Keeping Your Office Clean

Most businesses employ a cleaning service to keep their offices looking good. Public areas, such as a reception desk, make a powerful first impression upon potential customers. You cannot afford to let these areas look sloppy or dirty. Your employees appreciate working in a clean and safe environment, and a well-organized workplace is more productive. Most cities and towns have at least one commercial cleaning service available. For instance, you can access excellent cleaning in Kettering, a town outside of London.

There are many stories of companies that have lost business due to an untidy or dirty appearance. For instance, J.S. Dean and Company had a thriving private investigation service in London. In 2008, the owners started noticing that potential clients who visited the office frequently chose not to pursue an engagement. It turned out that the reception area suffered from an unpleasant odor caused by lax cleaning and disinfection. The owners had become used to the odor, and were only made aware of the problem when a visitor complained. Mortified, the owners immediately hired a commercial cleaning service, and within days business began to pick up again.

When you hire an office cleaner, you should be aware of the tasks it will perform for you on a daily basis. Here is a checklist that will help you monitor the work performed by your cleaning service:

• Clean out and periodically wash waste receptacles, replacing liners daily.
• Vacuum all floors, mats and carpets. Disinfect hard floors.
• Dust and damp wipe all horizontal surfaces, using a disinfectant where appropriate.
• Check for and remove cobwebs.
• Clean walls, door frames, light switches, glass surfaces and metal doors and cabinets.
• Ensure all areas are arranged neatly, removing all garbage, papers, bottles and other effluvia.
• Stock hand towels, toilet paper, hand soap and facial tissues in your bathrooms and kitchen areas.
• Clean and polish mirrors.
• Clean off towel and soap dispensers, sinks and faucets, and hand-dryers.
• Sanitize all basins and neighboring partitions. Remember to remove splash marks.
• Mop wet-area floors with disinfectant. Apply disinfectant when cleaning toilets and urinals.
• Clean all elevators and stairs.
• On a weekly basis, spray buff all hard floors and squeegee windows, inside and out. Also, vacuum vents and chairs.

Of course, the tasks required for your office will vary with circumstances. In any event, always make sure you are dealing with a reputable office cleaning company, so that you know you are getting all the service you expect.