Office Spring Cleaning Tips and Checklist

April 13th, 2023

Last updated: June 9th, 2023

Spring is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to embrace the concept of brushing away the cobwebs ready for the sun. While many of us associate this annual event with clearing out our homes and gardens, it’s also an ideal opportunity to tackle the clutter and mess that can build up in office spaces over the winter months.

Not only can a thorough office spring clean create a much more pleasant place to work, but it can also help businesses remain compliant with health and safety laws in the UK.

Cleaning Desks and Communal Areas

When it comes to spring cleaning an office building, there are a few key areas to focus on. First and foremost, it’s important to ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of germs and illness. This includes desks, chairs, keyboards, and any communal areas such as kitchens or bathrooms. You may even wish to take the extra steps of fogging cleaning to ensure that your office has had a thorough disinfection.

Kitchens vary in complexity and size within office buildings but there is often some form of kitchen where people can prepare their lunches, for instance. If you have a fridge within then it is worth getting this regularly maintained and serviced to ensure it is in good working order.

A deep cleaning of the kitchen area is not always a fun job, but it is an important one. If you have a ventilation system (required in many commercial kitchens) then you should ensure this is professionally cleaned and maintained.

Declutter Your Office

This is what many of us associate office spring cleaning with. Over time, paperwork, files, and other items can accumulate, creating an unsightly mess.

In fact, sometimes it gets a little overwhelming as there is simply so much mess to deal with, and to process. Some will be suitable for recycling, some will not.

Commercial waste collection can be a huge help when it comes to shifting your mess and getting rid of all sorts of items that don’t work or aren’t required anymore. You can ensure you are disposing of them in an environmentally-friendly way.

Decluttering may also be as simple as removing old signage and updating the space a little to be more current.

To make the most of your office spring cleaning efforts, consider enlisting the help of a professional cleaning company. These experts can provide the tools and expertise needed to tackle even the toughest cleaning challenges, leaving your office looking its best. If you aren’t looking to do the work yourself, you can get many aspects of your cleaning and decluttering done for you over the course of a weekend or a time when the business is closed.

Deal With the Outside of the Office

The outside of the office can easily start to look decrepit, especially after the winter months. If you are responsible for the grounds of the business then you should deal with this, too. Spring is the perfect opportunity. Of course, if you are in an office block then it is possible that this might not apply to you, but there are still specific cleaning tasks such as window cleaning you might be able to carry out to keep your own office looking its best.

Outside of the office may also become overrun by weeds (they grow quickly at this time of year) and the grass may also be overgrown. Litter is another problem that can make the outside of your office look really unpleasant. Employing a grounds maintenance company to help you with your outside cleaning can make a huge difference.

Time For An Equipment Check?

In addition to these basic cleaning tasks, it’s also important to check that all equipment and machinery is functioning properly and is safe to use. This can include checking power supplies and cords, inspecting fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, and ensuring that emergency exits are clearly marked and unobstructed.

Of course, it is your responsibility to ensure that your business complies with all aspects of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 as well as other health and safety regulations, and this includes things like EICR testing. It is also a good idea to carry out regular PAT Testing on electrical items, which is usually done by an external partner business such as a facilities services company.

Here is an office spring leaning checklist to get you started:

1. Clean and disinfect all surfaces, including desks, chairs, and communal areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Declutter and organise paperwork, files, and other items to create a more efficient and pleasant working environment.
3. Inspect and maintain all equipment and machinery to ensure that it is functioning properly and is safe to use.
4. Check electrical outlets and cords to ensure that they are not damaged or posing a hazard.
5. Inspect fire extinguishers and smoke alarms to ensure that they are in good working condition.
6. Ensure that emergency exits are clearly marked and unobstructed.
7. Clean windows and blinds to allow for more natural light to enter the office.
8. Dust and vacuum all surfaces, including carpets and upholstery.
9. Clean and organise storage areas such as cabinets and closets.
10. Consider hiring a professional cleaning company to provide deep cleaning services.

Spring cleaning isn’t just for our homes and gardens, and it’s also an important task for businesses.  Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, decluttering, and ensuring that all equipment is functioning properly, businesses can all help to create a safer, more productive working environment for employees. So why not embrace the spirit of spring and start planning your office spring clean today?

Robinsons Facilities Services can help with numerous aspects of your spring cleaning.

We are Yorkshire’s leading commercial Boiler, Heating & Hot Water, Air Conditioning & Ventilation and Plumbing & Cold Water maintenance and repair provider. Our team of experts also provide a range of Other Commercial Building Services including Fire, Security & Life Safety Systems and Electrical, Lifts and Access.