A spotless office isn’t just aesthetic, it cuts sick days, boosts morale and keeps you compliant with UK workplace hygiene standards. Below you’ll find a practical office cleaning checklist split into daily, weekly and monthly routines, plus pro tips from Inter County’s commercial cleaning team serving Northampton, Milton Keynes, Bedford, Corby and Kettering.
Some interesting facts
• Desks can harbour 400× more bacteria than a toilet seat.
• UK HSE guidance requires employers to keep work areas clean and free from refuse.
• Consistent cleaning can reduce absenteeism by up to 46 %.
Daily Cleaning Tasks
Daily cleaning tasks are the backbone of office hygiene. These routine duties focus on high-traffic, high-touch areas that need consistent attention to prevent clutter build-up and the spread of germs. Official UK guidelines even recommend daily cleaning of common areas and frequent disinfection of touchpoints to keep workplaces safe. Make sure the following essentials are covered every day:
Area | Task | Why it matters |
Touch‑points | Disinfect door handles, light switches, lift buttons, handrails | Stops cross‑contamination between staff |
Desks & tech | Wipe desks, keyboards, mice, and phones with antimicrobial wipes | Desks host ~10 million bacteria |
Kitchens | Sanitise worktops, kettle & microwave handles; wash dishes; empty food bins | Food prep zones breed microbes |
Bathrooms | Clean & disinfect toilets, basins, taps; restock soap, towels, toilet roll | Meets basic welfare regs |
Floors | Vacuum or sweep high‑traffic areas; spot‑mop spills | Prevents dust and trip hazards |
Rubbish & recycling | Empty, re‑line and sanitise bins | Deters pests and odours |
Pro tip
Provide alcohol‑based hand‑sanitiser at reception and break rooms; NHS guidance shows it cuts viral spread dramatically.
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
Weekly cleaning goes beyond the everyday basics to tackle areas that accumulate dirt or grime over several days. These tasks provide a deeper clean that keeps the office environment healthy, professional-looking, and pleasant to work in. Aim to perform the following on a weekly basis:
- Carpets & upholstery: Power‑vacuum all carpet and fabric chairs; treat visible stains.
- Dust high & low: Blinds, picture rails, skirting boards, vents and IT cabinets.
- Shared electronics: Disinfect printer/copier touch screens and coffee machines.
- Kitchen deep‑clean: Empty fridge, purge expired food, sanitise shelves & appliance seals.
- Bathroom scrub‑down: Descale taps & shower‑heads; polish mirrors; machine‑mop floors.
- Glass & mirrors: Clean internal windows and glazed partitions for a streak‑free shine.
Monthly Cleaning Tasks
Monthly tasks are your heavy-duty and detailed cleaning routines. These address areas that don’t need frequent attention but do require periodic deep cleaning to maintain a truly germ-free, well-maintained workplace. Set aside time each month for the following:
- Floor revitalisation
• Hot‑water‑extract carpets or use low‑moisture pads.
• Machine‑scrub hard floors; re‑seal or burnish if required. - HVAC & vents
• Vacuum grilles, replace or wash filters to curb dust circulation. - Light fixtures & ceilings
• Dust fittings, remove cobwebs, wipe emergency‑exit signs. - Window exteriors
• Hire professionals for multi‑storey glass; improves natural light and curb appeal. - Store‑room audit
• Declutter stationery cupboards; sanitise shelving; update COSHH logs for cleaning chemicals.
Keeping Your Office Clean, Safe and Compliant
Following a diligent daily/weekly/monthly cleaning schedule will greatly improve workplace hygiene and can even enhance your business’s success by promoting employee health and efficiency. A clean, organised office is key to a productive and professional environment, but it can be challenging to keep up with all these tasks on your own. In fact, consistently performing every item on the checklist is often difficult for staff who already have other duties. This is where bringing in professional office cleaning services can be invaluable.
Professional cleaners are trained in best practices and come equipped with the proper tools and cleaning agents to meet high standards. They know how to thoroughly sanitise workplaces according to health guidelines, for example, using certified disinfectants and proper protective equipment as recommended by the UK’s HSE (Health and Safety Executive). By partnering with a reputable cleaning company, you ensure that your office not only looks spotless but also remains in compliance with workplace hygiene regulations and safety standards.
Why Partner with Inter County?
- Bespoke schedules aligned to your risk assessment and foot‑traffic patterns.
- Trained, DBS‑checked operatives using eco‑label chemicals and colour‑coded cloths.
- Out‑of‑hours service to minimise disruption across Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
- One‑stop compliance—we supply RAMS, COSHH sheets and touch‑point audit reports.
Ready for a germ‑free office?
Call 01933 315 872 or request a quick quote—we’ll tailor a daily, weekly and monthly plan that keeps your workplace immaculate all year round.