Ready for a fresh start in the new year? Now is a great time for a thorough office cleaning.
No one wants to return from the holidays to overflowing paperwork, office clutter, or a dirty work environment.
Make your New Year office cleaning simple and effective with our post-holiday cleaning checklist and insider tips.
Checklist for New Year Office Cleanings
1. Take Down Any Holiday Decor
First things first: Remove any holiday decorations.
Do a quick sweep around the office and remove seasonal decor, such as:
- Christmas trees
- Strands of lights
- Holiday wall decor
- Desk decorations
- Boxes or gift wrapping supplies
- Holiday banners and any other seasonal items
Label any reusable decorations clearly in sturdy boxes so they are easy to access next holiday season. Throw away or recycle any items that are damaged or no longer needed.
2. Sanitise High-Touch Surfaces
Reduce the risk of spreading illness by sanitising high-touch surfaces with disinfectant spray.
Focus on:
- Light switches
- Door handles
- Phones
- Keyboards
- Computer mouses
- Elevator buttons
- Desk surfaces
- Remote controls
- Faucet handles
3. Empty and Clean Rubbish and Recycling Bins
Between decorations, wrapping paper, and seasonal snacks, holidays often bring extra waste. Empty all trash bins, wipe them down thoroughly, and replace bin liners. Make sure any food waste is disposed of properly.
4. Tidy Workstations and Desks
Holidays can lead to extra desk clutter from gifts, cards, supplies, and decorations. A chaotic desk can zap productivity. It also looks unprofessional to visitors.
Encourage employees to spend some time tidying their workstations and desks by:
- Discarding any expired drinks, snacks, or food items
- Shredding unnecessary papers or files
- Organising drawers and shelves
- Wiping down desks
- Dusting surfaces
- Clearing any unwanted items off their desk surfaces
- Storing rarely used items out of sight to decrease clutter
5. Deep Clean the Kitchen or Break Room
Kitchens and break rooms often require the most cleaning attention. These areas see a lot of crumbs, grease, food waste, overall use, and foot traffic. And with holiday parties over, now is a great time to start the new year fresh.
Place a special focus on these areas to ensure a hygienic, enjoyable environment for your staff.
- Wipe down all tables, chairs, countertops, shelves, and food prep areas
- Wipe down and organise the fridge, making a point to dispose of any spoiled or expired items
- Clean appliances (wipe down the stove, microwave, coffee machine, etc.)
- Wash any cups, cutlery, or dishes
- Sanitise sinks
- Mop the floor
- Refill dishwashing liquid, hand soaps, salt and pepper dispensers, tea, sugar, coffee, and other supplies
- Empty rubbish bins
6. Perform a Deep Clean of Restrooms
Restrooms are another hot spot for germs, grime, and build-up. Hygienic restrooms are vital to a healthy, safe work environment.
Your New Year’s office refresh should include a thorough restroom cleaning
- Scrubbing and sanitising toilets
- Washing sinks and faucets
- Mopping floors
- Cleaning mirrors
- Wiping down countertops
- Restocking paper towels, soap, and toilet paper
- Emptying rubbish bins
7. Deep Clean Common Areas
Common areas often see extra foot traffic and usage during the holidays. Spend some time cleaning entryways, meeting rooms, reception areas, and hallways.
8. Thoroughly Clean All Floors
Flooring often harbours allergens, bacteria, and dust. Carpets can be especially problematic when it comes to trapping allergens and dirt.
Vacuum all carpets and address any stained areas. Consider steam cleaning carpets for extra sanitation. Sweep and mop all hard floors.
9. Let In Some Fresh Ar
If your office was closed up over the holidays, the air can feel stuffy or stale. If the weather allows, open up the windows for an hour or two. Ensure all HVAC system air filters are cleaned or replaced if needed.
10. Clutter Storage and Supply Rooms
Is your office supply closet nerve-wracking to open? Storage closets are notorious for getting packed full with clutter, supplies, and junk.
De-clutter your bursting storage or supply closets and get rid of any unnecessary items. Organise papers and make sure any storage bins or files are clearly labeled.
11. Restock Cleaning and General Supplies
A well-stocked office enhances convenience and makes it easier to keep everything in order.
Check these office supplies and restock as necessary:
- Disinfecting wipes
- Hand soap
- Hand sanitisers
- Pens
- Notepads
- Sticky Notes
- Folders and file organisers
- First aid kits
4 Tips for Cleaning Your Office After the Holidays
Tip #1: Check Equipment
Now is a great time to ensure all equipment is running smoothly. This helps prevent breakdowns and unexpected delays in the new year.
Check on equipment, such as:
- Hot water systems
- Printers
- Fax machines
- Coperies
- Computers to the office printer
- HVAC systems
- Ventilation systems
If needed, schedule any inspections or repairs.
Tip #2. Inspect for Hazards
Checking for hazardous conditions such as mould or pest infestations. If necessary, schedule professional mould or pest removal services. These steps protect indoor air quality to keep your staff and visitors safer.
Learn our strategies for preventing office pests here: Our 7 Best Tips to Ensure a Pest-Free Office.
Tip #3. Move Forward with a Regular Cleaning Schedule
To maintain your clean office, develop a simple schedule to follow. With regular upkeep, it’s less likely you’ll need to tackle an overwhelming amount of cleaning at once.
Follow our tips to help keep your office clean year-round: 9 Insider Tips for Keeping a Clean Office.
Tip #4: Consider the Help of Commercial Office Cleaning Services
If your office is particularly busy or has large square footage, we understand this cleaning checklist may feel overwhelming.
A DIY cleaning approach can work well for smaller offices or the majority of cleaning tasks. But if you’re a large company or need a thorough top-to-bottom office clean, professional help may be needed.
Commercial cleaners can save you time while ensuring your office is left organised, sanitised, and welcoming for staff and visitors.
Here are tips to help you find a commercial cleaning company that best fits your office’s needs: How to Choose the Right Commercial Cleaning Company.
Book a Professional Office Cleaning Service for a Renewed Start
A clean, organized workplace will help everyone start 2026 off right and boost motivation for the year ahead.
Make the rest of the year easier by following a consistent cleaning routine or booking regular professional office cleaning.
Contact Broadway Commercial Cleaning to schedule your New Year’s office cleaning or get a free quote.
