Office workers have a love-hate relationship with the office kitchen. As in, they love lunch, but hate cleaning up when there’s a client call in 5 minutes…
And while most of us office working types are pretty decent at cleaning up after ourselves, we’re not any of us perfect. Sometimes, stuff gets left behind and forgotten, leaving another coworker to pick up the slack – or send an irritated email around the office.
Even if every visible area does get a proper wipe-down and clean, some parts of the office kitchen remain hidden from view: the dishwasher, the fridge, the inside of the kettle… and of course, the office kitchen cabinets.
For those brave enough to venture into them, there can be some nasty, gnarly surprises lurking in there, from pantry mites to mould, to just plain old food spillages – or even a slow water leak…
Checking in on the cabinets once in a while is essential – especially around sinks and taps, where slow leaks can go unnoticed for months without ill effect, until the floor caves in!
Office kitchen cabinets are too often overlooked in office cleaning, and they can really kick up a stink if left unattended too long. A clean, organised set of kitchen cabinets makes sure that stored items remain safe and hygienic, and can even save your business from costly hidden water damage.
So, let’s look at how to clean office kitchen cabinets, and what to be mindful of while you’re doing it.
1. Empty the cabinets and do checks
To do a proper clean, start by removing all items from the cabinets: plates, bowls, glasses and food. We’d recommend a mask and gloves for this, as it can get a bit gross.
A clear-out will give you access to every surface that needs cleaning and allow you to check for expired food, damaged items, or anything that no longer belongs in the kitchen. Bin anything that’s off or broken, and keep everything else safely stored.
Check the empty cabinets for mould growth, water marks – and press on the surfaces for signs of water damage or softness (especially around the sink and kettle areas). If you’ve found evidence of a leak, call the building manager, landlord or your insurance company as soon as possible.
Look out for pantry mites, which can often be found on cereals and oats or flour products. Infestations can go unnoticed as they’re so tiny. Look out for mouse and rat droppings, too – and if there’s any sign of an infestation, or any kind of pest presence, call it in to a professional pest controller before going any further.
If there are no leaks and no pests, then proceed to stage two.
2. Dust and hoover
Before you tackle stains or sticky spots, use a dustpan and brush, or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, to remove dust and crumbs. Pay close attention to the corners and crevices, where bits often accumulate. Brushes and hoovers are better than a cloth for this, as if there’s anything sticky in there, they’ll glide over it more easily.
3. Wipe down surfaces with a mild cleaner
Now for a deeper clean – mix a mild detergent with warm water, and use a soft cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the cabinets. For tough stains or grease, our old friend baking soda mixed with water can work wonders.
Be sure to rinse the cloth regularly to avoid spreading dirt, and if streaks appear on glossy surfaces, try using a mild vinegar mix to wipe them away. You can also use a multi-surface disinfectant cleaner for this job.
4. Clean handles and knobs
Handles and knobs are high touch areas that can collect grime and bacteria. Use an antibacterial wipe or spray cleaner on these areas, and dry them with a clean cloth to prevent streaks and water marks.
Now, let the cabinets air out for a while so they can properly dry up before moving on to the next task.
5. Restock and reorganise
Before putting everything back, consider grouping similar items together and using cabinet organisers or baskets to keep the space tidy.
You could label shelves so everyone knows where items belong, and contain food spills to one area. This will minimise cleanup time in the future and keep the kitchen cleaner for longer.
6. Keep up the regular maintenance
To keep your office kitchen cabinets in tip top shape, schedule regular inspections for mould, pests and leaks.
Book in a quick wipe-down every week, and a deep clean once a month to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.
Encourage your team to clean up spills immediately, and to avoid storing open food packages in the cabinets.
And if you’re looking for some professional help with cleaning your office kitchen cabinets, let’s talk about arranging a clean for you…
Professional Office Cleaning Services
Regular office cleaning and kitchen maintenance can prevent major workplace issues like pests and nasty smells – making your office a more pleasant place for everyone. For office kitchen cabinets as clean and functional as the rest of your workspace, get professional office cleaning from The Abbey Cleaning Service.
Call 029 2067 9323 today and find out how we’ll help get your office kitchen cabinets clean without disrupting your workday.
More kitchen cleaning content
Want to clean more than just your office’s kitchen cabinets? Check out some of our older content:
- Office Kitchen Cleaning: The Ultimate Guide
- Office Kitchen Ideas – Make Break Times Better – in terms of what to include in your office kitchen
- And appliance-specific:
Great tips on office kitchen maintenance! I’ve noticed how easy it is to forget those hidden areas like inside the cabinets. Regular cleaning and inspections are definitely the way to go, especially to avoid any unexpected surprises like water damage. Thanks for the reminder!