Keeping communal spaces in the workplace clean and sanitary is important. The office kitchen sees a lot of traffic moving in and out of the space so it doesn’t take much for messes to build up. And if there’s no dedicated cleaning service to look after these messes, things might get out of control. Keep reading to learn the best ways to keep your office kitchen clean and organized with these simple tips!
Cleaning Pantry Area
The office break room can get especially dirty, and without adequate pantry cleaning, the likelihood of developing a pest issue significantly increases.
Each employee that uses the space should clean up after themselves, but we all know that this isn’t always the case. Implementing the following chores will ensure that the break room is kept sparkling clean all day long.
Sweeping and mopping – incorporating daily sweeping into the office cleaning regimen is a great way to keep the space clean. This will help keep daily debris like crumbs, hair, dirt, and grime from piling up on the floor. It’s also a good idea to mop each week to keep the floor clean and free from stickiness. You can use a basic cleaning product and even dilute it with water when you mop to keep the floors clean while removing any oil or grease stains.
Wipe down surfaces – with a moist cloth and a drop of antibacterial soap, wipe down all surfaces like countertops, tables, chairs, and the sink. Common touchpoints in the break room should be sanitized thoroughly – this includes appliances like the fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and water cooler.
Clean appliances – on top of wiping down the surface of the appliances, it’s also important to clean the interior as they come into contact with food. Ensure that all appliances are turned off and not producing any heat prior to cleaning them. Follow the user manual for each appliance for interior cleaning instructions.
Clean out fridge – cleaning the fridge is no easy task, especially if it’s been some time since the appliance has received a deep clean. But once it’s cleaned properly, implementing a daily to twice-daily cleaning schedule will help keep it clean for years to come. It’s important to do a thorough cleaning of your fridge every month – remove all the contents inside, sanitize the interior, and clean up any spilled food. This will make sure that no unpleasant odors linger.
Office Kitchen Sanitizing and Disinfecting
Office kitchen etiquette suggests that we need to leave our communal eating area cleaner than we found it. In order to do this, each individual that uses the space should learn how to properly disinfect and sanitize the kitchen.
With a damp cloth, wipe down any dirt or spilled food from the tables and chairs. Next, use a food-safe disinfectant and a clean cloth to properly sanitize the area.
Cleaning the Sink
There is far more to cleaning the sink than simply washing the dishes and emptying the food trap. The actual sink should be cleaned regularly to ensure that leftover food, grime, and soap scum won’t build up on the surface.
If your office sink doesn’t come with a garbage disposal, it’s vital to have a trap over the sink to prevent food from getting into the drain, which will lead to clogs and rotten smells. Using a sponge, scrub the sink to remove any spilled food or caked-on debris along with any stains from water droplets or mineral deposits.
Office Kitchen Cleaning Rules
Establishing clear rules regarding kitchen use posted for all to see is a great way to maintain a clean, communal eating space.
Microwave – There are a few rules associated with microwave use that goes a long way in keeping order in the office kitchen. The number one reason for food spills in the microwave is due to open containers. Establish a rule in the office kitchen that requires all users to cover their food when using the microwave – this helps to prevent spills and splatter. Of course, an air-tight, covered container is trouble, but a loose-fitting lid will help contain the splatter. And if any food happens to spill when you’re heating up your lunch, wipe the mess with a damp cloth so the next person in line can have a clean surface
Fridge – the best way to maintain a clean fridge and ensure nobody “accidentally” eats your lunch is with an organized refrigerator. This ensures everyone has a place to keep their food.
Dishes – make sure to clean your plates and utensils after eating and rinse any messes in the sink. Place your dishes in the drying rack, but be sure to return them to the cupboard once dry, as others will need to use this space after you.
Cupboard – moisture can be a host of bacteria and mold, so it’s important to ensure that all plates and cutlery are clean and dry before returning it to the fridge. Staff should label their own dishes to avoid any confusion.
Office Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
The easiest way to maintain a clean communal office kitchen area is to ensure that everyone is aware of the rules and on board. It might even be beneficial to have a kitchen cleaning checklist posted so people can stay up to date with outstanding chores.
This checklist should include the different areas of the space that require cleaning, along with times and dates that specific areas were last cleaned.
A couple things to include can be:
By following this handy guide and practicing good kitchen etiquette at work, you can ensure that your office kitchen is sparkling clean for all employees to enjoy. Nothing boosts worker morale like a clean pantry, so be sure to keep the area clean.
But if you want to take your office kitchen cleaning to another level, consider hiring a professional team like MCA Group to give you the best deep cleaning. Give us a call today to learn more about our extensive list of office cleaning services.