This office cleaning checklist lists the tasks most offices need, grouped by area and frequency: every visit, weekly, monthly and seasonal. Use it to write a janitorial scope, to brief an in-house cleaner, or to check whether your current vendor is doing what you pay for. Adjust frequencies to your headcount, visitors and layout. The every-visit list assumes service several times a week.
How to use this checklist
- Mark which areas exist in your office and delete the rest.
- Set frequencies using our guide to how often an office should be cleaned.
- Add site specifics: restricted rooms, product preferences, recycling rules, alarm procedures.
- Write it into a scope so it becomes the standard your vendor is inspected against. Our scope of work template shows the format.
Entry, reception and lobby
Every visit
- Clean interior and exterior entry door glass within reach
- Wipe door handles and push plates
- Vacuum or mop entry floor; shake out or vacuum mats
- Wipe reception counter and visitor seating arms
- Empty trash
Weekly
- Dust reception furniture, frames and decor within reach
- Detail mats and entry corners
Monthly
- Baseboards, door frames and kick plates
- High dusting of ledges and vents within safe reach
Workstations and private offices
Every visit
- Empty trash and recycling; replace liners as needed
- Vacuum traffic lanes
- Spot-clean visible spills on hard floors
Weekly
- Dust cleared desk surfaces, shelves and filing cabinet tops (papers stay untouched)
- Detail vacuum under desks and along edges
- Wipe chair arms and phone exteriors where cleared and approved
Monthly
- Dust blinds and window sills
- High dusting of vents and light fixtures within reach
- Baseboards
Conference rooms
Every visit
- Wipe tables
- Reset chairs
- Empty trash
- Clean whiteboard trays
- Vacuum or mop
Weekly
- Dust credenzas and AV furniture exteriors
- Spot-clean glass walls and doors
Restrooms
Every visit
- Clean and disinfect toilets, urinals, sinks and counters
- Clean mirrors
- Wipe dispensers, door handles, flush handles and faucet handles
- Empty waste and sanitary receptacles
- Mop floor with appropriate product
- Report or refill supplies according to the contract
- Report leaks, running fixtures or broken dispensers
Weekly
- Wipe partitions and doors
- Detail walls around fixtures
- Scrub floor corners and edges
Monthly
- Clean vents and light lenses within reach
- Detail baseboards
Kitchen and breakroom
Every visit
- Clean counters, sink and faucet
- Wipe tables and chair seats
- Wipe exteriors of refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and dishwasher
- Empty trash, recycling and compost
- Mop floor
Weekly
- Clean microwave interior
- Wipe cabinet fronts and handles
Monthly
- Wipe the top of the refrigerator and other appliance tops within reach
- Detail baseboards
Corridors, stairs and elevators
Every visit
- Vacuum or dust-mop corridors
- Spot-clean walls and doors at hand height
- Wipe elevator buttons and handrails
Weekly
- Sweep or vacuum stairs; wipe handrails
- Clean elevator walls and door tracks
Touchpoints (every visit)
- Door handles and push plates
- Light switches
- Elevator buttons
- Shared printer and copier exteriors (never interior or controls unless approved)
- Handrails
The CDC notes that routine cleaning removes most germs from surfaces, so frequently touched surfaces deserve regular attention.
Seasonal tasks for Fargo–Moorhead offices
Late fall to spring (roughly November to April)
- Extra entry floor cleaning to remove salt residue and grit
- More frequent mat changes or vacuuming
- Check vestibules and the first 20 feet inside each entrance every visit
Spring
- Detail entries and walk-off areas after winter
- Wash interior entry glass edges and frames
See winter facility care in Fargo.
Safety and products
- Keep safety data sheets for every product on site. OSHA's Hazard Communication standard requires access and training.
- Use wet floor signs during and after mopping.
- Match products to surfaces and to any preferences, such as fragrance-free products.
- Consider products carrying the EPA Safer Choice label where they meet your needs.
Using the checklist for quality checks
A checklist is also an inspection tool. Walk the office monthly with the checklist in hand and score each area. Our guide to janitorial QA inspection scoring shows how. For clinics, see the medical office cleaning checklist. For property managers, see the property manager janitorial checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What should be on a daily office cleaning checklist?
Trash and recycling, restroom cleaning, kitchen counters and sink, entry glass and floors, touchpoints and vacuuming traffic areas.
How often should office desks be cleaned?
Cleared desk surfaces are usually dusted weekly. Papers and personal items are left untouched.
Should office cleaning include disinfecting?
Restroom fixtures and frequently touched surfaces are commonly disinfected. Other surfaces usually only need routine cleaning.
Can I use this checklist for my cleaning contract?
Yes. Adapt it to your office and write it into your scope of work.
Sources
Published · Northmark Facility Services.