How to Clean Office Kitchen Cabinets
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…
Most of us office working types are pretty decent at cleaning up after ourselves. But, none of us are perfect. Sometimes, stuff gets left behind. It is forgotten. Another coworker has to pick up the slack or send an irritated email around the office.
Every visible area gets a proper wipe-down and clean. Yet, some parts of the office kitchen stay hidden from view. These include 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 mold, to just plain old food spillages – or even a slow water leak…
Checking in on the cabinets once in a while is essential. Pay extra attention around sinks and taps. Slow leaks can go unnoticed for months without any visible ill effect. But, if unchecked, these leaks will cause the floor to cave in!
Office kitchen cabinets are often overlooked in office cleaning. They can really kick up a stink if left unattended too long. A clean, organized set of kitchen cabinets ensures that stored items stay safe. It keeps them hygienic. It 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 gross.
A clear-out will give you access to every surface that needs cleaning. It will 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 mold growth and water marks. 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. If there’s any sign of an infestation, call a professional pest controller. Do this before you go any further.
If there are no leaks and no pests, then continue to stage two.
2. Dust and vacuum
Before you tackle stains or sticky spots, remove dust and crumbs. Use a dustpan and brush. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Pay close attention to the corners and crevices, where bits often accumulate. Brushes and vacuums are better than a cloth for this. They’ll glide over anything sticky more easily.
3. Wipe down surfaces with a mild cleaner
Now for a deeper clean, mix a mild detergent with warm water. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the inside of the cabinets. Then wipe down the outside of the cabinets. For tough stains or grease, our old friend baking soda mixed with water can work wonders.
Rinse the cloth regularly to avoid spreading dirt. If streaks appear on glossy surfaces, use 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. Then, dry them with a clean cloth to prevent streaks and water marks.
Let the cabinets air out for a while. They need to dry up properly before moving on to the next task.
5. Restock and reorganize
Before putting everything back, consider grouping similar items together and using cabinet organizers or baskets to keep the space tidy.
You label shelves so everyone knows where items belong, and contain food spills to one area. This will reduce 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 mold, pests and leaks.
Schedule a quick wipe-down every week. Plan a deep clean once a month. This helps prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.
Encourage your team to clean up spills promptly, 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. These include pests and nasty smells. This makes your office a more pleasant place for everyone. Keep your office kitchen cabinets as clean and functional as the rest of your workspace. Get professional office cleaning from Niagara Regional Cleaning Services.
Call 289-700-2162 today. Find out how Niagara Regional Cleaning Services can help get your office kitchen cabinets clean.