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How To Clean Up After an Office Holiday Party

August 14, 2025

Holiday parties are a great way to celebrate with your team, but once the fun ends, the cleanup begins. From food spills to leftover decorations, post-party messes can make your office feel cluttered and unprofessional. A fast, organized cleanup ensures your workplace is ready for business the next day.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean up after an office holiday party so you can restore order quickly and efficiently.

1. Clear Out Trash and Leftovers First

Start by collecting all trash, empty bottles, disposable plates, and cups. If your party involved catering, pack up any leftover food and store it safely, or encourage employees to take some home. This prevents odors and pest problems.

Pro tip: Keep large trash bags and recycling bins handy during the event to make cleanup faster.

2. Take Down Decorations Carefully

While it’s tempting to rush through, remove decorations gently to avoid damaging walls, ceilings, or office furniture. Save any reusable items for future events and dispose of damaged or single-use décor.

Pro tip: Have labeled storage bins for reusable items to make next year’s setup easier.

3. Wipe and Sanitize All Surfaces

Post-party surfaces can be sticky from spilled drinks, crumbs, or fingerprints. Wipe down desks, tables, countertops, and any high-touch areas like door handles and light switches using a disinfectant cleaner. Sanitize your faciility!

Pro tip: Use microfiber cloths to remove debris without scratching surfaces.

4. Clean the Floors Thoroughly

Holiday celebrations often mean dirt, crumbs, and stains on your office floors. Vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, and spot-treat any spills to prevent stains from setting.

Pro tip: Use entryway mats during the party to minimize tracked-in debris.

5. Schedule a Professional Deep Cleaning

If your event was large or particularly messy, consider hiring a professional office cleaning contractor. They can deep clean carpets, sanitize restrooms, and ensure your workplace is spotless and ready for clients.

Pro tip: Book your cleaning service in advance so they can come in the morning after the party.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning up after an office holiday party doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right plan and a little help from a commercial cleaning firm, your workspace can return to its professional, fresh state in no time—ready for a productive start to the new year.