employees enjoying break time

Ultimate Break Room Cleaning Checklist For Employees

So your boss told the staff to clean the break rooms and has already assigned rotating schedules. So far so good.

But over time, they start looking more like a disaster zone than a place to recharge. Crumbs on the counter, coffee rings on the table, and that mysterious smell coming from the fridge. Sound familiar? You and your colleagues deserve a clean and inviting break room and this checklist is here to help you make it happen.

We’ve compiled the ultimate break room cleaning checklist, packed with easy-to-follow tips and tricks to banish that passive-aggressive “YOUR MOTHER DOESN’T WORK HERE” sign for good.

To make your life easier, we’ve divided this checklist into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Remember, consistency is key!

Break Room Daily Cleaning Checklist

daily checklist for cleaning breakrooms

Break Room Weekly Cleaning Checklist

weekly checklist for cleaning breakrooms

Break Room Monthly Cleaning Checklist

breakroom monthly cleaning checklist

Bonus Tips For Cleaning Office Break Rooms

If you and/or your coworkers are up to the task, here are some bonus cleaning tips to truly make break rooms an enjoyable space, and not just a dirty, grimy hole you want to get out of:

  • Encourage your colleagues to regularly declutter their personal belongings from the break room.

     

  • Label food containers with names and dates to avoid confusion and prevent food wastage.

     

  • Post gentle visual reminders. It doesn’t have to be cheeky, snarky, (and quite frankly, off-putting) like “Clean Up After Yourself. Your Mother Doesn’t Work Here”. A simple “Clean As You Go” reminder will go a long way to encourage shared responsibility for cleanliness. Place friendly reminders near appliances or high-traffic areas.

     

  • Add some indoor potted plants into the space. They act as natural air fresheners and can also help improve indoor air quality. Choose low-maintenance varieties that thrive in break room environments.

     

  • Make sure there’s a designated spot for shared items like utensils, plates, and mugs.

     

  • If your boss is a bit stingy, convince everyone to pool in and invest in an air freshener or essential oil diffuser. Pleasant scents can elevate the ambiance of the break room.

Key Takeaway

Your office break room is more than just a place to grab a coffee or heat leftovers. It’s a space for employees to relax, recharge, and mingle with colleagues about the day’s events. 

For employers: clean and inviting break rooms can boost morale, increase work productivity, and even promote healthier habits among your staff. These areas are highly overlooked but a clean break room makes all the difference. Just see for yourself.

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