I once thought small offices were a doddle. Just a few desks, maybe one loo, a kettle that hadn’t been descaled since the 90s, and a microwave that could probably tell stories if it could talk. Easy job, right? Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong. If anything, the smaller the space, the more pressure there is to get every inch spotless. There’s nowhere to hide a missed cobweb, and every surface feels like it’s under a magnifying glass.
In a small London office, people notice everything. You’re often working around the same handful of people each visit. They know their space, and they know when it smells just a little too funky under the sink. That’s why having a proper, fool-proof cleaning checklist is vital. It keeps you organised, thorough, and professional – even when you’re sprinting between cramped desks, dodging the marketing intern’s leftover Pret sandwich.
This guide will show you exactly how to craft that checklist. We’ll look at what makes small office cleaning so different to big commercial jobs, why it’s never as easy as it seems, and how to cover all the areas – from keyboards to kettles. Whether you’re a seasoned cleaner or just taking on your first small office in the heart of London, this is how you do it right. And no – we’re not skipping the awkward bit behind the toilet.
Why Small Office Cleaning Isn’t The Same As Big Corporate Jobs
Fewer People Doesn’t Mean Less Work
Large corporate cleaning jobs tend to involve strict zones, a team of cleaners, and maybe even a site supervisor. You’ve got someone on vacuum duty, someone else on toilets, and another poor soul scrubbing fingerprints off glass doors all day. In a small office, though? That’s all you. You’re the vacuum squad, loo technician, kitchen crusader and everything in between.
And here’s the kicker – because the office is small, the expectation is often higher. The space is more personal. You’re not just cleaning an anonymous workspace. You’re tidying someone’s second home. That dusty shelf? That’s where Gemma keeps her lucky stapler. That smudge on the screen? Barry from accounts saw it and will absolutely comment on it.
The Pressure Of Familiarity
In big buildings, the people you clean for are often faceless. But in a small office, you’ll see the same few people every time. You might even learn their names and coffee preferences. That means there’s less room for error and much more potential for feedback – both good and bad. Your attention to detail gets noticed, and so does any shortcut you take.
Small Doesn’t Mean Simple: The Risk Of Underestimating The Job
The Classic Mistake: Skipping The Corners
One of the easiest traps to fall into is assuming the job will be a breeze. You think, “Oh, it’s only five desks. I’ll be in and out in no time.” Then you realise each of those desks has a tangle of cables, two monitors, a mug collection and about seventeen used tissues stuffed in drawers. Before you know it, your thirty-minute clean turns into a sweaty two-hour deep scrub.
No Space Means No Hiding Mess
Big offices have the luxury of space. A bit of dust on the skirting board? No one’s seeing it from across the room. But in a small office, every corner is in plain view. Your work is always on display, which means your standards have to be sky-high. There’s no spare meeting room to stash a bin that hasn’t been emptied. There’s no anonymous corridor to leave a hoover mark.
A Checklist Keeps You On Track
When things feel manageable, it’s easy to forget the tiny jobs – wiping down plugs, checking the tops of picture frames, cleaning under desk trays. That’s where a solid checklist saves the day. It holds you accountable, and it means nothing slips through the cracks – no matter how small.
What Still Needs Cleaning? (Everything)
The Usual Suspects Are Still There
Just because the space is smaller, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. The job still involves all the usual suspects:
- Electronics – Screens, keyboards, mice, printers, and cables all need regular wiping with safe, lint-free cloths and alcohol-based cleaners. Especially in flu season.
- Furniture – Desks, chairs (including underneath), shelves, and even coat stands collect dust and fingerprints faster than you’d think.
- Toilets – Probably the most important part. One bad whiff from a loo can ruin your reputation. Keep those bowls, basins and bins spotless.
- Kitchenettes – Fridges, microwaves, kettles and coffee machines need more than a once-over. Wipe handles, clean inside appliances, and don’t forget to check for mouldy milk.
- Floors – Crumbs, mud, fluff, and that weird black stuff from people’s shoes. Whether it’s carpet or laminate, it all needs a proper going over.
- Bins – Not just emptied. Cleaned. A smelly bin in a small office fills the room fast.
Cleaning Frequencies Matter
Your checklist should be split into daily, weekly, and monthly jobs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Daily Tasks
- Empty bins
- Wipe desks and keyboards
- Clean kitchen surfaces
- Hoover all floors
- Disinfect toilets and sinks
Weekly Tasks
- Deep clean microwave and fridge
- Polish glass and mirrors
- Dust higher surfaces and blinds
- Mop hard floors properly
Monthly Tasks
- Clean behind and under furniture
- Wipe down walls and skirting boards
- Clean office chairs (especially fabric ones)
- Treat carpets (if needed)
The Quirks Of Small Office Cleaning
Getting To Know The People
You’re not just the cleaner – you’re part of the space. People notice your work, say thanks (hopefully), and might even chat to you about their day. There’s something satisfying about that. You’re not a ghost sweeping silently through cubicles – you’re a regular face.
Some people like a bit of chit-chat, others just want you to do your thing. Either way, the dynamic is more personal, and that can actually make your job feel more rewarding. You’re part of what makes their office pleasant to be in.
Seeing The Difference Instantly
In a big office, it might take a team hours to make the place look presentable. In a small one, you can see your work straight away. A desk wiped down, floors freshly hoovered, bins lined up neatly – the transformation is immediate and obvious. That sense of instant impact can be strangely satisfying.
Less Stress, More Focus
You don’t need to manage a team. There’s less paperwork. No huge security briefings or access cards. You get in, clean well, and get out. That simplicity lets you focus on doing a great job. Plus, if something’s not quite right – a wobbly chair, a leaky tap – it’s easier to flag it up and get it sorted quickly.
How To Build Your Own Checklist
Step One: Walk The Space
Before you write anything down, walk through the office. Make notes. Open cupboards. Look under desks. Get a feel for what actually needs cleaning. Every small office is different – some are tidy but dusty, others are chaotic but clean. Know what you’re dealing with.
Step Two: Break It Down
Split the office into zones:
- Desks and tech
- Toilets
- Kitchen
- Common areas
- Entry/exit points
List every surface, item or space that needs cleaning in each zone.
Step Three: Set A Schedule
Some things need doing daily, others less often. Create separate lists for:
- Daily jobs (basic hygiene and tidiness)
- Weekly jobs (more detailed cleaning)
- Monthly jobs (deep cleans and things people forget)
Step Four: Make It Easy To Follow
Use bullet points. Keep it short and clear. Don’t write “Thoroughly sanitise workstation peripherals”. Write “Wipe keyboard and mouse”. Make it easy for you – or anyone else – to understand at a glance.
Step Five: Review And Update
Offices change. People bring in new gear, or move desks around. Review your checklist every month or two. If you notice you’re forgetting something, add it. If something’s no longer relevant, drop it. A good checklist grows with the space.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning a small office in London might sound like an easy gig, but it demands just as much care, attention and professionalism as the big jobs – sometimes more. You’re right in the thick of it, with every surface under close watch. But with a solid checklist, you can stay on top of it all. You’ll work faster, miss less, and build a reputation for being thorough.
And that’s the magic of small office cleaning – it’s personal, it’s rewarding, and if you do it well, it never goes unnoticed.