom remains fresh
  • We recommend Probio for Odour Control: Use this in your bins to neutralize any unpleasant smells.

6. Sweeping & Mopping

  • Key features: These products are chosen for their effectiveness in maintaining clean and hygienic floors. The Filmop Twice Bucket Unit and Vileda systems offer ease of use and superior cleaning performance, while Prosan XP provides excellent cleaning results. Together, they ensure thorough floor care, addressing every corner and fixture for a pristine finish. 
  • We recommend:
    • Filmop Twice Bucket Unit: A versatile and efficient mopping system that makes cleaning large areas quick and easy.
    • Vileda Spray Pro Inox Express Set: Designed for ease of use and effectiveness, this spray mop system ensures even coverage and thorough cleaning.
    • Vileda Ultra Speed Pro System: This high-performance system is ideal for fast and efficient cleaning, suitable for large office spaces. 
    • Prosan XP: A powerful floor cleaning solution that tackles grime and leaves floors sparkling clean.

Office Kitchen/Kitchenette Cleaning

A clean kitchen is essential for employee health and safety. Here’s how to keep yours spotless:

Checklist

  1. Wash dishes and utensils, both manually and with a dishwasher
  2. Wipe down countertops and food preparation surfaces
  3. Clean microwaves, coffee makers, refrigerators and appliances
  4. Empty and clean the refrigerator regularly
  5. Clean and disinfect sinks and faucets
  6. Manage kitchen trash and waste
  7. Pay special attention to toasters and toaster ovens
  8. Sweep and mop floors, paying attention to spills and crumbs
  9. Check for any maintenance issues with appliances or plumbing and report them for repair

Frequency & Tips:

  • How often to clean:
    • Prevent unpleasant odours and spoiled food by regularly cleaning and organizing your refrigerator.
  • Empty bins and clean regularly to avoid unpleasant odours.

Equipment & Cleaning Chemical Recommendations:

1. Cleaning Dishes

  • Key features: Highly effective, leaving dishes spotless and free of harmful bacteria.
  • We recommend Diner Tap, Diner Wash & Diner Rinse: These products are excellent for manual and automatic dishwashing, ensuring dishes and utensils are clean and free of food residues.
    • For manual washing: Diner Tap
    • For automatic dishwashers:
      1. Diner Wash 
      2. Diner Rinse

2. Wipe Down Countertops & Surfaces

  • Key features:  These products are tough on grease and grime while being safe for daily use in food preparation areas.
  • We recommend Diner-bac, Sintol & the Lavette Range: These disinfectants are safe for food contact surfaces and are effective in keeping kitchen areas clean and sanitary.

3. Cleaning & Disinfecting Appliances, Sinks & Faucets

  • Key features: Gentle yet effective, making it ideal for maintaining clean and odour-free appliances. Disinfects and ensures a streak-free clean, maintaining high hygiene standards.
  • We recommend:
    • Diner Gen & Lavette Range: This cleaner is perfect for tackling built-up grime on appliances like microwaves and refrigerators. Its also works great on sinks and faucets.
    • Diner Grill works great for heavily soiled ovens &  grills.
    • Diner-bac or Sintol: Disinfects to kill germs and bacteria

4. Sweep & Mop Floors

  • Key features: These products ensure floors are thoroughly cleaned and deodorised, addressing spills and crumbs efficiently for a spotless finish.
  • We recommend:
    • Filmop Twice Bucket Unit: Ideal for efficient mopping with minimal effort. 
    • Diner Gen: Cleans and deodorises floors effectively.
    • Prolex: Provides additional cleaning power for tough stains.

Final Touches for a Professional Finish

  • Final Inspection and Organisation: Before wrapping up your cleaning routine, perform a final inspection to ensure everything is spotless and organized. A tidy office not only looks good but also boosts morale and productivity.
  • Ongoing Maintenance: Regularly maintaining your office cleanliness ensures a welcoming and healthy environment for all employees and visitors.
  • Eco-Friendly Options: If you’re looking to be more environmentally conscious, Industroclean offers a range of eco-friendly cleaning products that are just as effective as their traditional counterparts. Explore our Envirocare range here.

Follow the Checklist & Keep Your Office Clean & Hygienic

Maintaining a clean office is essential for creating a productive and healthy workspace. By following this cleaning checklist and using the recommended products, you can ensure your office is always in top shape. These products have been selected for their effectiveness, ease of use, and professional-grade quality, making them the perfect choice for any office cleaning routine.

If you need some help choosing the right cleaning equipment, tools or cleaning products for your office setup, get in touch with one of our experts here.

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Emma Corder