How often should an office be cleaned? Most offices need a light clean every working day, covering kitchens, washrooms, bins and the surfaces people touch most. On top of that come weekly tasks, monthly high-level work and a few periodic jobs, such as carpets and windows, through the year.

Here is the schedule we would build for a typical Cambridge office, and how to adjust it for your headcount and the way your team works.

Daily office cleaning tasks

  • Kitchens: worktops, sinks, taps, microwave fronts and the outside of the fridge. Dishwashers loaded or emptied if agreed.
  • Washrooms: toilets, urinals, basins, mirrors and floors cleaned, and soap, paper and toilet roll restocked.
  • Touch points: door handles, light switches, lift buttons, stair rails, printer and photocopier buttons, kettle and fridge handles.
  • Bins: general waste and recycling emptied and liners replaced.
  • Floors: reception, corridors and kitchen areas vacuumed or mopped.
  • Desks: cleared desks wiped down.

Weekly and monthly cleaning tasks

Every week, the whole floor area should be vacuumed, including under desks and in meeting rooms that are not used every day. Reachable surfaces such as windowsills, shelving and filing cabinets get dusted, glass partitions and internal doors are cleaned, and the inside of the microwave gets a proper going over.

Once a month, plan for high-level dusting: tops of cupboards, light fittings, air vents and door frames. These collect dust that drops back onto desks and keyboards. Monthly is also a good rhythm for a fridge clear-out, with a few days’ notice to staff, and for spot-cleaning chairs and soft seating.

Periodic cleaning through the year

Some jobs do not need doing often, but they make a big difference when they are done. We usually recommend carpets are cleaned by hot water extraction every six to twelve months, more often in reception and around the kitchen. External windows are commonly done every one to three months, depending on the building. A deep clean of kitchens and washrooms, descaling and behind the appliances, suits most offices once or twice a year.

July and August are good months for periodic work. With people on holiday, offices are quieter and carpets have time to dry before everyone is back in September.

How often should an office be cleaned with hybrid working?

A fixed daily clean does not always fit hybrid offices. If your team is mostly in on Tuesday to Thursday, it often makes sense to put more hours into those days and run a lighter check on quiet days. Washrooms and kitchens still need attention every day the building is open, however few people are in.

Hot-desking changes things too: any desk that has been used should be wiped at the end of the day, not just the ones with a regular owner. And when headcount grows, washroom and kitchen frequency usually needs to rise first. Those are the areas where complaints start.

Frequently asked questions

Should cleaners wipe down desks?

Yes, but only clear desks. Most offices ask staff to clear their desks at the end of the day so cleaners can wipe them properly without moving paperwork or equipment.

What is the best time of day for office cleaning?

Early morning or evening works best for most offices, as cleaners can work without interruption. Washrooms in busy buildings may also need a quick daytime check.

How often does an office need a deep clean?

Once or twice a year suits most offices, plus after any refurbishment, office move or busy event.

How CamClean can help

We provide office cleaning in Cambridge and the surrounding towns, scheduled early morning, evening or at weekends. We can also handle carpet and upholstery cleaning and deep cleans as part of the same plan. Call 01954 783308 or ask for a free, tailored quote.