Closing the office for Christmas is more than just turning off the lights—it’s about preventing “holiday surprises” like moldy fridges, bad smells, or dusty workstations.
Whether you are a business owner or an office manager, here are the essential Christmas cleaning tips for a smooth festive shutdown.
🥪 1. The “Fridge Amnesty”
The office fridge is the biggest risk during a long closure. A single forgotten sandwich can ruin the air quality of the entire office by January.
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The Deadline: Announce a “Fridge Amnesty” date (usually two days before closing). Anything left after 4:00 PM on that day gets binned.
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Deep Clean: Once empty, wipe down shelves with a vinegar-based cleaner to prevent mold growth.
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Power Tip: If you’re unplugging the fridge to save energy, leave the door propped open to prevent stagnant smells and mildew.
🗑️ 2. The Final Bin Run
This seems obvious, but it’s easily forgotten in the excitement of the final day.
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Empty Everything: Don’t just empty the kitchen bins; check individual desk bins and “hidden” bins in restrooms or meeting rooms.
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Sanitise: Wipe the inside of the bins before putting in fresh liners. This prevents any lingering organic matter from attracting pests while the building is quiet.
💻 3. Desk & Tech “Dust-Down”
Electronic equipment acts like a magnet for dust, especially when the office is empty and air isn’t circulating.
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Unplug & Clean: Ask staff to unplug all non-essential electronics (toasters, kettles, monitors) to save energy.
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Microfibre Magic: Wipe down screens and keyboards with a dry microfibre cloth or tech-safe wipes.
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The “Clear Desk” Policy: Encourage staff to leave desks completely clear. This allows your cleaning team (or yourself) to give the surfaces a thorough sanitisation without moving personal items.
☕ 4. Drain & Dish Care
Sitting water is an invitation for bacteria and “drain flies.”
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No Damp Cloths: Never leave damp sponges or dishcloths in the sink. Throw them away or take them home to be laundered.
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The Dishwasher: Ensure the dishwasher is run, emptied, and left slightly ajar to air out.
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Flush the Drains: Pour a little hot soapy water down the kitchen and bathroom sinks to clear out any residue that might sit and smell.
🎄 5. Decoration Management
If you’ve had a tree or tinsel up, the office will be covered in “festive debris.”
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The Needle Sweep: If you have a real tree, vacuum thoroughly after moving it. Pine needles hide under furniture and can damage vacuum filters if they aren’t picked up properly.
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Glitter Control: Use a lint roller or damp cloth to pick up stray glitter from desks and meeting tables before it settles into the carpet fibres.
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