The weeks between the last working day of the year and the first week of January are the quietest your office gets. Desks are empty, meeting rooms are free and nobody is walking across the floors. That makes it the best time of year for the bigger cleaning jobs that are hard to fit around a busy workplace.
Here is a simple checklist for an end-of-year deep clean, so your team comes back in January to an office that feels fresh.
Why do it over the break?
- No disruption. Floors can be stripped and sealed, and carpets can dry, without working around staff.
- Everything is reachable. Cleared desks, empty fridges and quiet kitchens make it easier to clean properly.
- A fresh start. The first day back sets the tone for the year. A clean office helps.
The end-of-year deep clean checklist
Hard floors
- Strip, seal and polish vinyl, tiled, stone and concrete floors.
- Machine scrub kitchens, bathrooms and entrances, where dirt builds up most.
- Leave floors until last, so nothing gets walked over once they are done.
More on our floor care service.
Carpet and upholstery
- Deep clean carpet in high-traffic areas: entrances, corridors and around desks.
- Clean office chairs, couches and reception seating.
- Treat any spots and stains that have built up during the year.
See carpet and upholstery cleaning.
Windows and glass
- Clean inside and outside glass, including high-reach windows.
- Clean glass doors, partitions and frames.
- Wipe down sills and window tracks.
See window cleaning.
Kitchens and staff rooms
- Empty and clean the fridge (ask staff to take their food home first).
- Clean inside microwaves, ovens, cupboards and drawers.
- Wipe down splashbacks, benches, appliances and the outside of the dishwasher.
- Clean bins and replace liners.
Bathrooms
- Descale taps, basins, toilets and showers.
- Clean grout, tiles and partitions.
- Check and refill soap, paper towel and toilet paper dispensers.
Desks and touch points
- Clean desks and workstations once staff have cleared them.
- Wipe phones, keyboards and screens with suitable products.
- Clean door handles, light switches, lift buttons and handrails.
Electrical safety
The break is a good time to get portable appliances tested and tagged, while they are not in use. We test to AS/NZS 3760 and can remind you when retests are due. See test and tag.
Supplies for the new year
Restock paper towel, toilet paper, hand soap, bin liners and kitchen supplies before staff return, so nobody comes back to an empty dispenser. See cleaning consumables.
Tips to make it easy
- Book early. Lock in your dates before everyone winds down for the year.
- Clear the way. Ask staff to clear their desks and the fridge before they leave.
- Sort access. Confirm keys, access cards, alarm codes and which days the building is open.
- Plan the first clean back. Book a normal clean for the day before staff return.
How IKON can help
IKON Property Services has been cleaning workplaces across Auckland for over 15 years. We can do a one-off end-of-year deep clean, or add it to your regular commercial cleaning. Floor care, carpet and window work can be done after hours or at weekends, and we offer month-to-month agreements with no long-term contract.
For a free quote, call 09 391 4007, email info@ikonservices.nz or get in touch online.
