AngeloEan Despite our best efforts, some places in our workplaces are frequently neglected. These locations might appear innocuous, but they can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and pathogens that can make us sick. This article will discuss the dirtiest spots in an office and how office cleaning and commercial cleaning services can help keep them clean.
1. Computer Keyboards and Mice:
Multiple people often touch computer keyboards and mice, but they are rarely cleaned thoroughly. Studies have shown that these devices can harbour more bacteria than a toilet seat. To keep them clean, wipe them down with an antibacterial wipe or a damp cloth with a small amount of alcohol. Consider hiring commercial cleaning services to provide regular disinfecting services for your office.
2. Desk Phones:
Another place that might be a breeding ground for bacteria is desk phones. Not only are they used by multiple people, but they are also often pressed up against the face, which can spread bacteria. Encourage employees to use hands-free headsets if possible.
3. Shared Office Equipment
Many people frequently use shared office equipment like printers, copiers, and fax machines, yet they are rarely cleaned. Both the equipment and the paper they handle have the potential to house microorganisms.
4. Door Handles
Almost everyone in the office touches door handles, which are rarely cleaned. As a result, they can be excellent places for germs to spread. It’s a good idea to encourage employees to use their elbows or sleeves to open doors whenever possible.
5. Restroom Surfaces
Restrooms are obvious breeding grounds for germs, but some surfaces are worse than others. Surfaces such as the toilet seat, flush handle, and sink can harbour many bacteria. To keep them clean, ensure the restrooms are cleaned regularly with an effective disinfectant. Encourage employees to wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom and to use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.
6. Breakroom Appliances
Another place that can harbour a lot of bacteria is the break room. Many people can use appliances like the microwave, coffee machine, and refrigerator throughout the day. Encourage employees to clean up spills and messes as soon as they happen and to avoid leaving food in the refrigerator for too long.
7. Water Coolers
Water coolers are a typical office fixture, but they may also serve as a haven for viruses. The spigot can harbour bacteria, and the shared cups can also spread germs. Encourage employees to bring their own cups or water bottles to reduce the risk of spreading germs.
8. Light Switches
Although often overlooked, light switches may be one of the dirtiest places in the office. Light switches are touched by everyone who enters a room but are rarely cleaned.
9. Carpets
Carpet may gather dirt, dust, and other debris, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and other germs. Regular vacuuming and steam cleaning can help keep the carpet in your office clean and free of germs. Many commercial cleaning service providers may offer specialised one-time carpet cleaning services or may be able to add them to your package. Discussing carpet cleaning packages with the office cleaning service you’re looking to hire may be worth discussing.
10. Elevator Buttons
How many people do you see moving up and down the elevators throughout the day? If you have multiple offices in one building, this could easily be a hundred people touching elevator buttons multiple times from the start of the workday to the end! People may be returning from lunch or the restroom, and not everyone may follow the same levels of hand hygiene as you do.
You may use your elbow to press the button for the floor you need to go to or quickly sanitise your hands after pressing the button. Ideally, these places should also be sanitised at the end of or multiple times during each shift.
11. Air Vents
Another place often forgotten is the air vents in an office building. Breathing dirty air day in and day out can have serious repercussions on the health of your employees, which is why taking care of the regular upkeep of your air vents is so important. Many office cleaning providers may be able to assist with installing air purifiers at your office to help combat issues of poor indoor air quality (IAQ).
12. Shared Workspaces
Finally, shared workspaces such as conference rooms, collaboration spaces and hot desks and among the places that may have the most germs yet are not cleaned as often and as thoroughly as they should be.
Maintaining the cleanliness of your office has far-reaching benefits other than just making your workplace more sanitary. A hygienic workspace will reduce employee absences, improve employee morale, increase customer satisfaction and boost productivity. Hiring office cleaning or commercial cleaning services can help ensure that all areas of your office are regularly cleaned and disinfected, including the places that are often overlooked. By taking these steps, you can help create a healthier and more productive work environment.
