Top 10 Cleaning Concerns Every Office Manager Should Know
As an office manager, your plate is already full—staffing, budgeting, scheduling, and keeping everything running smoothly. But one area that’s often overlooked until it becomes a problem? Cleaning. A poorly maintained workplace doesn’t just reflect badly on the company—it can affect employee health, morale, and client impressions.
At Cleanse Solutions, we’ve worked with countless office managers and property directors across Lakeland and Central Florida, and we’ve seen it all. Here are the top 10 cleaning concerns you should keep an eye on—and what to do about them.
1. High-Traffic Areas Get Neglected
Lobbies, break rooms, and hallways see a lot of foot traffic—but often, they're cleaned just as often as low-use spaces. These areas need more frequent attention to avoid grime buildup and visible wear.
Solution: Customize your cleaning schedule based on traffic patterns, not square footage.
2. Restrooms Are “Surface Cleaned” Only
A quick wipe down might make a restroom look clean, but that’s not enough. Bathrooms are breeding grounds for bacteria and odors.
Solution: Ensure your provider is disinfecting high-touch points and deep cleaning regularly, not just tidying up.
3. Carpet Odors and Stains Keep Coming Back
Carpet traps dirt, allergens, and smells—especially near entryways or break areas. Many cleaning companies skip proper extraction.
Solution: Schedule routine carpet shampooing and deodorizing with odor eliminators made for commercial use.
4. Dust Accumulates on High and Hidden Surfaces
Out of sight, out of mind—but not for your clients. Dust on vents, baseboards, ceiling corners, and behind monitors makes a bad impression.
Solution: Request detailed dusting on a rotating deep-clean checklist.
5. Inconsistent Cleaning Quality
One day it’s spotless, the next day you’re wondering if anyone showed up at all. Inconsistency is a top frustration.
Solution: Work with a company that provides checklists, accountability, and routine quality checks—like we do at Cleanse Solutions.
6. Trash Is Taken Out, But Liners Aren’t Replaced
We see this all the time—trash removed, but no liner put back in the bin. It’s a small detail that leaves a big mark.
Solution: Make sure your provider includes liner replacement in their standard scope of work.
7. Break Rooms Are Skipped or Poorly Cleaned
These shared spaces are where spills happen and bacteria spreads. Coffee stains and food residue should never linger overnight.
Solution: Include appliance wipe-downs, sink sanitization, and floor spot-checks in your regular plan.
8. Communication with Cleaners Is a Hassle
If you need to play phone tag just to get a simple request fulfilled, it’s time for a change.
Solution: Work with a team that provides direct lines of communication, fast response times, and friendly service.
9. Supplies Are Always Running Out
Toilet paper, soap, paper towels—you shouldn’t be the one checking stock or running to Sam’s Club mid-week.
Solution: Ask your provider about restocking services with automated tracking.
10. No Emergency Plan for Spills or Biohazards
Emergencies happen—sick employees, plumbing issues, floods. Are you covered?
Solution: Partner with a cleaning company that offers emergency response for spills, odors, and unexpected messes.
Final Thoughts
Cleanliness affects everything from first impressions to employee wellness. As an office manager, being proactive about cleaning means fewer complaints, smoother operations, and a better work environment overall.
At Cleanse Solutions, we specialize in commercial cleaning that goes beyond the basics. If you're in the Lakeland area and tired of dealing with cleaning headaches, let's talk. We’ll build a plan tailored to your building—and your peace of mind.