Most commercial cleaning companies use checklists. They are an excellent way to ensure nothing is missed and provide a physical confirmation that a task has been completed.
There is also an element of responsibility in a checklist, which is another reason to like them. It also gives reassurance to your staff too.
Staff can check off items as they go and a supervisor can then inspect afterwards to help maintain standards on their ad hoc visit to the site.
It’s a win for everyone, especially the client!
Office kitchen cleaning
Now more than ever, offices need to be hygienically clean. Cleanliness has always been a requirement for a healthy workforce, but now, the emphasis on hygiene is higher than ever.
In an area where staff congregate and prepare food or drink, cleaning is even more important. Surfaces, crockery, cutlery, cups and anything else staff use all need to be cleaned regularly.
Not only does it improve the health of staff, a clean office also has psychological and motivational benefits too.
Kitchen cleaning checklist
We’re going to outline a basic office kitchen cleaning checklist. It won’t cover everything, for every type of kitchen but it should give you an idea of what’s involved.
As not all tasks will need to be performed daily, we’ll also have a daily checklist and a weekly checklist, so everything is covered.
Daily kitchen cleaning checklist
Tasks that should be performed daily, or more than once per day include:
- Surfaces and floors
- Sinks and taps
- Mugs, plates and cutlery
- Bins and paper towels
- Dishwasher and appliances
- Kettle or coffee machine
- Microwaves
Surfaces and floors
All surfaces need to be cleared of dirty items and wiped down. A clean with your cleaning product with virucidal protection should come first to remove dirt and stains. Your daytime cleaner could do this for you.
We would recommend using an environmentally friendly virucidal spray wherever possible.
Floors should also be cleared of debris and cleaned. Use a mop or vacuum depending on the surface.
If the floor can be mopped, use your favourite cleaning solution. Make sure all corners and awkward areas are cleaned as well as the high traffic areas!
Finally, door handles, drawer handles and all high touch points should be cleaned with antibacterial solution once you’re finished in the kitchen.
Sinks and taps
Sinks and taps should be wiped down regularly. Wipe down with your cleaning product with anitibac or virucidal properties.
It would be best if this could be done regularly throughout the day but should definitely be performed at least once per day by your cleaning team.
Mugs, plates and cutlery
All dirty mugs, plates and cutlery will need to be cleaned. Staff can often be depended on to clean up after themselves, but we all know not everyone can be.
If the office kitchen has a dishwasher, use that as the water is hotter and you can be doing other things while it’s running.
Otherwise, wash everything with your cleaning product and rinse.
Bins and paper towels
Bins should be emptied daily to avoid overfilling and bad odours. If there is a paper towel machine in the kitchen, that should be refilled if required.
Both should then be wiped down using antibacterial solution once filled or the bin liner has been replaced.
Refrigerator
If the office kitchen has a refrigerator, wipe it down thoroughly inside and out and ensure any milk or food is in date and safe. This is usually a weekly task for your daily cleaning team.
Dishwasher and appliances
If the office kitchen has a dishwasher and you have washed the mugs, plates and cutlery, the dishwasher itself should be run through a cleaning cycle and the outside surfaces wiped down with your antibacterial solution.
If the kitchen has a cooker or microwave, they should also be thoroughly cleaned every day. Clean all food debris and wipe down so they are ready for use.
Kettle or coffee machine
Any kettles or coffee machines should be turned off, emptied and cleaned ready for use.
The exact cleaning method depends on the type of kettle or coffee machine, but at the very least, empty old water, remove old filters and ensure they are ready for the day.
Finally, wipe down with your antibacterial solution.
Weekly office cleaning checklist
Weekly cleaning tasks may include those tasks that are too time consuming for everyday cleaning or are otherwise unnecessary.
That includes:
- Checking cupboards and fridges for old food
- Wiping down window sills, windows and skirting boards
- Sanitise high traffic areas
- Clean appliances
Checking cupboards and fridges for old food
Many offices will manage their own cupboards and refrigerators but sometimes you have to manage it for them.
Check all the contents of cupboards and fridges for old food, old milk and make sure everything is still in date.
Wipe down shelves, door drawers and all surfaces including handles.
Wiping down window sills, windows and skirting boards
Wiping down window sills, windows and skirting boards is a cautionary process for most office kitchens but it’s worth doing as it is potentially a surface that could harbour bacteria.
Use your antibacterial solution of choice and ensure all surfaces are clear of dust, dirt and look thoroughly clean.