A clean office environment is not just about aesthetics—it plays a vital role in the overall well-being and productivity of employees.
In fact, maintaining cleanliness in the workplace goes beyond appearances. It creates a healthy, organized space that promotes focus, efficiency, and a positive working atmosphere.
However, keeping an office clean is not as simple as it may seem. Every day, numerous people—including staff and visitors—walk in and out of your office. Plus, you have got desks, chairs, printers, and other furniture and equipment that can collect dust and dirt over time.
In this article, we will explore effective ways to keep your office clean—from floors and electronics to windows—along with expert tips from our team.
First, Cleaning Of Office Floors
Floors are among the dirtiest areas in any building. Both people and pets can bring all kinds of dirt—dust, mud, sand, gravel, and even snow—on their shoes or feet. Add to that occasional food and drink spills, not to mention the buildup of cleaning product residues over time.
Without proper care, your floors can suffer damage that impacts not only the comfort of your office but also the value of your property. If you manage an office, neglected floors can leave a poor impression on clients and visitors.
The good news is that maintaining your floors in excellent condition for years is very doable. The key is knowing the right cleaning methods for each type of surface. Here’s a quick guide on how to clean some of the most common types of office flooring:
Cleaning Solid Hardwood Floors
Whether it’s beech, oak, or teak, solid hardwood floors offer a timeless look and come in various styles such as parquet or tiles.
Solid hardwood floors are built to last for decades—but only with the right maintenance. Here are some practical steps to maintain them:
- Vacuum or sweep frequently to prevent dust buildup that causes dullness
- Use doormats to reduce the amount of dirt brought in by shoes
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent stains and marks
- Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches
- If your floors are made of wooden planks, they are likely treated with an oil or varnish coating to seal them and reduce porosity. In this case, you need to use pH-neutral cleaners to preserve the integrity of the sealant. Avoid acidic or abrasive detergents!
- Every two to four months, have a cleaning company polishes the hardwood floors to restore their shine. Then, approximately every 7 to 10 years, have them refinished to maintain their quality.
Tile Floors Cleaning
Many offices have tile flooring due to its practicality. In addition to being less expensive than wood or stone, tile is also stylish and extremely durable. Tile floors are especially ideal for areas with high humidity. Some of the best places to use tile are the kitchen and bathroom, but it can certainly be installed in any room in the office.
To keep your tile floors in good condition, make a habit of vacuuming or sweeping them regularly to remove dust. If you find any stains, use a mild detergent or the appropriate floor cleaner. Make sure to use only the recommended amount so that no residue remains after rinsing.
To clean the grout, you can use a paste made of baking soda and water to scrub it. Use an old toothbrush to apply the paste. After rinsing and drying, you can apply a sealant to help prevent stains for a longer period.
Stone Floors Cleaning
There are different types of natural stone that can be used for flooring, including granite, limestone, and marble. They can be used indoors or outdoors, but they require some extra care to maintain their quality.
First, just like with hardwood and tile floors, make sure to dust stone floors regularly. You can damp-mop stone floors if you like, but be sure to avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners. Waxing stone floors is also not recommended, as it can make the stone appear dull.
For porous stones like marble, make sure to clean up spills immediately. If left for too long, the liquid can seep into the pores of the stone. While this won’t make your floors less durable, it will cause staining.
However, there are many stain removers available for stone floors. Use an appropriate product and avoid scrubbing too harshly. Finally, about every four years, reseal the stone floors to extend their lifespan.
Decorative Wood Floors Cleaning
Solid hardwood floors look great, but they are expensive. If you want something with a similar appearance but at a lower cost, you might consider decorative wood flooring. These are made using various synthetic materials that are coated and printed with a wood-like design. A protective top layer is then added to seal and safeguard the entire surface.
This means that wet mops and steam cleaners are not suitable for wooden floors, as they can destroy the sealing material. Instead, you should use a dry mop or a soft-bristled broom to remove dust and dirt. For stubborn stains, use a product that is specifically designed for this type of flooring and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damage.
Carpeted Floors Cleaning
Finally, when it comes to carpets and carpeted flooring, vacuuming is the most effective solution. If possible, vacuum at least twice a week to prevent dust from settling deep into the carpet fibers. In case of a spill, blot it immediately using paper towels or a soft cotton cloth. Try to absorb as much of the liquid as possible before applying your preferred carpet cleaner, then use a vacuum (Hoover) to dry the carpet.
You can also keep your carpet in great condition for a very long time by steam cleaning it about once a year. This helps you save a lot of money while also maintaining the appearance of your home or office.
What is Steam Carpet Cleaning?
As the name suggests, steam cleaning is the process of cleaning carpets and rugs using steam generated from hot water. In the case of carpets, the hot steam penetrates the fibers, loosening and softening any dust, dirt, or other particles that may be embedded within them.
If you would like to steam clean your carpet yourself, there are many reliable and affordable steam cleaning machines available on the market.
Benefits of Steam Carpet Cleaning
Steam cleaning uses only water, so there is no need for soap or other chemical products. As a result, this method is safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly.
- The overall cost is lower because you don’t need to purchase specialized cleaning products.
- Steam cleaners deliver more precise results. Thanks to the steam’s ability to penetrate deeper into the carpet fibers.
- Certain stains can be removed more easily using steam cleaning machines.
- The high temperature of the steam can effectively kill many types of harmful bacteria and germs.
Second, Cleaning Of Office Electronic Devices
From computers and printers to phones and other equipment, electronic devices play a crucial role in carrying out daily operations.
However, in the hustle and bustle of the workplace, it’s easy for these devices to collect dust and dirt, raising hygiene concerns. Therefore, it’s important to set aside time to clean the electronic devices in your office.
Here are some essential tips for cleaning various types of office electronics:
Cleaning the Keyboard and Mouse
The first step in cleaning electronic peripherals is to turn off the computer and disconnect all accessories. For the keyboard and mouse, an air blower is a great starting point to remove dust and dirt from between keys and corners.
Wipe the surfaces with a microfiber cloth dampened with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. For stubborn stains, use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the dirty areas.
For keyboards, if the type allows it, remove the keys and soak them in warm, soapy water. Then clean the board with an air blower or a cotton swab. After washing and thoroughly drying each key, carefully reattach them to the keyboard.
Cleaning Computer Screens
After turning off and unplugging the screen, use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe it in a circular motion to remove dust and fingerprints. If there are specific spots that need extra cleaning, slightly dampen the cloth with a screen-safe cleaning solution. Avoid using chemicals or cleaners that contain ammonia, as they can damage the screen. Finally, dry the screen thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth.
Phones Cleaning
If possible, unplug the phone from its power source. Then, use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the phone's surface. If the phone has removable parts, clean them separately using a mild soapy water solution. Dry the phone thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth before reconnecting it.
Printers Cleaning
Printers are more complex to clean than other office electronics. Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, as procedures may vary depending on the model. However, you can generally use an air blower to remove dust and debris from areas like the paper tray and other accessible parts. Wipe down the outer surfaces with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt and fingerprints.
For internal components such as the printer’s fuser unit and transfer rollers, follow the manufacturer’s specific cleaning guidelines. If no one in the office is skilled at cleaning electronic devices, it’s best to contact an authorized service center.
Other Electronics
For touchscreens and other electronic devices, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance. In general, use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe down screens and exterior surfaces. Avoid using chemical cleaners, as they can damage sensitive electronic components. If needed, use a screen-safe cleaning solution specifically designed for electronics—apply it to the cloth, not directly onto the screen.
Third, Cleaning and Polishing Windows
Fortunately, keeping windows clean is relatively easy. It’s not something you will need to do every day, so taking care of them doesn’t require much time or money.
To help you keep your windows clean and sparkling, here are some tips from a professional cleaning company:
Overcast Weather Is Best
Most people assume that sunny weather is ideal for window cleaning. However, this is actually a bad idea because the heat can cause the cleaner and water to dry too quickly—before you have had a chance to rinse them off. This can result in streaks and smudges, which make the job harder.
Therefore, it’s better to wait for a relatively cloudy day to clean your glass windows. That way, you will have enough time to clean and rinse without worrying about liquids drying too fast.
Wipe the dust before starting the cleaning
It’s best to wash the windows after removing as much dust as possible. Doing so makes the task much easier and faster, as there will be less dirt on the windows.
Use white vinegar to treat water stains
Water contains many salts and minerals, which can leave marks when it dries. If there are water stains on your windows, you can remove them first using a 1:1 solution of water and white vinegar. You can also use microfiber cloths to tackle this issue or use 100% pure water.
Gravity is your friend
Another principle for cleaning windows is to clean from top to bottom. This can be more efficient, as the cleaning solution can drip down to areas you will scrub later. Starting at the top and working your way down also prevents drips from reaching areas you've already cleaned.
Use a window squeegee
To achieve a thorough, streak-free clean, you should finish the window cleaning process using a special window squeegee with a long handle, allowing you to easily clean large windows. You should also ensure the squeegee is in good condition, otherwise you risk scratching the glass.
Note that it takes a bit of practice to get great results. Here are some things to keep in mind:
For beginners: Start at the top corners of the window and move straight down. Then, move the squeegee horizontally. Keep a cloth or sponge ready so you can wipe the squeegee after each pass. Once finished, use a microfiber cloth to remove any streaks.
Fourth, Cleaning of Desktop Surfaces
Cleaning surfaces requires cleaning products that match the type of surface. Use wood cleaners for wooden surfaces, aluminum cleaners for aluminum surfaces, and so on. Spray the cleaner on the surface, wipe it with a clean cloth, and follow the instructions on the product.
Here are some cleaning tips you can follow before starting to clean surfaces:
Remove unnecessary items
Clear away clutter and get rid of anything unnecessary from your workspace. This includes items like old files, expired documents, and unused equipment.
This organizing process not only creates a visually appealing environment but also improves the flow of the cleaning process and boosts productivity by allowing employees to focus on essential tasks without distractions. Additionally, with fewer items collecting dust, your daily office cleaning tasks can be significantly reduced.
Rearrange your desk
For easier cleaning, consider rearranging your desk. Be more strategic in placing furniture and equipment to optimize space and facilitate effective cleaning. Doing so will also ensure easy access to all areas for thorough dusting and vacuuming.
Reduce clutter
A clutter-free office not only looks more professional but also helps improve focus and productivity. Encourage employees to maintain organized workspaces by providing sufficient storage options like filing cabinets and shelves.
Keeping a clean office is essential for a productive and healthy work environment. With the help of the tips above, you can transform your office into a space that promotes efficiency, well-being, and success.
Top Tips from Our Industry Experts
Pay attention to high-touch areas and surfaces
Certain items and surfaces in the office are touched frequently and require special attention during cleaning. Some examples include door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, and shared equipment like printers and fingerprint scanners. The same applies to desks, work surfaces, and cafeteria tables.
Disinfect these frequently touched items and surfaces throughout the day to maintain a clean and safe office environment, reducing the risk of germ transmission.
Always disinfect after cleaning
Cleaning and disinfecting are two essential steps. While cleaning removes dirt, disinfecting eliminates germs and bacteria.
After cleaning surfaces such as desks, tables, and worktops, always follow up with a disinfection step using suitable disinfectants. This extra measure helps prevent the spread of illnesses and ensures a healthy workspace.
Create a Cleaning Checklist
To ensure your office is thoroughly cleaned, it's best to prepare a detailed cleaning checklist. By following this approach, you can stay organized and make sure no essential cleaning tasks are overlooked.
For efficiency, divide your checklist into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. You can also categorize tasks by area. Most offices can follow a structure like this: Reception area, Workspaces, Common areas (e.g., meeting rooms, kitchen), Cafeteria and pantry, Restrooms, and Other utility spaces
In addition to routine tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and disinfecting surfaces, make sure to include non-cleaning but essential duties, such as restocking and organizing supplies. With a well-structured cleaning routine, maintaining a healthy and organized workspace becomes much easier.
Hire a Professional Housekeeping / Offices Cleaning Company
Outsourcing your office cleaning needs offers numerous benefits. First, professional cleaning companies employ trained cleaners who have the expertise and the right tools to ensure thorough, high-quality cleaning. By hiring experienced professionals, you save time and energy while ensuring your office is cleaned consistently and effectively.
cleaning contracts
A well-organized annual cleaning contract is essential for maintaining the high hygiene standards required in office spaces. It ensures a consistently clean and safe environment for employees throughout the year. If you are looking for a licensed and experienced office cleaning company in Amman, get in touch with Bash Services at 0770277555, and we will be happy to serve you right away.