With Spring officially around the corner, it’s a time of renewal and fresh starts, making it the perfect season to get your workplace in order with a thorough spring clean. A clean and organised workspace improves productivity and can boost wellbeing amongst your workforce, giving them and your business a sense of professionalism and attention to detail. We have put together some tips and strategies to help you keep your workplace spotless during the spring months.
A Deep Spring Clean
Winter can leave evidence of a dull and dreary few months! Dust, clutter and an accumulation of grime can give the appearance of an uncared-for space. Surface dust can cause an unsightly and dirty residue if conditions have been damp, so it’s really important to tackle this. You’ll need to start with:
Decluttering workspaces – Encourage your employees to organise their desks, get rid of unnecessary items, and file away their paperwork. This leaves the surfaces clearer so that thorough cleaning can be done.
Cleaning and sanitising workspaces – Wipe down all desks, keyboards, phones and other office equipment to eliminate germs and a build-up of dust.
Carpets and floors – Deep clean carpets and hard floors to remove dirt and germs that have accumulated over the winter. Pay extra attention to those corners.
Windows and vents – Cleaning windows will let in more natural light, and clear air vents will help improve air quality inside.
Establish a Daily and Weekly Cleaning Schedule
Routines are key when trying to keep on top of cleaning and are essential to keeping the workplace consistently clean and tidy. Create a cleaning schedule that includes:
Daily cleaning tasks – Empty waste bins, wipe down surfaces in common areas including high-touch surfaces, and organise any stray detritus.
Weekly cleaning tasks – Vacuuming carpets (this may need to be a daily task if there is heavy footfall), mopping floors and dusting shelves and fixtures.
Monthly cleaning tasks – Deeper cleaning tasks such as cleaning behind furniture and inside drawers and cabinets.
Encourage Your Employees
A clean workplace should be a team effort. Encourage your team to take responsibility for their personal spaces, and also shared spaces by:
Keeping workstations tidy – Deter clutter and encourage tidiness.
Cleaning up after themselves in common areas – It shouldn’t be one person’s responsibility to wash up after everyone else (unless it’s a delegated task). If each person cleans cups, plates and cutlery after use then it helps to keep surfaces in the kitchen area clear.
Following company protocols – If you have specific rules around cleaning in your workplace, make sure each employee is aware of them, and follows them.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Spring cleaning is the ideal time to switch to environmentally friendly cleaning products where possible. With businesses always looking to reduce their carbon footprint, cleaning can be a part of that. Using eco-friendly products will:
Reduce exposure to harsh or hazardous chemicals – This will keep your workers safer.
Provide effective cleaning – There is little evidence to suggest that traditional chemical cleaners are more effective than eco-friendly ones. Some biodegradable cleaners are more effective in certain areas as the risk of surface damage is reduced.
Support sustainability – A lot of eco-friendly cleaning products are multi-use, which saves you buying a large range of products to clean each area in your business. Where there is a refillable element (zero waste), cleaning products can allow for easier storage.
Improve Air Quality
Springtime allergies can make working inside uncomfortable for sufferers. There are things you can do to improve the air quality in your building:
Replace air filters regularly – Making sure that filters are cleaned or replaced regularly will help keep the air cleaner.
Add air purifying plants – Plants can help to purify the air by absorbing harmful toxins, even where airflow is poor. Snake plants, spider plants, and butterfly palms are good examples.
Open windows – To keep the air circulating, open windows wherever possible. It can still be cold in spring, so even if it’s for a few minutes a day, the flow of air will move through the building and clear any condensation and damp.
Organise Common Areas and Storage Space
Shared spaces like meeting rooms, kitchens and staffrooms can quickly become cluttered. Stay organised by:
Providing storage – Designated storage for supplies will help keep items from cluttering surfaces and walkways.
Rotate supplies – Regularly check and dispose of out-of-date or unused items.
Clear labelling – Create clear labelling systems for easy access and organisation.
Maintain Toilet Cleanliness
The toilets in your workplace require special attention to maintain hygiene standards. To keep bugs and germs at bay:
Stock up on janitorial supplies – Soap, paper towels and sanitiser should always be on hand so that your workers can keep themselves clean after visiting the facilities.
Disinfecting high touch areas – Door handles and locks, toilet seats and taps are hotspots for germs. Arrange to have these cleaned regularly.
Cleaning checks – Have checks made regularly to identify if any cleaning tasks are needed throughout the day.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to inspect your equipment and furniture for signs of wear and tear. You can consider:
Repair or replacement – Outdated, broken, or unused items can be repaired or disposed of.
Rearrangement – Think about how your furniture is placed. Could your space be utilised better? Rearrange your furniture to suit the flow of your environment.
Upgrade – Easy clean materials will make cleaning an easier task, so if you’re considering changing your furniture, this option will make future maintenance simple.
Promote Cleanliness
Keeping a workplace clean takes an ongoing commitment. Setting clear expectations for workplace tidiness will show your workforce what is expected of them. You could even incorporate some incentive schemes.
Time management – Allow employees time to carry out simple cleaning tasks. This only needs to be a few minutes to clear their desks of any clutter ready for cleaning.
Rewarding compliant employees – Recognise those who go above and beyond in keeping their workspace clean and tidy. You could reward them with a prize.
Use a Professional Cleaning Contractor
The easiest way to ensure a clean and sanitised workplace is by hiring a professional cleaning contractor. Professional cleaning providers have the expertise and equipment to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and will create a schedule of cleaning to suit your business.
Work with your chosen cleaning contractor to create a custom plan that addresses the specific needs of your workplace, particularly during the spring months when dust and allergens can be on the rise.
If you’re looking for reliable, trustworthy office cleaning services in the Northampton and Milton Keynes areas, our teams of vetted and supervised cleaners are here to help.
We believe our office cleaning services should be transparent, so that our customers can see we have fulfilled our end of the deal to the best of our ability! Whether you’re looking for a one-off deep spring clean or an ongoing contract we can help. Get in touch with us here.
