The Ultimate Office Cleaning Checklist for Facilities Managers

Whether you're writing a new cleaning specification or auditing your current contractor, a clear checklist is the foundation. Here's the framework we use when building cleaning programmes for offices across Sussex and London.

Daily tasks

Workstations

• Empty desk-side bins and replace liners as needed
• Wipe accessible desk surfaces (where clear of paperwork)
• Sanitise telephones and keyboards on rotation
• Spot-clean smudges and marks on glass partitions

Kitchens and breakout areas

• Wipe down all counters, splashbacks and tables
• Clean exterior of microwaves, kettles and coffee machines
• Empty and re-line waste and recycling bins
• Mop floors and address spills
• Restock consumables

Washrooms

• Clean and disinfect toilets, urinals, sinks and taps
• Wipe mirrors and dispensers
• Restock soap, hand towels, toilet paper
• Empty sanitary bins as required
• Mop floors with appropriate disinfectant

Entrance and reception

• Sweep and mop entrance matting and hard floors
• Wipe down reception desk and seating areas
• Clean glass entrance doors inside and out
• Address any leaves, debris or weather damage

Meeting rooms

• Reset all rooms — chairs in, surfaces wiped
• Empty bins and remove used cups/glasses
• Spot-clean whiteboards and AV equipment exteriors

Weekly tasks

• Full vacuum of all carpeted areas including under desks
• Detailed wipe-down of all skirting boards and low-level dust collection
• Internal glass cleaning
• Damp-dust all accessible surfaces
• Sanitise high-touch points (door handles, light switches, lift buttons)

Monthly tasks

• High-level dusting (tops of cabinets, light fittings, vents)
• Deep clean of kitchen appliances (interiors)
• Floor maintenance — scrub, buff or polish as flooring requires
• Detailed clean of meeting room AV equipment, chairs and tables
• Window sill and frame detail clean

Quarterly / periodic

• Carpet deep clean (hot water extraction or encapsulation)
• Hard floor strip and reseal as required
• External window cleaning
• Furniture and upholstery cleaning
• Full washroom deep sanitisation

Use this list as your starting point and adapt it to your premises. The best cleaning specifications are written collaboratively between FM and contractor — not handed down.