Keeping your office clean and organized is no easy feat. After all, it can be difficult to keep up with the ever-growing list of items that need to be cleaned and put away. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide on the 12 most important office cleaning rules! So sharpen those dusters and roll up those sleeves – we’re about to make your workspace sparkle!
Contents
Clean as You Go
Clean as You Go is a foundational rule for workplace cleanliness. Meaning that when you make a mess, go ahead and clean it up right away instead of waiting until the end of the day or week. Clean that spill on your desk before you settle down to work, and make sure all surfaces are wiped down after use. Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher, take out the trash, and be sure to keep shared spaces such as break rooms tidy at all times.
By cleaning up after yourself while also taking other people’s needs into consideration, everyone can maintain a comfortable, organized space free of health hazards and distractions.
Establish a Cleaning Schedule
Keeping an office clean is an essential part of a healthy and productive work environment. To make sure the job gets done, it is important to establish a schedule and make sure everyone involved follows the specific guidelines you set. Here are 12 key rules for setting up an effective and efficient cleaning schedule for your office:
- Assign specific tasks to different staff members or teams, making sure to delegate fairly.
- Determine what materials, supplies, and equipment are needed for each cleaning task.
- Set appropriate deadlines for completing each task and plan ahead accordingly.
- Check that all cleaning products being used in the office meet safety standards, including non-toxic formulas (avoiding harsh chemical cleaners).
- Dispose of waste according to regulations as soon as possible after its generation (this applies both inside and outside of the office).
- Make sure all carpets, upholstery, and other porous materials are vacuumed or cleaned regularly to keep dust mites from accumulating – this will also help prevent allergic reactions from employees or visitors in the space.
- Establish a policy that requires all food crumbs to be cleared from common areas immediately after use by users of those areas (e.g. snacks brought in from home).
- Ensure that any windows or surfaces outside of the building are cleaned on a regular basis to avoid dirt buildup.
- Instruct personnel on how to properly sanitize their workspaces each shift, paying special attention to commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, phones, printers, etc.
- Make sure that any spills or accidents in the workplace are cleaned up quickly using appropriate cleaning solutions right away (depending on what was spilled).
- Ensure that high-traffic areas such as bathrooms are disinfected several times per week, while low-traffic areas can get away with being disinfected once per month.
- Periodically check with staff members who must interact directly with customers regarding their comfort level when it comes to cleanliness – you may need longer cleaning intervals if staff feels uncomfortable working in crumbs/dirt during their shift.
Keep High-traffic Areas Clean and Tidy
High-traffic areas such as reception and public restrooms should be cleaned more frequently. In reception areas, daily dusting and vacuuming is recommended to keep the area looking neat and tidy. Any spills or spots should also be addressed immediately for safety reasons.
When cleaning high-traffic restroom areas, frequent mopping of floors is advised to remove dirt, germs, and any accidental spills that might occur. Be sure to pay extra attention to toilet seats and the tops of Urinal troughs as these are a hotbed for bacteria growth. All surfaces in the restroom should be wiped down with disinfectant at least once daily to eliminate germs and odors which can build up over time.
Other areas such as lobbies, stairwells, elevators, hallways, printers, and copiers should also be given extra attention when cleaning office space. A weekly deep clean of all common areas can help maintain a clean office environment while reducing the number of bacteria transferred between employees or visitors on a daily basis.
Use Appropriate Cleaning Products
Using the right cleaning products for each job is essential to maintaining a safe, well-organized office space. Pay attention to the types of surfaces you’re working with— certain products can be abrasive and cause further damage. For example, when polishing wood surfaces, avoid oil-based products that can leave a residue build-up over time. Use lukewarm water and pH-neutral cleaners for laminate, acrylics, linoleum, vinyl tiles, and glass surfaces. Disinfecting spray should be used for keyboards and other equipment that come in contact with hands regularly. Consider using grease-cutting cleaners or wax remover on kitchen surfaces.
Lastly, always read the labels of cleaning supplies before using them as they may contain hazardous chemicals like ammonia or bleach which should only be used in well-ventilated areas and with protective gloves or eyewear. If you’re not sure which cleaning products to use or how to use them safely, it’s a good idea to enlist the help of cleaning specialists who have the experience and knowledge to properly clean and maintain your office space. They will know what products are safe to use on different surfaces, and how to use them without causing damage or putting anyone at risk.
Disinfect Frequently
In order to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria, it is essential to disinfect commonly used surfaces on a regular basis. This includes high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, handles, light switches, computer keyboards, and other electronic equipment. Disinfecting wipes or solutions should be used with due care according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
As these areas are frequently touched, dirt and debris can quickly build up which can spread bacteria throughout the office. All staff members should use disinfectant wipes before leaving their desks for lunch breaks and in-between meetings. In addition, common areas such as kitchens and bathrooms need to be cleaned more often as there is a greater risk of contamination. Cleaners should wipe surfaces daily with disinfectants in order to reduce the transmission of harmful viruses and bacteria that could cause illness in employees and visitors alike.
Keep the Kitchen Clean
An important rule of office cleaning is maintaining a sanitary kitchen area. The kitchen serves as a breakroom where many employees gather, so it’s important to keep it in top condition at all times. Here are some simple tips to keep the kitchen clean:
- Wash dishes promptly and stack them in the designated areas. Keep dish towels and sponges clean and germ-free by washing and replacing them regularly.
- Wipe down all countertops, appliances, sink and faucet with a strong disinfectant every day. Make sure to use paper towels that can be disposed of immediately.
- Empty trash cans daily and replace liners as needed – trash cans are breeding grounds for bacteria and odors so they must be kept clean!
- Sweep kitchen floors prior to mopping if applicable, paying close attention to corners where dirt tends to accumulate first. Use an appropriate cleaner for your specific flooring type or you might risk damaging it over time.
- Mop all hard surfaces with hot water or dedicated floor cleaner as needed; don’t forget edges around baseboards! Also make sure to work your way backward so debris doesn’t come in contact with freshly-cleaned surfaces on your way out.
Keep the Bathroom Clean
The bathroom is consistently one of the top-priority areas when it comes to cleaning. It’s important to ensure that it is well maintained and organized, especially in an office setting. Good bathroom hygiene is essential for workers and can reduce the spread of germs, illnesses, and other issues in the workplace.
To keep your office restroom clean:
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces regularly using disinfecting wipes or spray.
- Disinfect fixtures such as toilets, sinks, door handles, paper towel dispensers and other items often touched by multiple people throughout the day.
- Ensure that garbage bins are emptied regularly to avoid overflows.
- Stock toilet paper rolls, paper towels, soap and hand sanitizer dispensers with fresh supplies as needed. Remember to check expiry dates!
- Clean all mirrors and chrome surfaces with glass cleaner for a streak-free finish.
- Sweep or mop tiled floors daily once they’ve been disinfected.
- Keep air fresheners stocked up in order to eliminate odors quickly when needed.
- Correct temperature controls are essential—maintain comfort levels with heaters or fans as appropriate throughout the year.
Maintain Organization and Cleanliness of Common Areas
It is essential to maintain the cleanliness and organization of common areas. This includes the hallways, lobbies, and restrooms in the office space. To ensure that these areas are kept in a neat and presentable state, employ effective cleaning practices and designate these key tasks to staff members on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis:
- Empty garbage cans at least once a day or as needed.
- Sanitize restrooms frequently with disinfectant cleaner for toilets and sinks.
- Sweep/mop floor surfaces every day or regularly scheduled basis.
- Dust furniture, walls, doors, and baseboards with appropriate cleaning products.
- Clean windows and mirrors periodically or as needed.
- Vacuum any carpets in common areas regularly to prevent stains or odors from setting in.
- Sanitize telephones and computer equipment with approved cleaning products to eliminate bacteria/germs that accumulate regularly on such surfaces.
- Wash all reception area seating frequently (e.g., desk chairs).
- Remove shoe marks off floors near entrance areas by mopping/scrubbing regularly; avoid using wax polishes until regular maintenance is established firstly through periodic washing/scrubbing process(es).
- Polish doors (interior/exterior) four times a year using non-silicone oil-based spray paint cans while holding can at least six inches away from the door surface when spraying; wipe paint away immediately after spraying by performing downward strokes with dry cloth materials in order to avoid any streaks setting in on polished surfaces; allow paint twenty minutes drying time before application of silicon oil based spray polish cans which should also be hold six inches away from door surface upon initial spraying process(es).
- Spot clean windowsills twice per week by wiping off dirt buildup with wet cloth material(s); windowpanes should be washed four times per year using non ammonia based glass cleaner liquids while taking caution not to scratch glass surfaces while cleaning as well as applying even sprays among windowsill edges during spraying processes(es).
Clean and Maintain Equipment and Appliances
It is the responsibility of all office staff to maintain clean and functioning equipment and appliances, including computers, coffee makers, telephones, microwaves, printers, photocopiers, and fax machines. Cleaning should be done regularly in order to avoid any potential health risks or contamination.
Common cleaning practices may include:
- Dust surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt particles.
- Vacuuming upholstery on furniture.
- Wiping down kitchen surfaces such as countertops and cooling racks.
- Sanitizing bathrooms with a disinfectant cleaner.
- Cleaning computer keyboards with a soft cloth or special keyboard cleaner spray.
- Washing coffee cups in hot water before reuse.
- Emptying the garbage bins at regular intervals and refilling recycling bins.
- Using protective gloves when handling trash to avoid contact with any contaminated items.
It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for servicing parts or machinery that require additional care.
Finally, it is also important to properly store all equipment when not in use so that it is protected from damage or dehydration from direct sunlight or excessive heat/cold. If present on-site, make sure to check hazardous chemicals for safety information before using them for office cleaning needs. By taking measures to keep the workspace tidy, safe and pleasant for all staff will create an organized environment where everyone can work effectively.
Implement a Recycling Program
Implementing a recycling program at your office can help reduce clutter, save on waste disposal costs, and can support green initiatives. Depending on the size of your office and the type of waste being recycled, this task may require either an internal or external resource.
- An internal resource would involve hiring a staff member who could manage and maintain the program as needed.
- An external resource may include working with a service provider who specializes in collecting large volumes of recoverable waste materials such as plastic bottles, paper products, cardboard boxes, aluminum cans, glass containers, and more.
Recycling programs can be implemented on a variety of scales to accommodate the physical layout of your office space and the amount of material available to recycle. Options include:
- Recycling bins placed in key areas
- Centralized collection containers sorted for specific items are located in one set area for easy access by all employees.
Make sure that bins are clearly marked for specific recyclables to ensure that everything is being properly sorted into the correct containers so there is no ambiguity with what is accepted as recyclable material in your office building. Educate employees on proper sorting techniques and be sure to keep collecting containers clean with regular cleaning by staff or via an outside service provider.
Regularly Empty Trash Cans
Regular removal of trash and litter from office areas is essential for keeping the office tidy. Trash cans must be emptied on a daily basis in order to prevent dirt buildup, strong odors, pest infestations, and health hazards. Depending on the amount of waste produced in your office, it may be necessary to empty the trash cans multiple times per day. Prioritize desks and communal areas, as these are more heavily trafficked locations with greater potential for messes caused by employees or visitors.
It is also important to separate recyclable materials such as bottles, cans, and paper products from regular trash where available. Different colored bins are often provided to aid in sorting out items that can be reused or recycled rather than sent directly to an incinerator or landfill, significantly reducing total waste output.
Address Spills and Stains Immediately
One of the most important office cleaning rules is to address spills and stains as soon as possible. This applies to both everyday messes like coffee spills or food crumbs as well as unexpected accidents such as broken glass or ink leakage. Allowing spills to sit can cause permanent staining and damage, while also presenting a safety hazard to employees and guests.
Depending on the type of mess, there are different methods for cleaning it up efficiently. Use paper towels or old rags for small liquid messes, vacuums for larger dry messes such as food crumbs and dust, damp mops for more substantial wet messes, and a combination of sponges and cleaners designed specifically for the stain in question for tough-to-manage stains such as ink or grease. Be sure to use gloves when lifting heavy objects and consult safety data sheets from chemical manufacturers before using strong industrial cleaners. It’s also important to know where your fire extinguishers are located in order to handle any potential fires caused by cleaning products igniting.
Finally, always inspect your work area thoroughly after you clean up a spill or stain; sometimes stubborn spots lurk beneath carpeting or under furniture that needs addressing right away before they can worsen into larger problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important office cleaning rules?
The 12 most important office cleaning rules are:
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces;
- Make sure everyone washes their hands often;
- Clean up spills immediately;
- Avoid cross-contamination;
- Use different cleaning cloths for different surfaces;
- Clean from top to bottom;
- Vacuum carpets and rugs regularly;
- Dust regularly;
- Empty and clean waste bins regularly;
- Dispose of waste properly;
- Air out the office periodically;
- Keep the office clutter-free.
How often should I dust the office?
The office should be dusted regularly, at least once a week.
How often should I empty and clean the waste bins?
The waste bins should be emptied and cleaned regularly, at least once a week.
Conclusion
These twelve office cleaning rules will help ensure your office environment remains clean and safe for employees and customers alike. To continue the safety of those in your space, it is essential to regularly clean shared spaces and common areas, as well as to remind staff members of the importance of regular handwashing.
- Maintain organizational eating and drinking regulations.
- Proper restroom cleaning and maintenance.
- Provide safe sanitation procedures for all supplies used in the workplace.
- Create a detailed plan of action for responding to spillage or waste disposal needs.
These steps will help keep your business up-to-date with CDC rules and regulations while also protecting employee health.
Finally, creating a detailed plan of action for responding to spillage or waste disposal needs will further keep your workplace environment both hygienic and safe.