Office Cleaning Tips for a Healthier and Happier Workplace

Nothing hits quite like walking into a clean office first thing in the morning. Desks are clear. The kitchen doesn’t smell weird. The whole place just feels better. But keeping it that way takes a little teamwork 

Whether you’ve got a professional cleaning service (hi, that’s us 👋), an internal team, or you're just trying to get people to stop nuking pasta in the microwave without covering it up, these tips will help you build a cleaner, calmer office that people actually want to show up to.

1. Start with a Cleaning Checklist (And Actually Use It)

We love a cleaning checklist. Why? Because it turns vague good intentions into clear cleaning tasks that are easy to follow and even easier to delegate. Having a list ensures things don’t get missed — like that crumb-covered keyboard or the mysterious odour wafting from the staff fridge.

At a minimum, your office cleaning checklist should include:

  • Daily bin runs

  • Desk and surface wipe-downs

  • Vacuuming (especially around desks and areas with carpet)

  • Bathroom cleaning (toilet, sink, mirror, bathroom floors, and soap dispenser)

  • Kitchenette cleaning (benches, microwave floors, sink)

  • Restocking cleaning supplies like paper towels and dish soap

If you're using a commercial cleaner, they’ll have their own version. If you're not, make one that works for your space (and make sure it doesn’t get ‘accidentally’ thrown away).

2. Declutter Often

Nothing slows you down like a desk covered in paper piles, old proposals, and a rogue banana. Decluttering helps people focus, makes cleaning easier, and creates a calm office environment. It also gives you an excuse to step away from your screen, which is always welcome. 

Try these:

  • Run a monthly ‘clear desk’ day.

  • Provide extra storage boxes, shelves, or drawers so your team can easily organise their stationary and knick knacks. 

  • Set up a filing system for shared documents, so important stuff doesn’t get buried.

Regularly cleaning clutter helps your cleaner out, too.

3. Don't Ignore the Break Room

The kitchen gets used all day. Which means it gets gross, fast. It’s also one of the first places visitors notice. No pressure.

A few break room must-dos:

  • Wipe benches, handles and appliances every day

  • Clean out the fridge monthly (label things or lose them)

  • Check the dishwasher and sinks for any rogue items left behind

If you’re keen to keep things hygienic between professional cleaning service visits, stick up some light-touch signage if you need to. Or just restock the sprays and cloths and let passive-aggressive glares do the rest.

4. Focus on Bathroom Hygiene

Everyone uses them. Which means they need attention. Bathrooms should be clean, stocked and smell neutral at worst. Bonus points if you can get a yummy smelling dispenser. 

What to keep on top of:

  • Toilets, taps, sinks and mirrors (daily)

  • Floors and tiles

  • Refill soap, paper towel and toilet paper

  • Bins and skirting boards

If anything breaks or runs out, fix it fast. A single empty soap dispenser can turn into a nightmare in your email inbox. Of course, a good commercial cleaning service can take care of all of this.

5. Make Cleaning Supplies Easy to Find

The easier it is to clean up a mess, the more likely someone actually will. Keep products where people can see and reach them, not hidden in some faraway cupboard. 

Stock up on:

  • Disinfectant wipes or sprays

  • Microfibre cloths

  • Glass cleaner

  • Surface sprays

  • Bin liners

  • Gloves and hand sanitiser

Where possible, go for refillable, biodegradable, and chemical-free products like Tersano SAO or Pleasant State. They work, they look good, and they’re better for your team and the planet.

6. Deep Clean Regularly

The big stuff needs cleaning too, like carpets, air vents, and touchpoints that never get a scrub unless someone’s sick or there’s a suspicious smell. That’s where a professional cleaning service makes a big difference.

Deep cleaning usually includes:

  • Steam or shampoo carpet cleaning

  • Window and glass partition cleaning (inside and out)

  • Cleaning the air vent and ceiling dusting

  • Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces (phones, keyboards, door handles)

  • Kitchen and bathroom detailing and floor cleaning

Book it in quarterly, then set a reminder, then actually do it. Or, get a commercial cleaning partner to plan these for you seasonally, so your workspace stays fresh year-round.

7. Don’t Forget the Little Things (and the Germs You Can’t See)

Not all germs hang out in obvious places. Keyboards, elevator buttons, light switches and phones can harbour a surprising amount of bacteria. Lots of viruses spread easily through these spots, so it’s important for your whole team’s health and wellbeing to keep these areas cleaned as regularly as possible.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Encourage regular handwashing

  • Provide disinfectant wipes for shared devices

  • Get your cleaners to rotate hidden touchpoints into their regular cleaning schedule

It takes two seconds to do, and could save you a whole lot of sick days.

If You’re Struggling, Call In the Pros

A clean workplace boosts morale, helps people focus, and makes the space feel like it’s actually cared for. And you don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Just start with a checklist, use the right gear, and get everyone on board.

And if you need backup? EarthWize is ready. We do chemical-free cleaning with ethical practices run by a team of good humans. Hit us up for a free quote.