Hiring a commercial cleaning company ensures your workplace gets a deep clean; floors scrubbed, bins emptied, bathrooms sanitised. But what about the time in between? Offices can get messy quickly: coffee spills in the kitchen, fingerprints on glass partitions, or overflowing bins after lunch.
This is where daily office habits come in. By following a few practical tips, businesses can maintain a healthy, productive environment between professional cleans to protect both their people and their reputation.
This guide answers common questions like:
“How do I keep my office clean daily?”
“What should staff do between cleaning visits?”
“How can I reduce mess without hiring more cleaners?”
Let’s break it down.
Even if your office is professionally cleaned, dirt and germs don’t wait until the next scheduled visit. Here’s why daily upkeep is critical:
Health & Hygiene: Germs on shared surfaces spread quickly, increasing sick days.
First Impressions: Clients and visitors notice messy desks, smudged windows, and odours instantly.
Staff Productivity: A cluttered environment distracts workers and lowers morale.
Asset Protection: Regular upkeep prevents stains, spills, and wear-and-tear from becoming permanent damage.
Here are some immediate, low-effort practices staff can follow to keep the office clean every day:
| Task | Frequency | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe down shared surfaces | Daily | Staff / Office Manager |
| Empty kitchen sink & dishwasher | After meals | Staff roster system |
| Empty rubbish/recycling bins | Daily (afternoons) | Designated staff rotation |
| Sanitise meeting rooms | After each meeting | Meeting organiser |
| Tidy reception & waiting areas | Daily | Reception staff |
Certain spots in the office are “germ magnets.” These should be prioritised between professional cleans:
Door handles & light switches – touched hundreds of times daily.
Shared kitchen appliances – fridge handles, microwaves, coffee machines.
Workstation equipment – keyboards, phones, desk surfaces.
Bathrooms – soap dispensers, taps, and cubicle locks.
Meeting rooms – remote controls, whiteboard markers, conference phones.
Studies from the University of Arizona and hygiene company Initial have found that everyday office items like keyboards, phones, and desks can harbour significantly more bacteria than toilet seats. In fact, research shows these surfaces can carry up to three times more germs (sometimes even higher) simply because toilets are cleaned regularly, while office devices are touched constantly but rarely sanitised. This highlights why daily wipe-downs of high-touch areas are essential to maintaining a healthy workplace between professional cleans.
Cleaning is about culture. The more staff buy into shared responsibility, the easier it is to maintain a clean environment.
Ways to encourage it:
Clear communication: Post reminders in kitchens and bathrooms.
Shared responsibility: Create a weekly cleaning roster for small tasks.
Provide supplies: Make disinfectant wipes, paper towels, and hand sanitisers readily available.
Recognition: Celebrate teams that keep spaces tidy — small rewards go a long way.
You don’t need industrial machines every day, just the right supplies on hand.
| Item | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Microfibre cloths & sprays | Easy wipe-downs, trap more dust & bacteria. |
| Disinfectant wipes | Perfect for keyboards and shared devices. |
| Desk organisers & storage bins | Reduce clutter, improve productivity. |
| Air fresheners / purifiers | Maintain freshness between deep cleans. |
| Small vacuums | Quick spill & crumb clean-ups. |
Having these simple tools within easy reach makes it far more likely that staff will actually use them. A quick wipe with a microfibre cloth or disinfectant wipe can stop germs spreading across the office, while small vacuums and air purifiers keep shared spaces looking and feeling fresh. By stocking the right supplies in kitchens, meeting rooms, and reception areas, you empower employees to take small actions that make a big difference between professional cleans.
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don’t |
|---|---|
| Encourage staff to clean up after themselves. | Rely 100% on cleaners to manage daily mess. |
| Stock supplies like sanitiser & wipes. | Hide supplies in cupboards where staff won’t use them. |
| Wipe spills and stains immediately. | Leave food messes for “later.” |
| Create a staff cleaning roster. | Assume reception/admin will do everything. |
| Keep bins small to encourage regular emptying. | Use oversized bins that overflow with rubbish. |
Daily maintenance doesn’t replace commercial cleaning — it complements it.
Professional cleaners handle deep sanitation, carpet shampooing, hard floor scrubbing, and bathroom disinfecting.
Staff upkeep keeps things tidy and hygienic day-to-day.
Together, they create a smoother, more cost-effective cleaning cycle.
Cleancorp Fact: Did you know, offices that combine daily staff habits with professional cleans spend on average 20% less on long-term cleaning and repairs?
Q1. How do I keep my office clean between professional cleans?
Encourage staff to wipe surfaces, empty bins, and sanitise shared areas daily. Keeping supplies on hand (like wipes and microfibre cloths) makes it easy for employees to take small actions that add up.
Q2. What are the dirtiest places in an office?
Keyboards, phones, door handles, and kitchen appliances often have the highest germ counts. These should be wiped multiple times per day.
Q3. What supplies should offices keep for daily cleaning?
Essential supplies include disinfectant wipes, sprays, microfibre cloths, hand sanitisers, and small vacuums. These cover most quick clean-ups.
Q4. Why is office cleanliness important for staff productivity?
A clean environment reduces distractions, lowers the spread of illness, and creates a more professional atmosphere — all of which help staff focus better.
Q5. Should employees be responsible for office cleaning?
Yes — but only for light upkeep like tidying desks and wiping surfaces. Professional cleaners should always handle deep cleaning and sanitation tasks.
Keeping an office clean between professional cleans doesn’t require much effort; just consistency, supplies, and a culture of shared responsibility. When staff take ownership of daily tasks and cleaning companies provide the deep cleans, the result is a workplace that feels fresh, healthy, and welcoming every day.
For facility managers and business owners searching “how to keep office clean between cleans”, the answer is clear: Make cleanliness part of daily office life, and let professionals handle the rest.