Top Break Room Cleaning Supplies for Maximum Efficiency

A clean and well-maintained break room isn’t just about appearances—it plays a big role in employee wellbeing, health, and workplace morale. After all, it’s where your team comes to relax, eat, and recharge. Keeping this space tidy and hygienic helps ensure it's inviting, functional, and safe for everyone to use. And with the right cleaning supplies on hand, maintaining a spotless break room becomes much easier and more efficient.

Let’s dive into the essential cleaning products every workplace should stock to keep their break room in top shape.

All-Purpose Surface Cleaners

A clean bench is a happy bench.

The kitchen bench, dining tables, microwave handles, and fridge doors get touched countless times a day. Using a reliable all-purpose cleaner helps cut through grease, food splatter, fingerprints, and bacteria. Choose a cleaner that works well on a variety of surfaces—laminate, stainless steel, plastic—so you’re not juggling different bottles.

Recommended options:

·         Spray bottles of multipurpose antibacterial cleaner

·         Ready-to-use surface wipes

·         Natural or citrus-based sprays for a fresh scent

·         Food-safe options for benchtops

Keeping surfaces clean not only makes the space look good but also protects staff from illness-causing germs.

Dishwashing Supplies

No one likes a sink full of dirty dishes.

An efficient break room needs supplies that encourage staff to clean up after themselves. Providing the right tools makes it easy for everyone to contribute to a tidy space. Whether you’ve got a dishwasher or rely on handwashing, make sure the essentials are always stocked.

What to include:

·         Dishwashing liquid (preferably low-scent or eco-friendly)

·         Sponges and scrubbers (non-scratch for mugs and plates)

·         Dish racks or mats for air drying

·         Dishwasher tablets (if a machine is available)

·         Tea towels or disposable paper towels

Having these on hand promotes a culture of cleanliness and personal responsibility in the workplace.

Rubbish Bins and Recycling Solutions

Out of sight, out of mind—until it overflows.

Nothing ruins a break room quicker than overflowing bins. It creates bad smells, attracts pests, and discourages people from keeping the room tidy. Use clearly labelled bins for general waste, recycling, and organic waste if your office supports it.

Key considerations:

·         Pedal-operated bins to keep things hygienic

·         Colour-coded bins for easy sorting

·         Bin liners to speed up clean-up

·         Mini bench-top bins for teabags and wrappers

Empty bins daily and clean them out weekly to prevent odours from building up.

Paper Towels and Cleaning Cloths

Quick clean-ups made simple.

Spills and splashes are bound to happen in a busy break room. The quicker they’re cleaned up, the better. Supplying a good stock of disposable paper towels and reusable microfibre cloths makes it easy to wipe down surfaces instantly.

Essentials to stock:

·         Absorbent paper towel rolls or dispenser units

·         Microfibre cloths (colour-coded for hygiene)

·         Disinfectant wipes for speed and convenience

·         Hand towels or reusable tea towels

Keeping these visible and accessible encourages staff to clean as they go and take pride in a shared space.

Floor Cleaning Supplies

Clean floors keep everything grounded—literally.

Food crumbs, coffee spills, and tracked-in dirt can quickly turn your break room floor into a mess. Regular sweeping and mopping not only improves cleanliness but also helps reduce slip hazards. Make sure your cleaning cupboard is stocked with the right gear for the type of flooring in your room.

Must-haves include:

·         A broom and dustpan set

·         Microfibre or spray mop

·         Floor-safe disinfectant solution

·         Carpet stain remover (for rugs or carpeted areas)

Spot-clean any mess immediately and schedule deeper cleans weekly to keep things fresh and safe.

Fridge and Appliance Cleaners

Out of sight, but never out of mind.

Appliances like microwaves, fridges, and coffee machines get heavy use in the break room and are often neglected during routine cleans. Left unchecked, they become breeding grounds for bacteria and mould. A quick spray and wipe weekly can work wonders.

Keep these handy:

·         Appliance-safe cleaning sprays

·         Fridge deodoriser packs

·         Microwave steam cleaners or vinegar sprays

·         Descaling solution for kettles or coffee machines

Don’t forget to clear out the fridge regularly—throw away expired food and wipe down the shelves to avoid nasty smells.

Hand Hygiene Products

Clean hands = cleaner break room.

Maintaining hand hygiene is one of the simplest ways to keep germs from spreading. Placing hand sanitisers, hand soap, and clean hand towels in your break room encourages healthy habits—especially around mealtimes.

Supplies to consider:

·         Foaming or gel hand sanitiser

·         Liquid hand soap (mild and fragrance-free)

·         Paper towel dispenser or clean cloth hand towels

·         Hand lotion (optional but thoughtful)

A visible and convenient setup helps create a hygienic space where everyone feels confident and cared for.

Odour Control Solutions

Smells matter—make sure they’re good ones.

With food being stored, heated, and eaten in close quarters, odours can build up fast. Even with regular cleaning, you may need a little extra help to keep the break room smelling fresh.

Effective options include:

·         Scented bin liners

·         Gel air fresheners or plug-ins (mild scents work best)

·         Natural odour absorbers like baking soda or charcoal

·         Fridge deodorisers

Keep it subtle—overpowering scents can be just as off-putting as unpleasant ones.

Organising and Storage Supplies

Clear spaces create clear minds.

Cleaning isn’t just about wiping and scrubbing—it’s also about reducing clutter. Provide shelves, containers, and labels to help keep everything tidy and in its place. This makes the space easier to clean and more pleasant to use.

Useful supplies include:

·         Labeled storage containers for tea, coffee, and utensils

·         Drawer dividers for cutlery

·         Small baskets for snacks or condiments

·         Wall hooks for tea towels and cleaning gear

When everything has its place, your break room stays cleaner for longer with minimal effort.

Cleaning Supply Storage

Easy access = consistent use.

Keeping your cleaning supplies neatly stored and easily accessible encourages more frequent use. If staff have to hunt around to find cloths or sprays, they’re less likely to clean up after themselves. Dedicate a cupboard or corner of the break room to your cleaning station.

Set up with:

·         A labelled basket or caddy with core supplies

·         Refill station for soap, spray bottles, and cloths

·         Instructions for how and when to clean shared appliances

·         A checklist for weekly maintenance tasks

Visibility and convenience are the keys to creating good habits across your team.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Better for the planet, better for the team.

Many workplaces are now turning to sustainable cleaning options. These are often gentler on people with sensitivities and help reduce your environmental impact. Small changes in your break room cleaning routine can make a big difference over time.

Sustainable swaps:

·         Bamboo sponges and cloths

·         Refillable spray bottles

·         Biodegradable bin liners

·         Natural, plant-based cleaners

Make eco-friendliness part of your workplace values by choosing sustainable options wherever you can.

Daily and Weekly Cleaning Checklist

Routine = results.

Having the right supplies is half the battle. The other half is knowing how often to use them. A basic checklist helps ensure nothing is missed and keeps your break room in tip-top shape.

Daily:

·         Wipe down benches and tables

·         Wash up any dishes

·         Empty bins

·         Spot-clean spills on floors

Weekly:

·         Mop floors and vacuum rugs

·         Clean inside the microwave and fridge

·         Disinfect high-touch areas (handles, switches)

·         Check and restock supplies

Consistency is key to long-term cleanliness without hassle.

Final Thoughts: A Clean Break Room is a Productive One

It’s more than just a place to eat—it’s a place to recharge.

A well-kept break room sends a message that your workplace cares about comfort, hygiene, and respect for shared spaces. With the right cleaning supplies readily available, keeping it tidy becomes a team effort that benefits everyone. Whether you’re managing a large office or a small business, investing in top-quality break room cleaning supplies will help you maintain an efficient, inviting space where your team can truly take a break.