Thanksgiving Week Office Shutdown? Here’s Your Cleaning Checklist

As Thanksgiving approaches, many offices plan for a short holiday break, which can be a perfect opportunity to tackle a thorough cleaning of the workplace. An empty office not only makes cleaning easier but also allows for deep cleaning tasks that might disrupt regular workdays. Whether your office will be closed for a day, a few days, or the entire week, here’s a comprehensive cleaning checklist to ensure your workplace is fresh, welcoming, and ready when employees return.



1. Declutter Workstations and Common Areas

Start with a quick walkthrough to tidy up all common spaces. Here’s a breakdown of key decluttering tasks:

• Workstations: Clear desks of excess paperwork, used coffee mugs, and personal items. Encourage employees to take home perishable food and drinks from their desks before the break.
• Common Areas: Organize items in shared spaces like meeting rooms, breakrooms, and reception areas. Remove unnecessary objects that add to clutter.
• Lost and Found: If your office has a lost and found, this is a good time to organize or clear it out if items have been unclaimed for an extended period.

2. Deep Clean Desks and Surfaces

With workstations temporarily vacant, take advantage of the opportunity to disinfect each surface thoroughly.

• Desks and Tables: Wipe down desktops, conference tables, and other surfaces with disinfecting wipes or a gentle cleaner to remove dust and germs.
• High-Touch Points: Pay extra attention to high-touch surfaces like door handles, drawer pulls, light switches, and keyboards.
• Computer Equipment: Clean monitors, keyboards, and mice with gentle, electronic-safe cleaners, as these often collect dust and germs.

3. Thoroughly Clean Breakroom and Kitchen Area

The breakroom is one of the most used spaces in any office, making it a hotspot for mess and germs. A pre-Thanksgiving cleaning ensures the space is fresh for the post-holiday return.

• Refrigerator: Clear out any perishables, including forgotten lunches or expired food. Wipe down the shelves and inside surfaces, and consider leaving a baking soda box in the fridge to maintain freshness.
• Counters and Appliances: Clean counters, microwave interiors, coffee machines, and any other shared appliances. Empty the dishwasher, so there’s no surprise mess when employees return.
• Trash and Recycling: Empty all bins, replace liners, and disinfect trash can interiors to prevent lingering odors.

4. Disinfect Restrooms Thoroughly

A holiday shutdown is a prime opportunity to conduct a deeper restroom clean beyond the daily routine.

• Deep Clean Sinks, Toilets, and Urinals: Use disinfectants specifically designed for bathrooms to ensure cleanliness and tackle any buildup.
• Restock Supplies: Make sure all soap dispensers, toilet paper, and paper towel holders are stocked and ready for employees’ return.
• Air Fresheners: Consider installing a fresh air freshener or disinfectant spray to maintain a pleasant scent.

5. Tidy the Reception Area and Meeting Rooms

The reception area is the first thing employees and clients see, so maintaining a neat, clean look here is essential.

• Floors and Furniture: Vacuum or mop floors and clean upholstery on chairs and couches in the reception area. Dust any shelves, plants, or décor items.
• Glass Surfaces: Clean windows, glass doors, and any mirrors to remove smudges and fingerprints, leaving a polished appearance.
• Organize Meeting Rooms: Ensure chairs are aligned, whiteboards are cleaned, and any meeting materials are put away neatly. Disinfect all tables and devices.

6. Clean Carpets and Floors

Floors take a beating, especially in high-traffic areas. With the office closed, consider taking advantage of the absence of foot traffic.

• Carpet Cleaning: Schedule a professional carpet cleaning if possible, or use a carpet cleaner to remove stains, dust, and allergens.
• Hard Floors: Sweep, mop, and polish any hard flooring to give it a fresh shine. Be sure to use appropriate cleaners based on floor type.

7. Dust and Disinfect Air Vents and HVAC Systems

Dust and allergens can accumulate in air vents and HVAC systems, affecting air quality in the office. A shutdown period is ideal for tackling this.

• Air Vents: Dust and clean the vents to ensure they’re clear of buildup, which can improve air circulation and freshness.
• HVAC Maintenance: Consider scheduling a professional HVAC check or filter change to maintain clean, healthy air during the winter months.

8. Remove All Trash and Set Up Fresh Liners

Before you lock up, make sure to take out all trash, including recycling and compost if applicable. Trash left over a few days can lead to unpleasant smells.

• Empty All Bins: Go through each area—breakrooms, restrooms, offices—and empty every trash bin.
• Fresh Liners: Place fresh liners in all trash bins to prepare for employees' return.

9. Inspect for Any Maintenance Issues

While the office is quiet, it’s also a good time to check for any maintenance needs that could become distractions.

• Lights: Replace any burnt-out bulbs, especially in high-use areas like hallways, restrooms, and workstations.
• Repairs: Address small issues such as loose door handles, leaky faucets, or loose tiles that might have gone unnoticed.

10. Final Walkthrough

Once everything has been cleaned and prepped, do a final walkthrough to ensure every area is in order. Look for any last-minute cleaning touch-ups or organizing needs. Make sure all appliances and electronics are powered down and that lights are off.

A Thanksgiving week office shutdown provides a prime opportunity to deep clean and reset the workspace. By following this cleaning checklist, you’ll ensure that your office is not only refreshed but ready to welcome employees back to a clean, organized environment that feels rejuvenated after the holiday break.