We recently covered kitchen etiquette in the workplace – highlighting the worst offences, with a few solutions to help make lunchtimes more harmonious. Now, we’re going a step further: with a workable office kitchen rules template that you can remix to suit your own office kitchen.
Does your office need kitchen rules?
Yes, it almost certainly does. Because even when people start out as the best of teammates with the best of intentions, things can start racking up – and animosity can build.
Mysterious fridge smells, lunch “borrowers,” and that one person who never mops up their spills, can all culminate in declining team morale. Without clear guidelines, the shared office kitchen space quickly becomes a point of contention. You really don’t want this when there’s more important work to do!
But you can easily set the rules – and with this office kitchen rules template, you’ll have a watertight procedure that makes everyone fully accountable for their actions. So, here’s the four-part template that we swear by, plus some handy tips for getting the rules to stick.
Feel free to make this list your own: remix it, share it, or use it as it is!
We recommend putting your office kitchen rules up on the fridge with a magnet, or making it into a big, bold poster – where everyone can see it. You might also want to make it part of your employee handbook and HR onboarding process.
Oh, and if the office fridge is a real pain point where you work, you might want to read this next… This is the PERFECT Office Fridge Clean-Out Email to Send to Staff
The ultimate office kitchen rules template
1. Cleanliness
✅ Clean as you go
Please wash, dry, and tidy items immediately after use – or pop them in the dishwasher if it’s available. If you notice the bin is full, please empty it.
✅ Wipe surfaces
After preparing food, please use the provided anti-bac spray and cloths to wipe down the kitchen worktops.
✅ Empty the dishwasher
If you open the dishwasher to find clean mugs and dishes, please empty it fully.
2. Food storage and fridge rules
✅ Label everything
Put your name and the date on all containers. Sticky notes and pens are provided.
✅ Friday clear-out
All unlabelled or expired items will be binned at 3PM weekly
✅ Shelf system
Please make sure you follow the shelf system in the fridge, to keep it clean and safe:
- Top shelf: dairy & drinks
- Middle: Lunch boxes and containers
- Bottom: Raw ingredients
- Door: Milk and condiments only
3. Appliance usage rules
| Appliance | Rules |
|---|---|
| Microwave | Please cover food with the provided splatter lids. Max 3 mins per user. |
| Kettle | Only use water, and only fill it up to where you need it |
| Toaster | Don’t leave it unattended, and please clear any crumbs afterwards. |
| Coffee machine | Please discard grounds after use, and refill water and milk when empty. |
4. The “never ever” list
- ❌ NEVER put fish in the microwave,
- ❌ NEVER use your colleagues’ labelled food or drink,
- ❌ NEVER leave a mess for someone else to clean,
- ❌ NEVER ignore broken or damaged items – tell someone.
Getting your rules to stick
Making your rules work for your workplace means making them relevant, clear, available – and enforceable.
Make it relevant: customise this template
- Add any company or department-specific rules you can think of.
- Include details of who to contact if things aren’t right (maintenance team etc.).
Make it clear and available: roll out the rules
- Make an email announcement explaining why you have new office kitchen rules.
- Print posters and hang them in the office kitchen.
- Bring up the rules in your next team briefing, and follow up when needed.
Make it stick: enforcement that works
- Make a monthly “Kitchen Champions” award, with a prize for the tidiest team.
- Put in a 3-strike system for repeat rule-breakers, followed by escalation to HR.
Why this approach works
Using office kitchen rules can de-escalate mounting tensions when food goes missing, reduce kitchen-related complaints, and can even lower your office cleaning bills. It can even improve staff health and wellbeing.
Most of all, it makes individuals accountable for their own actions.
After implementing clear rules, your office kitchen can stay clean without constant nagging, back and forth emails, or continuous complaints that can’t be rectified. With a procedure in place, any repeat offences can be logged and taken further. Without rules, it’s a free-for-all!
So, if you’re tired of the office kitchen looking like a student flat, put up our office kitchen rules template – to maintain clean, conflict-free spaces.
And if you’re ready for an office kitchen deep cleaning session, get in touch with our team of professional office cleaners.
Office kitchen cleaning for busy teams
Keep your office kitchen looking, smelling, and feeling fresh – with regular, professional office cleaning in Cardiff and around South Wales from The Abbey Cleaning Service. Call 029 2067 9323 today, and find out how we’ll help get your office kitchen clean, without disrupting your work day.
