How Often Should an Office Be Cleaned?

Keeping your office clean isn’t just about looking professional—it’s also about creating a healthy, productive, and welcoming space for employees and visitors. But how often should an office be cleaned? The answer depends on several factors, including the size of your office, how many people use it, and the type of work being done.

If you’re just starting to plan your cleaning routine or want to improve an existing one, our office cleaning checklist is a great place to begin.

Let’s dive into what affects cleaning frequency and how often different parts of an office should be cleaned.

Why Regular Office Cleaning Matter?

A clean office does more than just make a good impression—it supports your team's health and productivity. Here's why regular cleaning should never be overlooked:

Health and hygiene

Regular cleaning helps reduce the spread of germs, especially in high-touch areas like doorknobs, desks, and restrooms.

Professional image

Clients, visitors, and potential hires form opinions quickly. A clean workspace gives off a professional and well-organized vibe.

Boosted employee morale

Employees tend to be more productive and positive in a clean, clutter-free environment.

Compliance

Depending on your industry, cleanliness might also be tied to health codes or safety regulations.

if you're looking for expert help, consider hiring professional office cleaning services to ensure consistent and thorough results.

Factors That Affect How Often Your Office Should Be Cleaned

1. Office Size and Number of Employees

A small office with 3–5 people may only need light daily cleaning and a deeper clean once a week. A large corporate office with dozens or hundreds of employees will need more frequent attention across all areas.

2. Industry Type

• Medical or dental offices need daily (if not hourly) cleaning and disinfecting due to the nature of the work.

  
  

• Corporate or administrative offices may not require intense cleaning daily but still need regular attention to common areas and desks.

  
  

• Industrial or manufacturing spaces may require specialized cleaning of machinery, floors, and work zones.

3. Foot Traffic

A busy reception area or shared kitchen will accumulate dirt, dust, and germs faster than a private office. High-traffic areas typically need cleaning once or even multiple times a day.

4. Time of Year

During flu season or allergy season, you may want to increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting to maintain a healthier workplace.

Recommended Office Cleaning Schedule

Here’s a general breakdown of how often different areas in your office should be cleaned:

Daily Tasks

1. Empty trash cans

2. Wipe down desks and workstations

3. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces (keyboards, phones, doorknobs)

4. Clean restrooms (toilets, sinks, mirrors)

5. Wipe down kitchen counters and tables

6. Vacuum or sweep high-traffic floors

7. Refill soap, sanitizer, and paper towel dispensers

Weekly Tasks

1. Deep clean restrooms and kitchens

2. Dust surfaces and furniture

3. Mop all floors

4. Clean windows and mirrors

5. Sanitize shared office equipment (printers, copiers)

6. Disinfect refrigerator and microwave

Monthly Tasks

1. Clean windows (interior and exterior if possible)

2. Clean air vents and baseboards

3. Deep clean carpets and upholstery

4. Wash walls and remove stains or marks

Quarterly or Bi-Annual Tasks

1. Pest control inspections

2. Clean ceiling tiles and lighting fixtures

3. Replace HVAC filters

4. Full deep cleaning of the entire office

Signs Your Office Needs More Frequent Cleaning

Sometimes, it’s obvious that your cleaning schedule isn’t quite enough. Look out for these warning signs:

• Sick employees: If your team keeps getting sick, it could be due to bacteria or viruses lingering in shared spaces.

  
  

• Dust buildup: Dust on shelves, electronics, or vents means those areas aren't being cleaned often enough.

  
  

• Foul odors: Unpleasant smells in restrooms, kitchens, or garbage areas indicate a need for deeper or more frequent cleaning.

  
  

• Overflowing trash or untidy restrooms: These are not only unsightly but can be health hazards if left unchecked.

  
  

• Complaints from employees or visitors: Take feedback seriously—your team is your best indicator of how clean your office really feels.

Customize Your Office Cleaning Schedule

No two offices are the same, so don't feel you have to follow a rigid plan. Here's how to customize a cleaning routine that works for you:

1. Evaluate your space – Identify high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces.

2. Set realistic goals – Make sure your cleaning plan fits your budget and daily operations.

3. Get input from your team – Ask employees which areas they think need more attention.

4. Hire professionals – An expert cleaning company can help tailor a schedule that ensures nothing gets missed.

Final Thoughts

So, how often should an office be cleaned? The short answer is: it depends on your office’s size, use, and industry—but regular daily cleaning of key areas, weekly deep cleaning, and seasonal touch-ups are a good rule of thumb.

Maintaining a clean office doesn't just make things look nice—it keeps your team healthy, motivated, and ready to do their best work. Whether you manage a small startup or a large office building, keeping things clean is always worth the effort.