Timely Thanksgiving Cleaning Tips for a Safe & Welcoming Workplace

As the holiday season approaches, businesses across the country are preparing for a short workweek, employee gatherings, and an influx of visitors. Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving potluck, gearing up for Black Friday traffic, or simply preparing the office for time away, now is the perfect moment to give your workplace a little extra care.

Here are timely Thanksgiving cleaning and maintenance tips to help keep your business looking its best—and running smoothly—through the holiday season.

1. Prepare High-Traffic Areas Before the Rush

Thanksgiving week tends to bring increased foot traffic, whether from customers, vendors, or employees. Make sure your:

• Lobby and entryways are cleaned and clutter-free

• Floors are vacuumed, swept, and—if needed—finished or polished

• Door handles and glass doors are smudge-free and sanitized

Adding a seasonal floor mat can also help protect your flooring from early snow, salt, and debris.

2. Deep Clean Breakrooms Before Holiday Meals

If your office is planning a Thanksgiving lunch or potluck, it’s essential to start with a fresh, sanitary space.

• Disinfect countertops, tables, and appliance handles

• Clean out the refrigerator to make space for shared dishes

• Run a dishwasher cycle or restock compostable utensils

• Wipe down microwave interiors (this is the week they get the most abuse!)

A clean breakroom helps prevent cross-contamination and keeps holiday mealtime pleasant.

3. Don’t Forget Restroom Readiness

Restrooms see increased use during shortened holiday weeks and staff gatherings. Freshen up your restrooms by:

• Disinfecting all high-touch surfaces

• Restocking soap, paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper

• Emptying trash more frequently

• Ensuring sinks, mirrors, and fixtures are spotless

A clean restroom goes a long way in leaving a positive impression on staff and guests.

4. Declutter Desks and Common Areas Before the Long Weekend

Encourage employees to tidy their workstations before heading out.

• Recycle old papers

• Properly store food and snacks

• Empty personal waste bins

• Power down equipment

This helps your cleaning crew work efficiently and prevents unwanted odors or pests from food left behind.

5. Schedule a Post-Holiday Deep Clean

After Thanksgiving, many workplaces return to:

• Winter boots tracking in salt

• Extra trash from seasonal décor

• Germs that spread easily during gatherings

A scheduled deep cleaning—carpets, flooring, disinfection, dusting—helps your business start fresh heading into December.

6. Be Prepared for Early Winter Weather

Thanksgiving often marks the unofficial start of winter weather in many regions. Prepare your building by:

• Checking entry mats and replacing worn ones

• Cleaning HVAC vents to improve air quality during closed-window months

• Ensuring snow and salt management plans are in place

• Spot-cleaning carpets to prevent salt stains from setting

Being proactive reduces long-term wear and helps maintain a clean, safe environment.

7. Consider a Special Holiday Cleaning Package

For many businesses, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are the busiest of the year. A customized cleaning schedule—more frequent disinfection, additional trash pickup, or evening services—can ensure your building stays holiday-ready.

Give Thanks for a Cleaner, Safer Workspace

Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate colleagues, customers, and the spaces we share. A well-maintained workplace not only looks better—it boosts morale, improves safety, and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who walks through your doors.

If your business needs help preparing for the holidays or recovering afterward, our team is here to support you with professional, reliable commercial cleaning services. Call us at (651) 592-6024 or Contact Us online to request a free site walk-through and cleaning proposal. Give your team the clean break they deserve.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Cross Town Cleaning!