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Office Kitchen Chaos? Here’s How to Keep It Clean (and Sane)

Written by Lisa Macqueen | May 19, 2025

What the h*ll is in the office fridge? It stinks!

We’ve all been there: you open the office fridge, and BAM! A smell so powerful it could bring tears to your eyes. Cue the blame game of “who-left-what-in-the-fridge.” The office kitchen is often a battleground of passive-aggressive notes, questionable leftovers, and general mayhem.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. In the interest of good office politics (and avoiding biohazards) Cleancorp proudly presents this Office Kitchen Survival Guide.

Stick this list on your fridge or bulletin board, and watch as harmony (and hygiene) is restored to your workplace.

 

The Golden Rules of Office Kitchen Etiquette

1. If You Use It, Put It Away (Immediately!)

Left the milk out on the counter? Forgot to put the toaster back? Don’t be that person. Leaving things out doesn’t just make the kitchen look untidy; it slows everyone else down and invites chaos.

A clean and organised kitchen starts with personal responsibility.

2. If You Made Something Dirty, Clean It Straight Away

That oatmeal explosion in the microwave isn’t going to clean itself. Neither is the coffee spill on the counter. Clean up as you go - your colleagues (and future you) will thank you.

Why It Matters: Food residue can lead to unpleasant smells, sticky surfaces, and even pest problems.

 

3. Don’t Touch What Doesn’t Belong to You

No, Karen’s leftover lasagna isn’t up for grabs just because it’s been in the fridge for two days. Respect other people’s food and drink, it’s one of the quickest ways to avoid office kitchen drama.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, don’t touch.

4. Schedule a Regular Fridge Clean-Out Day

Let’s be honest, there’s probably a yogurt in the back of your office fridge that predates the company Christmas party. A weekly or bi-weekly fridge clean-out is essential to avoid “science experiments” growing in Tupperware.

How to Make It Work:

  • Assign a day (e.g., every Friday afternoon).
  • Post a reminder to label items you want to keep.
  • Anything unclaimed gets tossed.

5. If It’s Empty, Refill It

Finished the last of the coffee? Used the last paper towel? Don’t just leave it, replace it! Replenishing supplies is an easy way to keep the kitchen running smoothly and your coworkers happy.

Why It Matters: A well-stocked kitchen shows respect for the team.

What If This Doesn’t Work? Enter Cleancorp

If your office kitchen still looks like a post-apocalyptic war zone despite the rules, don’t stress. Cleaning up after office slobs is where we come in.

At Cleancorp, we’re obsessively clean and tidy (it’s kind of our thing). When you hire us, you get:

  • More Time on Site: We don’t rush, we make sure every corner is spotless.
  • More Attention to Detail: From scrubbing the microwave to sanitising counters, we leave no stone unturned.
  • More Care: Your space matters to us, and we treat it like it’s our own.

Why a Clean Kitchen Matters

A tidy kitchen impacts your entire workplace culture:

  • Boosts Morale: No one likes working in a messy environment. A clean kitchen makes everyone’s day a little better.
  • Improves Hygiene: Cleanliness reduces the risk of bacteria, pests, and unpleasant smells.
  • Encourages Teamwork: When everyone respects shared spaces, it fosters a sense of collaboration and accountability.

Final Thoughts

The office kitchen doesn’t have to be a source of frustration. With a little effort and a lot of teamwork, you can keep it clean, functional, and pleasant for everyone. And if all else fails, call in the professionals.

Cleancorp’s got your back! Let us handle the mess so you can focus on what you do best. Call us today for a free quote at 1300 211 944, and let’s make your office a cleaner, happier place to work.