As an entrepreneur or a business owner cleanliness of your workspace is probably not the first thing that comes to mind each day. Having a clean and healthy workspace is a major linchpin when it comes to running a successful business.
It’s a collective responsibility of the business owner and the employees to ensure that the workplace is pristine.
Work is Worship after all.
It’s not only important to keep your office clean for your mental and physical health. There is a myriad of other benefits that you can think of, should you choose to go down that road.
A Clean workspace is important to
- Create a great first impression on your clients. Clean office space is a clear indication of your professionalism not only towards your employees but also for your clients.
- Promote your brand. It doesn’t matter what business you’re in. The average consumer would judge your brand by what your office looks like.
- Boost the productivity of your Employees. They spend about 8 hours on average in the office every day. Keeping the office clean would boost their morale, keep them efficient, and most importantly happy.
So, without further ado, here are 25 best Office / Commercial Cleaning Tips and Tricks (specially curated for you)
Start Small
Just start with your Immediate surroundings, (like your desk, or even your keyboard) and see where it takes you. No one expects you to deep clean the whole office in one go. (Nooo way)
It doesn’t matter on what side of the threshold you are. Whether you’re a neat freak or a far less orderly fellow. You can always start small. It’s all about channeling your inner Monica (FRIENDS).
Desk
Your workstation is like a shrine and should be treated nothing less. You spend a major part of your day on it. So why not start with it? Get rid of the things you don’t want – Unnecessary files, papers and other debris. The more organized your desk the more productive you are (and I can’t stress that enough)
Surely, you already have a lot on your plate but you also have your plate on your desk. Remember it’s NOT a kitchen table. Try and keep those two separate. All it takes is about 5 minutes to declutter your desk. You will instantly feel a sense of accomplishment. Now go and shred that unnecessary document that’s been sitting on your desk for a week. NOW!
Empty Drawers
What did you do with the pen that stopped working the other day? Check your drawer …THERE IT IS! This isn’t where it belongs. Once you open that can of worms you might find a lot of things that you should’ve gotten rid of long ago.
You might also find things that you had been looking for weeks. All these little unseen things contribute to the office mess. It’s time to get rid of those stapler pins, paper clips, Qtips, and everything else that doesn’t belong there.
I hope I’ve “DRAW-n ’’ your attention to it.
Filing
By now you might know that papers and files are one of the biggest offenders in the office mess. While one of the simpler solutions is to make paper planes for a laugh. But that kind of thing is not going to “fly “in an office environment.
File as you go
- Before it becomes a huge pile, process papers as you go.
- Immediately Shred the ones you don’t need.
- Set up a Labelling system for files and trays and make a habit of using it.
Communal Areas
Your colleagues are your extended family. Celebrate it by keeping the communal areas clean, doesn’t matter if you work at NASA or Space X.
Keeping the communal areas clean is no rocket science.
- Keep the common kitchen clean. Avoid leaving the dishes in the sink and clean immediately after you’re done.
- Take responsibility for cleaning appliances – microwave, kettle.
- Clean all the common cutlery and crockery immediately after you’ve used them.
- Maintain hygienic standards in bathrooms especially the gender-neutral one (DO NOT LEAVE THE SEAT UP)
- Even if you’ve not littered or made a mess, make a general effort to keep your surroundings clean.
Ditch that junk
No one loves junk (except Paul McCartney). Get rid of all the things you don’t need. We all know it’s difficult but seriously you DO NOT need the coaster that your ex once put her/ his /their tea on. It’s only gonna leave behind a mess.
Let go of the useless things on your workstation (apart from yourself).
Useless pens, coasters, mouse pads, papers.
YOU CAN DO IT.
Fridge
It’s a no-brainer that you must keep your fridge clean. That’s where you keep your FOOD after all! That stale smell or spilled curry on the foot of the fridge can be off putting. Especially when you’re starving after a hardworking morning.
A weekly fridge clean out is recommended to keep it hygienic and fresh.
It becomes easier if we keep an eye on the expired produce and remove items beforehand.
Cleaning Compartment
Create Space for a cleaning compartment in the office to keep all your cleaning needs in one place.
Cleaning Schedule
It’s all about teamwork. Workout a cleaning schedule where everyone shares responsibility.
It’s an opportunity to strengthen camaraderie and discipline of your team.
It’s also an opportunity to get better at a task you might be unfamiliar with. (You know you can get better at doing the dishes! Yes, I am talking to you!)
Light Switches
Since light or fan switches are used by multiple people throughout the day, it’s imperative to give them a gentle wipe every now and then.
Surface cleaners and a damp cloth are your best bets.
They will light up your world.
Electronics
Your electronic gadgets are capable of shocking you. What’s even more shocking is the number of bacteria that can be found on your keyboards and desktops. Research by University of Arizona researchers also found that the average desktop has 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat.
That study took samples from offices across the United States, and also showed that women’s desks tended to harbor more bacteria than men’s desks.
(Anderson, G; and Palombo, EA, Microbial contamination of computer keyboards in a university setting; American Journal of Infection Control, 37(6) pp.507-9, 2009.)
Strong enough to reason to give them a wipe?
Here are some quick tips to help you clean your desktop.
- Shut down and unplug your computer
- Turn the keyboard upside down to empty debris from between the keys. If you are using a can of compressed air, you should use it at this point to blow debris out from in-between the keys.
- Dampen a cotton swab (such as a Q-tip) with water or isopropyl alcohol. Make sure it is damp, not wet. Use it to clean in-between the keys
- Dampen a lint-free cloth with your chosen cleaner. Again, make sure it is damp, not wet. Wipe down the rest of the keyboard with the cloth.
Waste Basket
A really easy and convenient way to keep your surroundings even cleaner – keep a small wastebasket for your bits and bobs (don’t forget to empty it at the end of the day).
Eco Friendly
In this ever-changing world, it’s important to take responsibility to lead the way by making some positive changes. To keep your surroundings, clean just isn’t enough. To do it responsibly is the ultimate challenge.
You can do your bit for the planet by –
- Recycling
- Upcycling
- Using – non-toxic, environment-friendly cleaning products.
- Avoid wasting paper.
Windows
It’s criminally underrated how a great view from the window can uplift your mood. After hours of grinding in front of your computer screen the best way to take a breather is to catch some natural light. it’s good for your morale and a much-needed respite from the virtual world.
You can easily clean the inside of your window with just a surface cleaner and rag.
It’s imperative to hire a professional window cleaning service for the outside. It’s also an interesting way to inspire the employees to keep them tidy from the inside.
Spring Cleaning
It’s good practice to generally keep your workplace clean. There are times when the office needs a thorough and deep clean. Even though you’ve done your best to channelize your pristine self into doing your bit (if your conscience is clean too).
There are still a few things that need professional attention. Spring cleaning is one of them. Having your office deep cleaned every spring will help your business and your employee’s blossom. (see what I did there)
Carpet Cleaning
Carpets are silent killers. They just sit and collect dust and bacteria. Carpets should never be underestimated. Besides, investing in regular carpet cleaning will also prolong the life of your carpet.
Carpet cleaning is crucial. It won’t take you very far if you just sweep it under the carpet.
Plants
Plants add character to an office. They are a healthy addition to your office as they purify the air, remove toxins (especially if you have Aircons).
They add color to your office space and your life. If you have indoor plants in the office it’s imperative to maintain them because they can collect dust.
The leaves need a gentle wipe with a damp cloth and you’re good to go.
Organise – Assign a place for everything
- Assigning a place for everything will help you save your precious time.
- Labelling it and putting things in the right place will help you find it in a pinch.
- It comes in handy on a particularly tough day at the office when things are already going awry.
- Make sure you have empty drawers and space for new things that come into the office.
Keep Air fresheners in Proximity
Keep Air Fresheners in close proximity. They are handy to keep the space smelling nice. After all, it just isn’t enough if the place is only aesthetically pleasing. You’re spoiled for choice with the kind of range of air fresheners in the market these days.
Pro tip: Don’t overuse them. They can be overwhelming and counterintuitive if overused.
Cleaning Checklist
While we’re on lists it’s important to list down another list- the cleaning checklist.
It’s an incredibly easy way to ensure that every inch of the office is taken care of.
The checklist also ensures that
- the job gets done on time
- chances of mistake are reduced
- Nothing gets overlooked.
A Note on the Cleaning technology
It’s important to invest in cleaning technologies be it your high-powered vacuum cleaner or your humble damp cloth. They all need to meet quality standards for great results.
A slight lapse and the whole room might smell of the old rag.
It’s your move.
Don’t ignore that floor
Every hard surface needs a specific cleaning process. It can hamper the original shine and brightness if ignored.
Taking care of these specifics will ensure that your floor is cleaned and will prolong its inevitable replacement.
Common kitchen
- Keep the common kitchen clean. Avoid leaving the dishes in the sink and clean immediately after you’re done.
- Take responsibility for cleaning appliances – microwave, kettle, coffee machine.
- Clean up after you’re done eating in case you spill or drop food in the common dining area.
- Clean all the common cutlery and crockery immediately after you’ve used them.
Cleaning Equipment
Not going to ask you to buy a smaller vacuum cleaner to clean your normal sized vacuum cleaner and so forth. Disinfect, sterilize, sanitize your cleaning equipment for the best results.
It’s also important to replace your old rags, wipes, clothes, even technology when it’s time and trust me you will know when it’s time.
Hire a Professional
You already have a lot of balls in the air, and you’re doing a great job keeping your surroundings clean. But there’s only so much you can do. Why not let the experts take care of it.
Like you they’re experts in their field. While all the tips and tricks mentioned above are important to keep your office pristine. Hiring a professional will make sure that it’s being done in the best possible way.
It’s the best way to give your office a budget-friendly facelift. Elevating the morale of your employees and making your office inviting for everyone -be it clients, industry professionals, or even a newfound romantic interest of your employee.
Conclusion
A clean office space allows for happy customers, clients, and employees. Still, cleaning goes beyond tidying up after yourself, and it can be challenging to know precisely how to keep your office clean efficiently.
Hope that the above-mentioned tips and tricks are useful to you in keeping your office cleaned and your employees happy.