What you Need for the Perfect Office Cleaning Schedule

Why do organisations draw up a cleaning schedule? Well, when we approach any professional project, most of us would take a similar approach. We’d break down a target into smaller, more manageable sub-projects. Office cleaning is no different, and this is the function that a cleaning schedule fulfils. You may be a small business looking to divide office cleaning tasks between team members, or want to provide a framework for a professional cleaning quote. Your cleaning schedule, or checklist, ensures that nothing gets overlooked.
Why Keep on Top of Office Cleaning?
But why worry about cleaning tasks getting overlooked? Surely there are more important things to be getting on with! It may feel like this in the middle of a busy working day. However, take a step back and consider the benefits of a clean and well-structured working environment. Employees enjoy better health and wellbeing and are likely to be far more productive. Systems and equipment will work better and for longer when not in disarray or clogged with grime. When your office receives visitors, a clean and well-ordered space will help to create a great impression. Remember that regular cleaning is an incremental benefit. So your planning schedule is a vital piece of kit.
Cleaning Zones
So, where do you need to clean? Begin by breaking down your office space into areas. This is a great way to focus your cleaning tasks to ensure that nothing gets missed.
Reception and Foyer
Clearly, reception and foyer areas must be cleaned regularly in order to present a fresh and professional image to visiting clients.
Individual Office Rooms
It can be easy to close the door on private offices, however, these rooms should be cleaned alongside open plan areas.
Open Plan Office Space
Consider the extent of your regular cleaning here. Some businesses prefer a basic wipedown, others clear desks daily of any mugs or crockery.
Bathrooms
Nightly bathroom cleaning is advised. This is the main working area which receives the most complaints from employees when surveyed.
Kitchens
As a shared space, an office kitchen can very quickly spiral into chaos. Unless your rota is extremely strict, don’t forget to include this on professional schedules.
Breakout or Social Areas
These areas are both informal meeting spaces and social eating zones. So it’s important to keep them hygienic to maintain office wellbeing.
Meeting Rooms
Remember, these areas are the second most prominent spaces for visiting clients, so it’s vital that you keep them looking professional and pristine.
Business Variation
Of course, every business is unique. Even two offices in the same industry can have very different cleaning schedule requirements. Offices vary in size, working pattern, habits, culture and footfall. So what are the elements of your business that you should consider?
Size
The most informative factor for your cleaning schedule is the size of your organisation. Large businesses who cover multiple floors of an office building will tend to generate a greater demand on their cleaning schedule than a small team of five.
Seasonality
Is there a regular ebb and flow to your business? Some industries turn to tumbleweed over the Summer months. Others find this their most hectic season. Factoring this in will help to structure your annual cleaning schedule.
Hours
How about working hours? Of course, cleaning contractors tend to come in when your working day is over. So does your business follow unusual working hours? Perhaps you deal with different time zones which will affect when you schedule your cleaning.
Waste
How much waste does your organisation generate? Consider the recycling, general waste and bathroom waste of the business. This waste needs to be removed both regularly and ethically.
Events
How event-based is your business? These may be regular employee social events, or hosting clients within the office. Clearly, these occasional changes in the office schedule will have an impact on your cleaning requirements, so plan ahead.
Mission
How can your cleaning schedule support your organisation’s mission statement? Have you pledged responsibilities in sustainability, conservation or waste reduction? By planning your cleaning schedule with your contractor, you can ensure these points are met.
Essential Checklist
What about the gritty reality of daily, weekly and monthly tasks? Different though organisations are, many cleaning schedule tasks are common to most offices. You may simply alter the frequency that they are required.
DAILY
Office and Reception Area:
Clear mugs from desks
Vacuum all floors (including staircases if relevant)
Wipe down desks and keyboards
Empty waste bins and replace bin bags
Wipe clean door handles
Bathrooms:
Mop and disinfect floors
Clean toilet bowls and sinks
Sanitise toilet seats, cisterns and toilet bowl exterior
Replenish toilet roll
Wipe clean mirrors
Kitchen area:
Wipe down kitchen appliances
Wash up crockery and put away
Wipe down sink and draining board
Empty bins and replace bin bags
Vacuum and mop floors
WEEKLY
Spot clean any marks on walls
Remove any cobwebs
Clean client-facing windows
Polish glass, mirrors and reflective surfaces
Polish smears from hardwood surfaces, floors, and conference tables
Remove out of date food from refrigerator
Refill any utilities such as kitchen towels, hand wash and washing up liquid
MONTHLY
Vacuum fabric chairs and upholstery
Check and clean air vents
Polish and maintain hard floors
Clean inside of refrigerator
OCCASIONAL
Deep clean carpets
Deep clean IT equipment
Maintain and re-seal flooring
Clean windows of whole building
Your office is a happier, healthier and more productive place when a good cleaning schedule is in place. If you would like to work with CJH Cleaning to come up with your ideal schedule, just get in touch.