The ultimate office furniture cleaning guide
February 04, 2025
Maintaining a clean and organised office can feel like an ongoing task, especially when work is piling up and your focus is elsewhere. We’ve all been there: after a busy week filled with meetings, deadlines, and never-ending tasks, cleaning your office furniture often gets pushed to the bottom of the list.
But here's the problem: a cluttered, dusty, and unhygienic workspace not only affects your mood and productivity but can also cause long-term damage to your furniture. Those crumbs around the workspace, smudged coffee stains on the chair, and dusty files piling up—these are the little things that accumulate over time. Left unchecked, they can take a toll on both your health and your office’s longevity.
Don’t worry, though! The good news is that with a few simple habits and the right cleaning routine, you can maintain a clean and fresh office environment. This guide will walk you through how often (and how thoroughly) different office items should be cleaned, offering practical tips to boost your workspace hygiene and maximise the lifespan of your furniture. Ready to give your office the TLC it deserves? Let’s dive in!
Desks
Desks take the brunt of daily activity—papers piling up, food crumbs, coffee spills, and the constant clatter of keys. Regular cleaning will not only prevent the build-up of dust but will also keep your workspace functional and aesthetically pleasing.
How Often to Clean:
Everyday Cleaning: Wipe down the desk surface with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and any small crumbs or debris.
Weekly Deep Clean: Pay special attention to corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate. Use a mild cleaner (avoiding harsh chemicals) for any stubborn stains.
Monthly Maintenance: Clean desk drawers or compartments to remove dust or any leftover food crumbs, which can attract pests.
Pro Tip: Invest in a desk mat to protect the surface from scratches, spills, and stains. Use small organisers or trays on the desk to keep it tidy and limit surface mess.
Office chairs
Office chairs are a staple of comfort and productivity, so keeping them clean is essential for both hygiene and longevity. Whether it’s an ergonomic chair or a simple task chair, regular maintenance will keep them looking fresh.
How Often to Clean:
Everyday Cleaning: Wipe down the chair seat and armrests with a damp cloth. If your chair has fabric upholstery, a quick vacuum will prevent the build-up of dust and debris.
Weekly Deep Clean: For leather chairs, use a leather cleaner to keep the material soft and supple. Fabric chairs should be deep cleaned every month with an upholstery cleaner.
Monthly Maintenance: Check the wheels for debris and ensure they are rolling smoothly. Clean underneath the chair to remove any dirt or dust build-up.
Pro Tip: Use a fabric protector for upholstered chairs to help prevent stains and spills. For leather chairs, a leather conditioner will keep the material from cracking or fading.
Storage cabinets and drawers
Whether it’s filing cabinets or small storage drawers, these office items can accumulate dust, dirt, and even forgotten items. Regular cleaning ensures a clean workspace and keeps your office organised and efficient.
How Often to Clean:
Weekly Cleaning: Wipe down the outside of the cabinets or drawers with a dry or damp cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints.
Monthly Cleaning: Empty and clean the interior of storage units. Organise papers or files and check for any expired or unnecessary documents.
Pro Tip: Labelling your storage bins and filing cabinets can save you time when cleaning. Keep a recycling bin nearby to dispose of unwanted papers quickly and easily.
Computers, monitors, and keyboards
In today’s digital age, your tech equipment plays a vital role in productivity. Ensuring your computer, monitor, and keyboard are properly cleaned is essential for maintaining their performance and avoiding germs.
How Often to Clean:
Everyday Cleaning: Wipe down your monitor screen and keyboard with a disinfecting wipe or microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints, dust, and germs.
Weekly Maintenance: Deep clean the keyboard with compressed air to remove dust and debris from between the keys. Use a screen cleaner for your monitor to maintain clarity and remove smudges.
Monthly Maintenance: Clean the computer mouse, desk phone, and any other tech gadgets you use regularly.
Pro Tip: Never spray cleaner directly on your tech equipment. Instead, apply it to a cloth first and gently wipe down the surfaces.
Breakroom furniture
The breakroom is another high-traffic area where food crumbs, spills, and germs can build up quickly. Regularly cleaning breakroom furniture ensures the space remains inviting and safe for everyone.
How Often to Clean:
Everyday Cleaning: Wipe down tables, chairs, and countertops to remove any food remnants. Empty the bins to avoid unpleasant smells.
Weekly Maintenance: Sanitise high-touch areas like coffee machines, microwaves, and refrigerators. Wipe down cabinet handles and appliance buttons.
Monthly Deep Clean: Thoroughly clean the fridge, removing expired food and wiping down the shelves and compartments. Disinfect any high-touch surfaces in the kitchen area.
Pro Tip: Place trash and recycling bins strategically to maintain cleanliness. Encourage employees to clean up after themselves to keep the breakroom tidy.
Floors
Keeping the floors in your office clean is just as important as maintaining your furniture. Regular cleaning helps prevent dust from accumulating on your furniture and creates a healthier working environment.
How Often to Clean:
Everyday Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas to pick up dust, dirt, and debris. For carpeted offices, a quick vacuum should suffice.
Weekly Maintenance: Mop hard floors and deep clean areas that see the most foot traffic.
Monthly Maintenance: Shampoo carpets and rugs to remove stains and deep-set dirt.
Pro Tip: Add floor mats in areas where spills are likely, such as under desks or near the kitchen. This will protect your flooring and make cleaning easier.
Quarterly deep clean
Professional upholstery cleaning: Every 3-4 months, consider professional cleaning for upholstered items, especially in high-traffic offices. This removes deep-seated dirt and refreshes fabrics.
Wood furniture treatment: For wooden furniture, apply appropriate conditioning treatments quarterly to prevent drying and cracking, especially in air-conditioned environments.
Annual maintenance
Furniture Audit: Conduct a yearly thorough inspection of all office furniture. Check for:
- Loose screws or fittings
- Wear patterns on upholstery
- Stability of desk legs and chair bases
- Functionality of drawers and moving parts
Pro Tips for longer-lasting office furniture
- Create cleaning stations: Set up dedicated cleaning supply stations around the office, making it easier for employees to maintain their workspace.
- Implement a "clean desk" policy: Encourage staff to clear their desks at day’s end, making thorough cleaning possible and reducing clutter damage.
- Use appropriate products: Always check manufacturer guidelines for cleaning products. Using the wrong cleaners can void warranties and damage surfaces.
- Address spills immediately: Quick response to spills prevents staining and potential material damage. Keep an emergency cleaning kit easily accessible.
A worthwhile investment
Regular cleaning and maintenance might seem time-consuming, but it's far less costly than replacing premium office furniture prematurely.
Remember, your office furniture isn’t just about functionality, it’s about creating a professional, healthy environment that promotes productivity and well-being. By following these guidelines, you’re protecting your investment while ensuring a clean, healthy workspace for everyone.
