The Ultimate Deep Cleaning Checklist for Your Office (That You Can Totally Use at Home, Too)

Nobody actually looks forward to deep cleaning. Unless you’re the kind of person who owns a label maker and regularly says things like “does it spark joy?”. In which case, please seek help. 

For the rest of us, deep cleaning is less about joy and more about trying to remember which cupboard we threw the mop into. That’s where this practical and (dare we say it) very-satisfying-to-tick-off deep cleaning checklist comes in. 

Oh, and one thing before you start scrubbing. We recommend using chemical-free or natural cleaning products, and not just because they’ve got nicer labels. Harsh chemicals can mess with your skin, your lungs, and indoor air quality, not to mention harm the environment when they disappear down the drain. We’re also huge fans of buying in bulk or choosing concentrated refill options to reduce the use of single-use plastic. Our top pick is local legend Pleasant State, but there are plenty of alternatives you can pick up on your next shop.

Why Deep Cleaning is Actually
Worth Doing

Kitchen

Your Room-By-Room
Deep Cleaning Checklist

Sure, regular cleaning keeps things looking okay on the surface. But a deep clean clears away the build-up that everyday cleaning misses. Think: dust in vents, gunk in grout, and cookie crumbs in communal couch cushions.
Say that five times fast. 

A good deep clean can help reduce allergens, boost team morale, and even improve productivity (turns out it’s easier to focus when your keyboard isn’t sticky). It’s also a great time to reassess your office cleaning schedule and get back on track if things have slipped. Do it every couple of months and you’ll never panic-clean before a client meeting again.

We’ve broken this list into easy-to-tackle sections so you can go one space at a time, or divide and conquer with your team (snacks as bribes encouraged). You might even want to stick it on the staff noticeboard or fridge. Heck, why not print it out and leave it on the desk of that grimy office mate.
You know the one we’re talking about. 

Where most of the work happens, and also most of the biscuit crumbs. Deep cleaning here clears the physical (and mental) clutter.

  • Declutter desks and file away paperwork

  • Wipe down screens, keyboards, and electronics with a microfibre cloth

  • Dust shelves, indoor plants, and desk organisers

  • Disinfect drawer handles, light switches, and shared gear

  • Unplug cords and vacuum under desks

  • Wipe down chairs and clean upholstery if needed

  • Clean meeting room tables and tidy shared storage

  • Empty and clean bins (don’t just replace the bag)

Work Areas and Meeting Rooms

Often out of sight, often deeply neglected. These spots deserve love too.

  • Wipe down the washing machine or dryer if your office has one

  • Run a cleaning cycle or do a vinegar + baking soda rinse

  • Empty and clean the machine filter

  • Check dryer lint traps (and clear them out)

  • Declutter cleaning supplies — label what’s staying, toss what’s expired

  • Mop the floor and clean corners where dust likes to hang out

Utility and Cleaning Cupboards

The kitchen is where grime, grease, and crumbs tend to gather. And where leftovers sit forgotten. A deep clean here means getting behind and underneath things, and not just wiping visible surfaces.

  • Empty and wipe out the fridge and pantry with natural cleaning products, so there’s no risk of food contamination

  • Scrub the oven, stovetop, and rangehood filters (our top tip for rangehood filters: dissolve a dishwashing tablet into hot water, let the filters sit in it for 30 minutes,  and watch the grime magically disappear)

  • Degrease cupboard doors and handles

  • Disinfect countertops and the sink

  • Scrub your splashback

  • Mop floors and clean baseboard edges

  • Clean inside the microwave, toaster, kettle, and dishwasher (yes, inside)

  • Wash bins and compost caddies

  • Use baking soda to tackle any funky smells or stains

Bathrooms are hot spots for mould, soap scum, and bacteria, so you’ve got to get serious about scrubbing. 

  • Scrub tiles, showers (if you have them), and toilet areas

  • Clean and disinfect the inside, outside, and base of the toilet

  • Wipe mirrors and any glass surfaces with a squeegee

  • Clean the grout between tiles (a toothbrush is a good tool if you want to get between the tiles)

  • Wipe down any cabinets

  • Disinfect door handles and light switches

  • Mop floors and clean skirting boards 

  • Dust and clean the vent cover (warning: this will be grosser than you think)

  • Replace toilet brushes regularly

Bathroom

Lounge, Breakout, and Common Areas

The high traffic spots where quick chats and Friday arvo snacks happen. 

  • Vacuum under and behind couches and armchairs

  • Spot clean soft furnishings or wash cushion covers and throw blankets

  • Dust and clean light fixtures, lamp bases, and shelves

  • Wipe skirting boards and baseboards

  • Tidy bookcases and disinfect remote controls (if you’ve got a TV)

  • Mop floors or vacuum carpets using the right attachment

Some cleaning tasks don’t belong to any one area, but they’re usually the high-touch, often-ignored bits that make the biggest difference once they’re actually clean. 

  • Clean windows, sills, and blinds (inside and out if possible)

  • Mop all floors using the right product for your surface

  • Vacuum carpets and rugs, especially around edges and under desks

  • Disinfect high-touch points like light switches, railings, and lift buttons

  • Dust ceiling fans

  • Shake out or wash entry mats

Throughout the office

A few smart habits can keep your office looking fresh between the big scrubs. Here are a few tips to help keep things under control: 

  • Break it into chunks by setting aside 30 minutes each week, or rotate tasks between teams so it’s manageable and doesn’t land on one poor soul’s to-do list.

  • Create a monthly or quarterly cleaning schedule for different zones and pin it somewhere visible (next to the coffee machine usually works).

  • Use the right tools, like a decent mop, microfibre cloths, and quality (natural and chemical-free) cleaning products.

  • Label your supplies to keep things organised, easy to find, and reduce the chance of someone spraying disinfectant on the coffee machine.

  • Cleaning is everyone’s job, not just the office manager’s. Incentivise it with snacks, good music, or a little friendly competition. Whatever it takes to get people involved.

Cleaning Tips for Staying on Top of It

Ready to tackle your deep clean?

This deep cleaning checklist is a great way to reset your space, whether it’s your office, home, or both. And while it might take a little elbow grease, it’s worth it for the fresh feel.

And hey, if you’d rather hand over your office clean to someone else, we don’t blame you. Our team’s here to do the dirty work, always chemical-free, stress-free, and crumb-free.

Want a sparkling clean office without lifting a mop? Get in touch.