From a small office lobby to the grandest hotel entrance, this is the space that creates important first impressions.
When visitors, customers or clients walk through the door, you want them to feel comfortable and welcome. The area must stay neat and clean around the clock.
Make it easier to make that happen with this lobby cleaning checklist.
An All-Inclusive Lobby Cleaning Checklist
Regardless of size or building type, most lobbies have several important features in common. They’re open to the public, they’re busy areas, and they need to be kept clean 24/7. Develop a lobby cleaning template for your property based on these comprehensive cleaning guidelines.

Daily Lobby Cleaning Tasks
As your janitorial teams take care of daily cleaning in the lobby, ask them to watch the weather too. Heavy Chicago rains or snow storms result in dirtier lobby interiors. Be sure to stock cleaning supply closets with stain removal kits for carpets and upholstery.
• Exteriors and Entryways
Keep exterior steps and landings free of debris, and empty outdoor trash receptacles. Sweep or vacuum entryway floors, wipe down door handles, and check door kick plates for smudges and scuffs.
• Elevators and Stairways
Make sure these areas are inspected for cleanliness multiple times throughout different shifts. Sanitize touchpoints inside elevators, wipe down stair handrails, and empty trash cans.
• Lobby Floors
Busy lobbies should be swept, vacuumed or mopped at least once a day. Use a microfiber dust mop on vinyl or hardwood floors. Ensure healthier indoor air quality by using HEPA bags in vacuum equipment.
• General Daily Duties
Wipe down lobby furniture and hard surfaces, sanitize touchpoints, and keep trash cans emptied and lined. Inspect and clean lobby restrooms several times a day.
Weekly Lobby Cleaning Checklist
Most weekly cleaning jobs are easier to take care of after hours. If that’s not possible, schedule these tasks for times when the lobby typically isn’t very busy.
• Entryways
Clean all glass doors inside and out as well as vestibule partitions. Polish hardware, and make sure everything is in good working order. Check floor mats for signs of wear.
• Lobby Windows
Polish lobby windows inside and out. During the window cleaning process, use damp wipes to dust sills and frames, freshen window covers and clean blinds.
• Walls and Doors
Spot clean lobby walls and doors. Wipe down door hardware and frames, and dust baseboards and trim.
• Lobby Floors
Inspect vinyl flooring, hardwood floors and carpets for soiled areas. High-traffic corridors from the entryway through the lobby often need extra cleaning.
• Lobby Furniture and Fixtures
Polish wood and metal furniture. Check for debris under cushions before vacuuming, fluffing and turning. Dust lamps and wall light fixtures.
• Lobby Restrooms
Weekly restroom cleaning should include wiping down and sanitizing walls, stall doors and partitions. Clean undersides of sinks and urinals as well as hard-to-reach areas behind and adjacent to toilets.
Monthly Lobby Cleaning Procedures
These jobs don’t usually require attention more than once a month. You should still make sure staff keeps an eye on these often overlooked areas in case something needs cleaning right away.
• Walls and Baseboards
Thoroughly clean walls and baseboards from floor to ceiling. If necessary, move furniture so that staff can take care of hidden cobwebs and dust bunnies.
• Overhead Fixtures and Trim
Clean overhead light fixtures and ceiling fans. Dust tops of lobby doors, door and window frames and wainscoting.
• HVAC System
Change filters in lobby air vents. Check interior vent space for debris or signs of pest infestations. Scrub grills clean, and tightly secure back in place.
• Lobby Restrooms
Carefully inspect under and behind sinks and fixtures for signs of mold or mildew. Make sure sink drains and floor drains are free of clogs and unpleasant odors.
Projects for Commercial Cleaning Services
Some big projects only need to be done once or twice a year. Most commercial property owners and managers prefer bringing in professional cleaning services to take care of these jobs.
• Lobby-wide furniture upholstery cleaning
• Hard floor stripping, polishing and buffing
• Deep steam carpet cleaning and stain removal
• Air duct cleaning throughout the property
• Exterior power washing for walks, steps and landings
The Advantages of Outsourcing
There are advantages to bringing in a cleaning and restoration company that handles both lobby and office cleaning. You save the cost of renting heavy-duty equipment and the expense of buying specialty cleaning products.

Certified cleaning crews supply additional services that support housekeeping and maintenance staff. When you partner with a cleaning and restoration company, you also have access to water and fire damage cleanup and mitigation, mold removal and remediation, graffiti removal and many other specialty services.
Our Expertise at Your Service
Every in-house cleaning crew needs a little help with the big jobs. We’re ready to assist with a full line of affordable services, flexible packages and the best customer service in Chicago.
Here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, we’re proud of our reputation as the city’s leading commercial cleaning service. Our expertise is always just a phone call away at 773-647-1985.