The kitchen or breakroom is an important part of any office. Not only is it where employees gather and socialize with each other, but it’s also where they go to take a break from their endless tasks and responsibilities. Keeping this area clean and organized is absolutely important in keeping a healthy work environment as it not only promotes hygiene and sanitation but also employees’ job satisfaction and well-being.
Here are some of the best practices for effective office kitchen cleaning and maintenance.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
There are many benefits to implementing a cleaning schedule around the office. It eliminates any confusion or hesitation when it comes to cleaning by effectively delegating responsibilities to each employee, encouraging accountability and initiative in the process. It also allows for more effective cleaning around the office by addressing all problems and issues, as well as ensuring that all areas in the office are being covered.
A cleaning plan can be just what your office needs to keep the pantry area clean and hygienic. By assigning cleaning duties to employees, everyone is included in the responsibility of keeping the area clean, and it also ensures that cleaning is done consistently to prevent the unwanted buildup of food particles, bacteria, germs, and other impurities.
“Clean as You Go”
Apart from a cleaning schedule, it may also help to instill a “Clean as You Go” approach and mindset in the workplace. Encouraging employees to actively clean up after themselves, wipe down counters and surfaces, and keep everything away after use will stop any serious buildup from accumulating in the first place, making scheduled cleanings that much easier and less time-consuming.
Keep the Necessary Cleaning Supplies Readily Available
In order to encourage employees to take ownership of the state of their work environment, it’s important to give them the necessary supplies and equipment to clean up after themselves. That means that sponges and dish soap should be stationed by the kitchen sink, and clean cloths and rags should be available for any necessary wiping down of messes and spills.
Having cleaning products like multi-purpose cleaners, mild detergents, and sanitizing wipes also allows employees to easily address any accidents or stains that need to be addressed and cleaned.
Regularly Clean Out the Refrigerator
There’s nothing worse than opening the refrigerator, only to be greeted by a foul and unpleasant odor. Unfortunately, finding spoiled foods that have passed their expiration dates is a very common occurrence in the office, but there are some things that you can do to lessen these as much as possible.
Apart from talking to employees about proper refrigerator hygiene and maintenance, it’s also helpful to encourage them to properly label their containers with the type of food and the date that it was brought in. This helps for an easier time tracking which items can stay and which have to be tossed out without the unfortunate experience of opening each one.
Regularly Empty Trash Bins
When left unattended for too long, trash bins in the kitchen and pantry area of the office can accumulate bacteria and germs, along with some nasty smells that you don’t want to spread around. To avoid the worst of it, make sure to regularly empty out the trash cans to prevent the formation of odors and the risk of pests.
Afterward, it also helps to wipe down the insides of the containers to make sure that no food particles or substances are left. This can easily be done with some sanitizing wipes, or a cloth and a multi-purpose cleaner.
While these tips and tricks will help keep your office kitchen clean, there will be those messes and stains that you just won’t be able to handle on your own, but that’s where Luce Office comes in!
Luce Office is a Singapore-based commercial cleaning provider that offers a wide range of high-quality but affordable cleaning packages and services to accommodate your unique office cleaning needs. Our professional cleaners are equipped with years of training and experience to handle even the worst accidents in your office, and we’re more than happy to work around your preferred schedule for your convenience.
Send us a message to schedule a cleaning appointment today!
