Your Complete Step-by-Step Commercial Cleaning Checklist   

Are you thinking of ways to give your commercial space some serious brush-down? What's on your list of things to clean, and how should you clean them? These are two critical questions, especially if you've never hired a commercial cleaner. Even after drawing up a comprehensive checklist, you still need to review some things to ensure all relevant areas of your space get the attention they deserve. 

Cleaning isn’t just about wiping surfaces; it’s about creating an environment that fosters productivity, health, and professionalism. Besides, a thorough cleaning routine can help extend the lifespan of your office equipment and maintain a positive impression on clients and visitors. Taking the right approach will save you time, money, and effort in the long run. This article presents a step-by-step commercial cleaning checklist that gets the job done. Let's go!

 

How to Give Your Commercial Space a Serious Brush-Down

Using a commercial cleaning company for your business environment has many benefits, including a boosted profile, extended life span of office assets, compliance with health standards, and maintaining a conducive space. A clean office reflects your professionalism, fosters a productive atmosphere, and helps maintain employee morale. The following areas need utmost care and attention during the cleaning process to ensure every detail is noticed. Keeping these spaces clean is essential for not only visual appeal but also the overall well-being of everyone who walks through your door. 

Reception/Entrance 

The first place people see other than the outside of a commercial environment is the reception. As they walk in, they'll form an opinion about the company or business based on its appearance, neatness, and ambiance. For these reasons, it is best to keep this area clean and welcoming. First impressions matter, and a tidy reception area shows your clients you care about their experience. Guests should feel at ease as soon as they step inside, so cleanliness plays a key role in creating that welcoming atmosphere.  

Here are some pointers: 

  • Clean all welcome mats and keep decor tidy 
  • Disinfect door handles and bars 
  • Dust HVAC vents or change filters 
  • Empty trash  
  • Use wipes on counters, desks, and telephones 
  • Vacuum fabric chairs or couches
  • Clean and disinfect light switches 
  • Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors 
  • Remove cobwebs 
  • Dust and vacuum furniture 

Staircase & Elevators

Elevators and stairways carry potential risks, holding microbes on handles and floors. These high-traffic areas are often overlooked but can accumulate dust, dirt, and germs, which makes it crucial to give them extra attention. Areas inside the elevators need adequate wiping while stairs are cleaned and mopped. By focusing on these areas, you’ll prevent any potential buildup that could lead to accidents or unsightly messes. A clean and safe elevator or stairwell sets the tone for the rest of the building. Do the following: 

  • Ensure elevators pass the required inspections
  • Wipe elevator ceiling and lights
  • Clean mirrors
  • Wipe and disinfect buttons and bars 
  • Vacuum and mop floors
  • Vacuum edges of stairs to remove dust and debris
  • Mop stairs to remove spills 

Workspaces/Offices 

As one of the most important areas of your commercial space, offices demand regular attention to keep them in top shape. Regularly cleaning these spots entails dusting and sweeping surfaces and premises. After all, a cluttered workspace can easily lead to a cluttered mind – and that's something we definitely want to avoid! And don’t forget, that pile of papers in the corner isn’t just an eyesore. It’s a dust magnet, too. Plus, we all know the real challenge: cleaning without disturbing that precarious stack of files on your desk – but hey, it’s got to be done!

Offices are mostly shared spaces, meaning germs and other organisms will likely thrive, so check out the detailed steps you can follow below to ensure a clean and healthy work environment.

  • Dust and disinfect tables and surfaces 
  • Dust or vacuum HVAC vents 
  • Change HVAC filters as directed 
  • Clean and disinfect light switches, heating, and AC controls
  • Dust shelves, cabinets, and other hard surfaces
  • Empty trash receptacles 
  • Dust computers, monitors, keyboards, and similar devices 
  • Clean window glass 
  • Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors 

Kitchen/Break Area 

This is another shared area where people meet to relax and interact over coffee or eat heated lunches. Keeping this area clean is not just about appearance but also about food safety and hygiene. How you clean this area depends on how frequently it is used, the kind of surfaces involved, and the equipment present, such as refrigerator, microwave, and others. The kitchen and break areas should be inviting and safe for staff to enjoy their time. Regular cleaning ensures foodborne illnesses are kept at bay and maintains a comfortable space for employees to take a break. Follow these steps: 

  • Wash counters with disinfectant
  • Ensure utensils and other items are straightened on the countertop
  • Empty and clean coffee maker 
  • Empty and disinfect trash 
  • Clean water cooler 
  • Do dirty dishes in the sink 
  • Clean sink and faucet with disinfectant
  • Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors 

Restrooms

This area needs the utmost care. A clean restroom encourages clients and customers to take the business seriously, as well as promotes a hygienic work environment for employees. Plus, let's face it—no one wants to use a restroom that looks like it’s been untouched since the '90s! The state of your restroom can make or break a visitor’s impression, so don't skip those corners or the back of the toilet tank. If you keep it clean, you'll have a lot fewer complaints—and a lot more compliments!

Follow the steps below to ensure your restroom stays sparkling clean: 

  • Disinfect all door handles 
  • Vacuum and mop floors with disinfectant 
  • Disinfect sinks, paper towel dispensers
  • Disinfect toilets and toilet paper dispensers
  • Empty and disinfect all kinds of trash 
  • Use bowl cleaner and brush to clean the toilet bowl
  • Wipe and clean glass and mirrors over the sinks 
  • Clean and refill toilet paper, paper towels, and soap dispensers
  • Clean hand dryers
  • Clean watermarks and divisions
  • Ensure items are correctly placed 

Conclusion 

Yes, a clean environment speaks volumes about your business. However, all businesses have different needs, which means you must tailor your cleaning approach to get the job done right. The end goal is to ensure a clean and healthy environment where your staff feels motivated, and customers feel welcome, so don’t leave any spot unaddressed! 

A little elbow grease goes a long way, and trust me, your business will reap the benefits. Whether you’re dealing with a small office or a massive industrial space, a tidy space is always a productive space. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll keep your workplace clean and your reputation spotless.