Top 16 Office Cleaning Tips In NYC

Do you know that the average office desk harbors approximately 10 million bacteria? Compared to a toilet surface, the desk is around 400 times dirtier! Closely following it are the office keyboards. According to research, an average keyboard holds nearly 7,500 bacteria, while a mouse has three times more germs than a toilet handle.

Although the numbers are disappointing, they raise an important question: how can you address the situation? What are the ways to maintain a cleaner office?

A dirty and unhealthy office space can increase employee absenteeism. It can reduce productivity, create a cluttered environment, and increase the risk of accidents. On top of that, it leaves a sour impression on your guests and clients. Hence, it's essential to have a comprehensive schedule for your office cleaning requirements.

In today's blog, we have consulted leading industry experts to present a list of easy yet efficacious office cleaning tips in NYC for you to follow. We will help you create an office cleaning checklist and transform your workplace into a clean and productive oasis.

So, if you're struggling to manage your company's janitorial services or seeking ways to create a clutter-free space, keep reading!

Importance Of Keeping The Office Clean

In light of recent events, keeping your office tidy and hygienic has become a top priority for most businesses. It's essential for upholding health standards and fostering a positive and sanitary work environment.

Still, if you want reasons to clean up your business premises, we have you covered!

Here, we present a list of reasons why keeping your office space fresh and neat is necessary.

1. Protect Employee Health And Decrease Sick Leaves

The collection of spider webs, lint, and dust looks nasty and results in respiratory issues. Moreover, they create the perfect breeding ground for disease-carrying bugs like cockroaches, rats, and ants. If you notice your employees getting sick frequently, there's a good chance it's due to the dirt accumulation in the room.

In the long term, this can severely harm your business's productivity. However, with a few simple cleaning initiatives, you can easily alter this outcome and protect your employees and their performance.

2. Keep Important Things In Order

Having a clean, organized office space means your employees won't lose vital paperwork in the mess on their desks. They won't have to waste time looking for things in a mountain of clutter instead of focusing on their task.

By following professional office cleaning tips, you can reduce their chances of contacting allergens and encountering stressful situations due to lost stuff. These combined can significantly improve their productivity and the office ambiance.

3. Positive Professional Impression

The appearance of your office says much more about your business than you think. Having a clean office shows how much you value your workplace and employees. It helps create a reliable, professional image, bringing in more clients and employees. So, develop a list of office cleaning tips and tricks and follow them daily to keep things in place.

4. Office Asset Longevity

Dust collection is often the secret killer of office electronics. From your HVAC equipment to the printing machines, they all need regular dusting to maintain efficiency. Otherwise, they can deteriorate quickly, wasting your money and lowering productivity.

5. Safer Organization

Keeping your office space clean and organized will help you avoid problems arising in a crisis. For instance, in case of a fire breakout, you won't have to stress about boxes lining up the hallways and blocking the emergency exit or flammable items near the fire. Additionally, routine upkeep can expose potential hazards in advance, such as tripping hazards and falling items, particularly in warehouse setups.

6. Cost-Savings In The Long Run

When you regularly tidy up your workspace following professional office cleaning services in NYC, you reduce the risk of accumulating excessive dust. You also protect the longevity of your office furniture, reduce the risk of stubborn mold and mildew growth, and eliminate the need for frequent deep cleanings. Considering the cost of deep cleaning services or new office equipment, daily cleaning can save you considerable money, time, and energy.

7. Prevention Of Contaminated Disease

An unhealthy atmosphere is often the root source of harmful diseases. If you fail to keep your office environment clean and healthy, it will be vulnerable to countless illnesses. You can avoid the spread of flu and fever by regularly sanitizing the office and encouraging your team members to stay clean.

8. Extra Storage Space

Decluttering your office will enable you to use the space more efficiently. Your employees can freely move around and have plenty of space to store valuables. They will enjoy more control over materials and tools, including business inventory. It can help your team members understand when the inventory is running low and adjust their selling tactics in advance.

Office Cleaning Checklist

Tidying up an office is much more complicated than house cleaning. Depending on the foot traffic your office receives and its square footage, cleaning and organizing it can seem like a daunting task that never ends. Therefore, we recommend approaching it with a comprehensive daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning checklist. You can also prioritize the cleaning routine based on the most to least used areas in your office.

Sounds complicated? Don't worry, we are here to help!

Below, we present examples of complete office cleaning checklists for every corner of your workspace.

So, take a look and tailor it to your office!

Daily Office Cleaning Checklist

Your daily office cleaning checklist should include all the areas that receive heavy foot traffic, such as the restrooms or bathrooms of your office, kitchen, pantry areas, and the primary reception and office areas.

Here's what it may look like:

Office and reception area:

• Empty garbage bins and replace the bags
• Sweep and vacuum covers, tangles, and hard floor surfaces
• Dust office equipment and furniture, including computers, workstations, seats, and tables
• Use a soak cloth to disinfect surfaces
• Mop hard floors with disinfecting cleaners
• Clean glass windows, dividers, and the entrance area

Restrooms or bathrooms:

• Refill bathroom essentials, such as paper towels, hand soap and toilet paper
• Disinfect the urinals, toilets, and bathroom surfaces, including hand dryer, entry handles, and towels
• Clean glass, windows, divisions, and mirrors
• Mop tiles, flooring and remove watermarks

Kitchen or pantry:

• Clear bins and replace garbage bags
• Brush down sinks, chairs, tables and counters
• Clean and dry the coffee makers, microwave oven, and other appliances in the kitchen
• Refill kitchen towels, hand soap, and dishwashing liquid
• Mop the floor

Weekly Office Cleaning Checklist

Your weekly office cleaning checklist must cover the following tasks.

• Polishing all hard floor surfaces
• Cleaning the exterior surface of your office, including the glasses
• Sanitizing and deep cleaning microwaves, refrigerators, and other appliances
• Disinfecting telephones and consoles
• Vacuum cleaning carpets, floors and mats
• Scrubbing tiles and sinks in the kitchen area and restrooms
• Dusting the tops of partitions and window sills
• Removing debris from door frames and thresholds
• Sanitizing phones
• Damp mopping all hard floors

Monthly Office Cleaning Checklist

Experts recommend carrying out monthly office cleaning tasks every 4 to 6 weeks. It shall include

• Vacuuming vents, office furniture, and dusting blinds
• Cleaning window covers
• Dusting and cleaning covered or hard-to-reach places, such as ledges, shelves, cabinets, the highest window points, and ceiling fans
• Cleaning and polishing hardwood surfaces and wooden furniture
• Cleaning light switches
• Decluttering and organizing office wardrobes and drawers
• Removing cobwebs
• Cleaning carpet edges, baseboards, and skirting boards
• Vacuuming and cleaning all upholstery

Office cleaning checklist for desk and cubicle areas

Office desk cleaning goes beyond asking your employees to remove their belongings. It shall include

• Removing clutter and rubbish
• Dusting, disinfecting, and wiping down desks, shelves, and other surfaces
• Emptying the bin
• Cleaning the exterior of filing cabinets, chairs, and armrests, mats, and carpets
• Wiping down the computer screens and dusting keyboards
• Tidying up mirrors and windows
• Disinfecting high-touch surfaces
• Emptying recycling and trash bins

Cleaning checklist for waiting areas and reception

The reception area of your office is the first thing your guests or clients see. Hence, it's essential to follow the best office cleaning tips in NYC and keep the space squeaky clean.

• Clean all glass window interiors, exteriors, and mirrors
• Dust and disinfect the reception desk and other tables
• Mop and vacuum the floor
• Empty the bins
• Clean the coffee tables and chairs
• Clean company sign and other decorative items
• Disinfect the surfaces
• Properly clean and place the walk-off mats

Cleaning checklist for office bathrooms

The standard cleaning checklist for office bathrooms includes the following:

• Emptying the bins
• Vacuuming, mopping, and disinfecting all hard surfaces, including taps
• Cleaning sinks and countertops
• Cleaning and disinfecting the toilets
• Cleaning mirrors and other reflective surfaces
• Replacing paper towels and toilet paper
• Sweeping and mopping the floor

Cleaning checklist for office kitchen

When cleaning your office kitchen, remember to

• Wipe and disinfect counters, cabinets, and tabletops
• Remove clutter, old food, and empty bins
• Clean all kitchen appliances, including fridge, kettle and microwave oven
• Vacuum and mop the floor
• Clean and sanitize the sink

Apart from the highlighted areas, remember to clean the exterior of your office as well. Sweep the entrance area of your office regularly. Furthermore, pressure washing the sidewalks, driveways, and other surfaces during deep cleaning is also essential.

Top 16 Tips For Cleaning Offices In NYC

A clean office is the key to creating a healthier and hygienic workplace. It reduces the spread of illnesses and germs, leading to fewer sick leaves and better employee attendance. Furthermore, having a clean office demonstrates your commitment to protecting employee well-being and maintaining a pleasant work environment. It fosters an optimistic, clutter-free work culture where everyone can focus on their task without distractions.

However, you must go beyond surface-level cleaning to create a neat and fresh workplace. You must pay attention to every detail and maintain consistency throughout the task.

The following section presents expert-approved commercial office cleaning tips to help you stay on top of your office cleaning needs.

So, read on!

1. Designate A Separate Area For Cleaning Supplies

If you wish to get the most use out of your cleaning supplies, dedicate a specific area for their storage. It will ensure easy access to all the cleaning equipment and products and let you know if you run out of a cleaning solution. Plus, you will reduce the risk of contamination.

Additionally, when selecting cleaning products for your office for your office, we recommend using environmentally friendly solutions. Using green cleaning products will reduce the risk of chemical contamination and your carbon footprint.

If you wish to learn more about green cleaning solutions, check out our blog on the benefits of eco-friendly cleaning products.

2. Prioritize High-Traffic and Public Areas

Pay special attention to your office's most used public spaces, such as the reception area, lobby, pantry, kitchen, and restrooms. These places make a lasting impression on clients and employees.
In addition, they receive high foot traffic, making them a hot spot for grime and disease. Hence, devote time to taking care of these areas. Employ the best cleaning office tips in NYC, or hire professional cleaners for a thorough job.

3. Add Storage and Create Dedicated Cleaning Plans

Adding adequate storage space for office supplies and paperwork is an effective way to avoid clutter in the office. You can use dividers or filing cabinets to establish a filing system or use shelves to store bulkier items. The more paperwork you can neatly store away, the more leisurely it will be to clean the area.

Speaking of making cleaning more accessible, one way to reduce the clutter is establishing a cleaning procedure for individual areas. You can hold small meetings in each department's space to ensure your team members keep their dedicated areas clean.

4. Clean and Organize The Desks Daily

You can simply ask your employees to keep their desks clutter-free and put their papers, pens, and other supplies back in place at the end of their day. This will make wiping down the desks much easier the next morning.

Also, if you notice any stubborn marks on your desk or other surface, soak the spots with water before scrubbing them. After removing the stain, give the place a few minutes of rest before wiping it off with a sponge or cloth. Keep in mind that scrubbing dry surfaces can damage it.

5. Dust All Areas From Top Down

One cleaning tip for the office that many overlook is dusting those hard-to-reach places in your office. When you let dust collect in a place, you create a welcoming space for pests and illnesses. Hard-to-reach areas, such as tops of ceiling vents and bookshelves, are particularly vulnerable to rusting and pest attacks. Hence, experts recommend cleaning them weekly, including the areas behind your office electronics, desks, and plants, to keep insects away.

Additionally, professional cleaners suggest dusting spaces from top to bottom. When you start at the top, the dust you clean will fall to the floor, allowing you to easily vacuum it.

6. Manage Cables, Cords, and Electrical Equipment

Unfortunately, electronic cords are prone to tangling and collecting dust. Detangling them daily can be frustrating and time-consuming for you and your employees. Hence, take the time to manage your office cables and cords. Keep them off the floor, fix them above your desk, or tie them together to prevent tangling.

We recommend disinfecting the electronics' surfaces regularly. Unplug the wires and use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe the surfaces. Most electronic items come with manufacturer's instructions for cleaning. Follow them as you move forward with your cleaning chores. Furthermore, we suggest using anti-static brushes to remove dust from tight spaces and screen-friendly monitor cleaners.

7. Disinfect High Touch Surfaces

From the keyboards on your desks to office printing machines and telephones, the most used equipment is often the dirtiest spot to place your hands on. Hence, disinfect all the high-contact surfaces with the correct products, such as disinfecting wipes, to prevent the growth of viruses and bacteria. Also, keep an all-purpose cleaner handy for everyday spills.

A tip to remember when cleaning flat surfaces is to crouch down and look across the surface at eye level. Do you see any dust or dirt you have missed? Clean it quickly, and use this method for spotless surfaces.

8. Provide Enough Waste Baskets

Disposable clutter doesn't take much time to stockpile and can quickly take over if not controlled. Hence, strategically place your waste bins in high-traffic areas to reduce mess and enhance productivity. Label the bins for general waste, recycling, and compost. Moreover, disinfect the bins regularly and opt for easily recyclable liners.

9. Add Floor Mats To Catch Dirt

With efficient floor mats, you can capture outside dirt and water before it enters your office space. Floor mats can be useful during winter and rainy weather to prevent slippery surfaces and workplace injuries. Additionally, they will keep your floors dry, making it easier for you to clean them.

10. Don't Neglect The Kitchen Appliances

If you want your refrigerator, coffee pot, and microwave to last, don't overlook the tips for cleaning office kitchens. Leftover food is often the most common reason behind pest infestation, strange odors, and mold growth. Hence, ensure you allocate some time to cleaning the appliances in your kitchen, disinfecting the surfaces, discarding expired food, and cleaning the interior.

11. Execute The 'Clean As You Go' Policy

Make cleanliness a part of your company culture with the 'clean as you go' policy. The policy can be especially effective in keeping your break rooms and pantries clean. As the strategy indicates, you will encourage everyone to clean up after making a mess to keep things in order and show respect to their teammates.

12. Regular Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning is vital for any high-traffic area. It removes built-up dirt that can lead to respiratory issues or allergies and improves the area's overall appearance. Hence, in addition to following expert office cleaning tips in NYC, consider performing deep cleaning occasionally.

13. Use Natural Light

Several researchers have suggested that natural light can positively impact cognitive functions. Natural light can also reduce eye strain and add a touch of freshness to the air. Hence, don't hesitate to open your window curtains and blinds to let in some natural light in your office.

14. Ventilate The Office

Maintaining proper ventilation is another tip for keeping your office space fresh, airy, and healthy. Adequate ventilation removes stale air and moisture and prevents mold growth. You can ventilate the area by using a fan, opening doors or windows, and regularly inspecting HVAC systems. Adding indoor plants is also an effective way to improve indoor air quality.

15. Clean Toilets Daily

It's no wonder that toilets are among the dirtiest places in an office and are often the source of germs and bacteria growth. Regular cleaning is essential to keeping your workspace healthy and free of germs.

Wipe down the surfaces with a good cleaner, sweep and vacuum the floor, empty trash, and disinfect the toilet and sink regularly. Also, consider using automatic faucets and soap dispensers for bathrooms and restrooms. It will minimize direct contact and reduce the risk of contamination.

16. Regular Carpet And Floor Maintenance

Vacuum and mop your office floors daily to remove dust and allergens. Carpets tend to hold onto dust, so they need deep cleaning more frequently. We recommend setting aside a schedule for cleaning your carpets and regularly vacuuming them. You can also choose HEPA filters to improve your vacuum's capability to eliminate dust.

Why Is It Best To Hire A Commercial Cleaning Service For Office Cleaning?

Now that you know how to employ the best office cleaning tips in NYC, you may wonder whether you should hire an in-house team or commercial cleaning services.

Keeping an in-house team may appear cheaper initially. However, it can be costly in the long term. Maintaining a team takes a lot of resources and energy. The cost of cleaning equipment and products can be heavy on your pocket, especially if you are a small business owner.

On the other hand, with a professional cleaning team, you will only have to pay for their specific services upon hiring. They will bring the necessary products and equipment, saving you money and the stress of refilling.

Plus, they won't hinder your team's productivity.

Still, if you are seeking more reasons to hire commercial cleaning services, here are a few convincing reasons to help make up your mind.

• Experienced professionals: Most commercial cleaning services offer adequate employee training. These credible experts will not leave you with half-completed tasks or poorly done cleanings. Also, their experience allows them to select each product carefully, preventing potential damage to your office equipment.
• Reduced cost: Outsourcing your cleaning services can significantly benefit your business. Since they bring all their supplies and only have one-time charges, you don't have to bear the burden of additional expenses. With a team of multiple experienced commercial cleaners, they can also reduce your cleaning time while upholding quality standards. You won't have to stress about damaged equipment due to careless cleaning.
• Increased value: Professional cleaners come prepared with the best equipment and products. They can meet all your cleaning requirements without liaison with your company. Their quality work enhances your company's image without making a hole in your pocket.
• Convenience: Working with commercial cleaners is much more convenient than cleaning the office yourself or hiring in-house teams. With them, you can ensure no corner of your office is overlooked. They can complete the cleaning tasks at times best suited for your company while you save your energy for more significant responsibilities.

Enjoy The Best Office Cleaning Solutions With Sterling Cleaning Services

From preventing pest growth to improving indoor air quality, there are countless reasons to keep your office neat and clean. With our above checklist and professional office cleaning tips in NYC, you can successfully establish a culture of health and hygiene.

However, if you need help executing the cleaning strategies, don't hesitate to contact Sterling Cleaning Services. With years of experience and unmatched attention to detail, we help businesses across NYC maintain safe and sanitized workspaces. Our tailored cleaning solutions are result-driven, affordable, and guaranteed to deliver 100% satisfaction.

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