Let’s face it—no one actively tries to make their office cleaners’ lives harder. But every now and then, we’ve all been guilty of little things that could be made easier for the cleaning team. We get it—you’re busy. But if you want to keep your office looking spotless, sometimes all it takes is a little awareness. Here’s a lighthearted look at some of the everyday habits that can unintentionally sabotage your cleaners’ efforts—plus some simple tips on how to avoid them.

1. The Mysterious Case of the Disappearing Access Pass

(Or: We’d Love to Clean That Room – If We Could Get In)

Ever wonder why some rooms never quite seem to get cleaned? Well, if it’s an area that requires a key card or special access, the chances are that cleaners may not be able to get in. Printer rooms, storage spaces, and even certain offices can sometimes end up off-limits if there isn’t a clear way to gain entry after hours.

It’s a simple fix, but often overlooked. Whether it’s a swipe card or a key, make sure your cleaners are given access to all the areas that need attention. If your office has certain spaces that are only accessible at specific times, a quick heads-up will save everyone time and frustration.

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2. When The Bins Overflow… But No One Says a Word

(AKA: Passive-Aggressive Rubbish Heaps)

We all know that bins fill up quickly in busy office environments. But here’s the thing—if you don’t tell anyone, no one will know when the bins are full. A bin tucked under a desk or hidden in a corner isn’t always on a cleaner’s radar, especially if no one’s made it clear that it’s part of their cleaning routine.

Make sure all bins are placed in accessible spots and that their contents aren’t left to spill over for days. A simple email or a friendly reminder to your cleaning provider can make a world of difference. And don’t forget those smaller bins in private offices or meeting rooms!

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3. Kitchen Sink or Modern Art Installation?

(Spoiler: That Mug’s Growing Moss)

Oh, the office kitchen—the heart of the chaos. A place where half-drunk mugs, leftover lunches, and mysterious Tupperware lives on long after their owners have gone home. While your cleaners are more than happy to give your kitchen a once-over, there are a few things that are just too much to clean up on their own.

A crusty bowl left behind, a coffee cup that’s now a petri dish, or a fridge filled with unlabeled food remnants can be tough to handle without guidance. So, it’s in everyone’s best interest to tidy up and label leftovers. And if you’re heading out for a while, empty that mug—it’ll help keep your cleaners focused on the things they do best.

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4. The Classic ‘Oh Sorry, I Didn’t Know That Was Wet Paint’ Move

(Or: Don’t Walk Through The Cleaning Zone)

There’s nothing more frustrating than walking on freshly cleaned floors—especially when you’ve gone to the trouble of setting up clear signs or barriers. But we’ve all been guilty of thinking, “Oh, it’ll be fine, I’ll just sneak past that wet floor sign,” only to leave a trail of footprints that undo all the hard work.

Be mindful of cleaning zones, and if you do have to cross through a freshly mopped area, make sure you’re not leaving dirty footprints behind. The signs are there for a reason! And if you can, wait five minutes until the area dries, just to be safe.

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5. No, We Can’t Fix the Printer

(But We’ll Still Wipe It Down for You)

Sometimes, cleaners get mistaken for the office maintenance crew. Sure, we can handle a bit of dusting and scrubbing, but when it comes to fixing the office printer or rebooting the Wi-Fi, that’s where our skills stop. We’re always happy to clean around your tech, but if you’re having printer issues or the coffee machine’s on the fritz, leave it to the IT team.

That said, if you need a quick wipe down of the printer or your microwave needs a little TLC, we’ve got it covered. It’s a fine line, but we’ll always do our best to help where we can!

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6. We’ve Got Eyes Like Hawks (But We’re Not Psychic)

(Tell Us What You Actually Want Cleaned)

Not every office area is the same—some require more attention than others. But here’s the thing: cleaners aren’t mind readers. If you need specific areas (like the carpets under your desk or the stain by the water cooler) to be tackled, simply let us know. You’d be surprised how often we end up cleaning things that weren’t on our radar because no one pointed them out.

A little communication goes a long way. If something needs extra care, we’ll take note. Don’t leave it up to chance—just drop a line to your cleaning company to make sure everything gets the attention it deserves.

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7. That Funky Smell? It’s Coming from Dave’s Drawer

(No Judgement – But Let’s Deal With It)

It’s happened to all of us. A forgotten sandwich gets shoved in a drawer, or a bottle of milk lingers in a forgotten fridge. Eventually, things start to smell a bit… questionable. The good news is, office cleaners are experts at eliminating funky odours—but sometimes, we can’t pinpoint the source of the smell unless someone flags it up.

If your desk drawer is starting to resemble a biology experiment, or if the fridge is home to a suspiciously smelly Tupperware container, don’t be shy. A heads-up from you means we can tackle the problem head-on and keep your office smelling fresh and clean.

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8. Don’t Rearrange the Cleaning Schedule… Without Telling Anyone

(A Quick Update Makes All the Difference)

Office layouts change, teams move around, and the cleaning needs of the space evolve. But if your cleaning schedule doesn’t reflect these changes, cleaners might miss high-priority spots or areas that are no longer in use. If you’ve made any changes to your office layout or how things are organised, just let us know.

It’s a quick fix that ensures your cleaners stay on track and keep things spotless—so you can get back to focusing on your work, not worrying about who’s going to empty the bins.

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9. Final Thoughts – We’re Here to Help, Not to Hover

At the end of the day, office cleaners are here to help make your life easier—not to hover over you. We want your office to look and feel its best, and we’re more than happy to get it there. But just like with any service, a little communication and a few small adjustments from your side can make all the difference.

We’re not asking for standing ovations—just a bit of understanding and cooperation. When everyone plays their part, the office will be cleaner, fresher, and a much more pleasant space for everyone to work in.

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And there you have it! A few small adjustments can ensure your office cleaners aren’t left scrambling—and can focus on what they do best. Keep things organised, communicate openly, and your cleaner will love you even more than they already do.