Office cleaning checklist

How to keep your desk tidy

Be disciplined at your desk. Don't allow waste to build up. 

Use accessories such as desk and drawer organisers to properly store pens, scissors, post-it notes and so on. 

Keep surfaces clear, especially at the end of the day, so cleaning can be done. 

File away paperwork in filing cabinets. 

Wash up cups and plates.

Empty waste baskets under your desk every day. 

Dusting

Dust will accumulate in your office and, if you're not careful, it'll build up over time, lingering around your computer and wherever there's a flat surface.

Before vacuuming, surfaces should be thoroughly dusted on a regular basis. Office spaces can be more prone to dust, for example, if paper shredders are in use. Too much dust can aggravate, or even cause, allergies. 

Only dust clear surfaces. You'll be wasting your time trying to dust around paperwork and general clutter.

Dust from top to bottom so you naturally catch dust falling from higher places, e.g. high shelves as you work your way down.

Use a microfibre duster for the best possible results. These pick up dust really well and you can machine wash and air-dry them easily.

If there's a heavy build-up of dust, make sure you use a damp cloth or duster. This will pick up thicker layers of dust without scattering it far and wide.

Don't neglect ceiling fans, vents and light fittings. Although these may not need dusting as often as desks etc., they still need regular cleaning. 

Remember to clean door handles, light switches, window ledges and skirting boards. You can dust or vacuum these then wipe them down with a multi-purpose cleaner.

Pay attention to safety when dusting high places. Never stand on desks or chairs and always use suitable access equipment, e.g. step ladders.

For vents, use your brush vacuum attachment then wipe down the vent with a duster or cloth. You can get reusable, washable vent filters, which help to create a healthier environment.

Cleaning electronic equipment

All electronic equipment has vents for cooling and it's essential that these remain clean, unblocked and not covered by paper, etc.

Dust vents on electronic equipment as well as the equipment itself. You can also (carefully) use a vacuum attachment.

Use a damp cloth or commercial screen cleaner to clean a computer screen or TV but, first, turn off the equipment. 

Antistatic cleaners can protect against dust and are effective on audio and video equipment computer casings, faxes, phones, printers and TVs.

For keyboards, compressed air dusters are ideal but need to be used with care so the dust isn't pushed further into the device. 

Turn keyboards upside down and blast with compressed air between the keys. Alternatively, a mini vacuum cleaner will do the same job.

Wipe the keys with a clean, damp cloth or cotton swabs. Don't spray cleaning products directly onto the keyboard as this will cause the keys to stick. 

Vacuuming and mopping floors

After clearing rubbish, dusting and cleaning, it's time to vacuum. This not only removes dirt and loose particles but prolongs the life of office carpets and flooring.

Regular vacuuming increases the periods between essential carpet cleaning. The more foot traffic a carpet gets, the more vacuuming it needs. Therefore, vacuum areas in high use areas on a daily basis.

Vacuum thoroughly under desks, tables, chairs, waste bins and other easy-to-move items. 

Don't neglect room corners, skirting and behind doors. 

Use tools like the crevice attachment for detailed vacuuming in hard-to-reach areas.

For efficient vacuuming, start in one area and work around the room in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. 

Vacuuming before you mop will save you time and energy.

Mop hard floors with a specialist floor cleaner or a multi-purpose cleaner diluted in water according to instructions.

For hygiene reasons, use a dedicated bucket and mop for general areas such as corridors and keep these separate from the mop and bucket for your kitchen and those for your toilet areas.

Cleaning toilet areas

Mop toilet floors and empty bins daily. 

Wearing gloves, use a cloth and antibacterial cleaner to wipe down all surfaces, including sinks, toilet seats, flushes, cisterns and door handles. 

Always use a separate cloth and floor mop for toilet areas to those that you use for all other office areas.

Thoroughly clean toilets and urinals using your cloth and cleaner around the lip and entire toilet bowl. Use the toilet brush to scrub particularly stubborn areas.

Cleaning kitchen areas

Wearing gloves, wipe down all surfaces and clean the sink and taps using a cloth and antibacterial surface cleaner.

Wash up or load the dishwasher on a daily basis.

Clean inside and outside microwaves and fridges and other appliances.

Empty rubbish and wipe down the bin.

Don't forget to wipe light switches and skirting boards.

Vacuum and then mop the floor using your dedicated kitchen mop and bucket.

Written by London and Manchester-based cleaning company Cleanology