Office kitchens and breakrooms are high-traffic areas where employees gather, eat, and take breaks. These spaces are often shared by multiple people, making them prone to spills, food debris, and germs. A clean and hygienic kitchen or breakroom is essential for maintaining a healthy workplace and preventing the spread of illnesses. Here are some practical tips to keep these areas spotless and safe for everyone:
1. Establish Clear Cleaning Guidelines
- One of the easiest ways to maintain a clean kitchen and breakroom is to establish clear cleaning guidelines for employees. Make sure everyone knows their responsibilities when it comes to cleaning up after themselves. Post a checklist or reminder in the breakroom that outlines expectations for keeping the area tidy, such as wiping down surfaces after use and cleaning up spills immediately.
2. Regularly Sanitize High-Touch Areas
- High-touch areas in the breakroom, such as countertops, microwave handles, refrigerator doors, coffee machines, and vending machines, are breeding grounds for germs. These surfaces should be sanitized daily to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. Consider using disinfecting wipes or sprays that are safe for kitchen surfaces.
3. Encourage Proper Appliance Use and Maintenance
- Appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, and refrigerators often bear the brunt of office use. Encourage staff to clean up after using these appliances and to report any spills or malfunctions immediately. Additionally, set up a regular cleaning schedule to ensure the interiors of these appliances are sanitized. For example, designate one day a week to clean out the refrigerator, discarding any expired food and wiping down shelves.
4. Keep Floors and Trash Areas Clean
- Breakroom floors can quickly become dirty, especially in high-traffic offices. Encourage employees to pick up food scraps or spills immediately, and have cleaning supplies like paper towels and a dustpan readily available. Trash cans should be emptied daily to prevent odors, and recycling bins should be properly maintained to encourage responsible disposal of waste.
5. Promote the Use of Labeled Food Storage
- One common issue in shared kitchens is the accumulation of forgotten food. To avoid unpleasant odors and reduce clutter, encourage employees to label their food with their names and dates. Implement a policy where any unlabeled or expired items are discarded at the end of the week. This keeps the refrigerator organized and prevents food from going to waste.
6. Provide Ample Cleaning Supplies
- Ensure that the kitchen and breakroom are stocked with essential cleaning supplies such as disinfectant sprays, wipes, sponges, and dish soap. Having these supplies readily available makes it easier for employees to clean up after themselves. Additionally, paper towels and hand sanitizer should be placed in convenient spots to promote good hygiene.
7. Schedule Regular Professional Cleanings
- While employees can handle daily maintenance, a thorough professional cleaning is necessary to keep the kitchen and breakroom in top shape. Regular deep cleanings ensure that less visible areas, such as behind appliances and under counters, are sanitized. Professional cleaners can also provide detailed cleaning of floors, sinks, and kitchen appliances that are often overlooked in daily upkeep.
8. Encourage Proper Hand Hygiene
- Promoting proper hand hygiene in the breakroom is crucial for preventing the spread of germs. Make sure there’s a sink with hand soap available, and place hand sanitizer in visible locations. Encourage employees to wash their hands before eating and after handling food to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
9. Control Food Odors
- Food odors in a breakroom can become unpleasant, especially in open-plan offices. To keep odors under control, encourage employees to cover their food when heating it and to use the breakroom’s ventilation or exhaust fan if available. You can also place air fresheners or odor absorbers in the kitchen to maintain a pleasant environment.
10. Set a Culture of Cleanliness
- Ultimately, maintaining a clean office kitchen and breakroom comes down to fostering a culture of cleanliness. Encourage employees to take responsibility for their personal use of the space and to be considerate of their coworkers. Leading by example and ensuring that cleaning supplies are always available will go a long way in keeping these shared spaces clean and hygienic.
By following these tips, you can ensure your office kitchen and breakroom remain clean, inviting, and hygienic for all employees. Maintaining these spaces doesn’t just prevent the spread of germs—it also creates a pleasant environment that promotes teamwork and employee satisfaction. If you’re looking for professional cleaning services to take care of your office’s kitchen and breakroom, contact Progan Cleaning today at (773) 355-4727 to schedule a walkthrough for a free customized quote tailored to your specific needs.
