A clean workplace isn’t just about appearances. It affects your team’s health, how many sick days they take, the impression you make on clients, and even day-to-day productivity. But how often does an office actually need cleaning, and what should be covered? Here’s a practical commercial cleaning checklist and a realistic schedule for a Melbourne workplace.

Why office cleaning matters more than people think

Offices are shared, high-touch environments. Desks, keyboards, phones and door handles harbour more germs than most people realise, and shared kitchens and washrooms need consistent attention. A well-kept workplace means fewer bugs spreading through the team, a healthier environment, and a space that looks professional every time a client walks in.

How often should an office be cleaned?

Most workplaces are best served by a mix of daily, weekly and periodic cleaning. The right frequency depends on how many people use the space and the type of business — a busy customer-facing office or a food-related business needs more than a small quiet studio.

Daily

  • Empty bins and replace liners.
  • Clean and sanitise washrooms — toilets, basins, mirrors, and restock consumables.
  • Wipe down kitchen benches, sinks and shared appliances.
  • Sanitise high-touch points: door handles, light switches, lift buttons, shared keyboards and phones.
  • Spot-clean reception and meeting rooms.
  • Vacuum high-traffic areas and entryways.

Weekly

  • Vacuum all carpets and mop hard floors thoroughly.
  • Dust desks, shelves, ledges and equipment.
  • Clean glass doors, partitions and internal windows.
  • Detail-clean the kitchen, including the fridge exterior and microwave.

Monthly & periodically

  • Dust vents, blinds and light fittings.
  • Wipe skirting boards and hard-to-reach areas.
  • Clean internal and external windows.
  • Steam clean carpets and upholstery (every few months, or more with heavy traffic).
  • Deep clean the kitchen and washrooms.

Don’t forget the high-touch points

The surfaces that spread the most germs are often the ones cleaners rush: shared keyboards and mice, phone handsets, door handles, lift buttons, kitchen taps and the coffee machine. Sanitising these daily makes the biggest difference to keeping your team well — particularly through cold and flu season.

In-house or professional cleaners?

Small teams sometimes manage the basics themselves, but it’s easy for standards to slip when cleaning isn’t anyone’s real job. A professional commercial cleaning service brings consistency, the right equipment and a proper checklist, and can work outside business hours so your team isn’t disrupted. For most workplaces it’s more reliable — and often more cost-effective — than piecing it together in-house.

Choosing a commercial cleaner

  • Look for a clear, agreed scope and checklist so nothing is missed.
  • Check they’re fully insured and their staff are police-checked.
  • Ask about flexible scheduling — before or after hours.
  • Confirm they can handle periodic extras like carpet steam cleaning and window cleaning.

Frequently asked questions

How often should office carpets be cleaned?

Vacuumed at least weekly, and professionally steam cleaned every three to six months depending on foot traffic.

Should offices be cleaned during or after hours?

After hours is usually best, so cleaning doesn’t disrupt staff and the office is fresh each morning. Many businesses use a mix.

How much does commercial cleaning cost?

It depends on the size of the space, the frequency and the scope. The best approach is a site assessment and a tailored quote rather than a one-size-fits-all rate.

Brantjes Property Solutions keeps offices and workspaces across South-East and Eastern Melbourne healthy and presentable, with flexible scheduling to suit your business. Call us for a quote.