Most office cleaning disputes come down to one problem: the client and the contractor had different assumptions about what was included. A written checklist, agreed on before the contract starts, eliminates most of those disputes. What follows is a baseline checklist for a typical commercial office. Adapt it to your space before handing it to a vendor.
Nightly Tasks (Every Cleaning Visit)
Workstations and Open Areas
- Vacuum all carpeted areas, including under and around desks
- Mop or sweep all hard floor surfaces
- Empty trash receptacles and re-line bins
- Empty recycling containers
- Wipe workstation surfaces where clear (not personal papers or equipment)
- Wipe shared surface items: doorknobs, light switches, shared equipment handles
- Spot-clean interior glass partitions and doors
Restrooms
- Scrub and disinfect toilets and urinals (inside and out)
- Clean and disinfect sinks and faucets
- Clean mirrors
- Wipe countertops and dispensers
- Mop floors with disinfecting solution
- Restock paper towels, toilet paper, and soap (if restocking is in scope)
- Empty trash
Breakroom
- Wipe countertops and backsplash
- Clean sink and faucet
- Wipe appliance exteriors: microwave, coffeemaker, refrigerator door
- Empty trash
- Mop or sweep floor
Entry and Lobby
- Clean entry glass (both sides if accessible)
- Vacuum entry mat
- Wipe reception desk surfaces (clear areas only)
- Dust lobby furniture and flat surfaces
Weekly Tasks
- Dust window sills and ledges throughout
- Wipe baseboards in high-traffic areas
- Dust ceiling vents and returns (accessible height only)
- Spot-clean interior walls in corridors and restrooms
- Clean inside microwave if not done nightly
Monthly Tasks
- Clean refrigerator interior (or on a schedule agreed with staff)
- Dust high surfaces: tops of cabinets, shelving units, window treatments
- Clean light fixture covers (accessible height)
- Machine-scrub hard floors if applicable
How to Use This Checklist
Attach this to any cleaning quote request. Ask the contractor to confirm in writing which items are included in the quoted price and which are additional. Any item marked "not included" is a scope negotiation, not a surprise. This also functions as an audit tool: walk the space after the first three visits and check each item. If something marked as included isn't being done, you have the written scope to refer to.
For Circle Pines and north metro offices, we provide a written scope with every quote that covers all of the above categories. Call (866) 958-8773 or request a quote online.