Any environment in which there are numerous people entering, working and using facilities can expose others to bacteria, fungal infections and communicable diseases. An outbreak in an office caused by unclean surfaces can be dangerous to the health of all occupants and can also prove costly in terms of lost work time.
When cleaning your office regularly, there are many surfaces that are particularly susceptible to bacteria based on how often people touch them throughout the day. We’ve outlined below some of the best practices for cleaning surfaces regularly and thoroughly in your office.
Surfaces to Clean
You should clean every surface in your office regularly. Some of the obvious surfaces to include in your general cleaning regimen are the following:
Floors.
Countertops.
Bathroom seats and counters.
Bathroom stall walls.
Bathroom toilets and urinals.
All sinks.
All kitchen cabinets.
Kitchen refrigerator doors.
All windows (inside and out).
Desktops.
In addition to the obvious surfaces, there are other areas that are often overlooked but to heavy contact throughout the day. These surfaces can prove to be unsanitary if left uncleaned for an extended period of time. Some examples include the following:
Computer screens.
Computer keyboards.
Computer mice.
All door handles.
Office supplies that are touched frequently, such as pens and staplers.
Vending and beverage machine surfaces.
Walls and doors.
Tips for Cleaning Surfaces in Offices
It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to maintenance and cleanliness of an office. Therefore, err on the side of comprehensive cleaning of office surfaces, even if it proves to be costlier. The money you will save in the long term by keeping your employees and customers healthy and happy will outweigh these upfront costs.
To take the worry out of your hands, solicit the services of a professional or company that will provide high-quality commercial cleaning services and ensure that all surfaces are disinfected regularly. This professional or company will also help you manage your cleaning schedule and restocking of supplies.
Make sure to use a high-quality disinfectant that is approved for commercial use. Products designed for the home environment do not always contain the same disinfecting capabilities of those approved for office use.
To clean and sanitize any surface in a commercial environment, the State of Michigan Department for Agriculture & Rural Development recommends the following steps:
Scrape the surface and remove any debris.
Wash the surface in a warm solution of water mixed with a commercially approved detergent.
Rinse the surface with clear water.
Sanitize the surface with a commercially approved chemical solution.
Air-dry the surface before it is used again.
Tips for Maintaining Clean Office Surfaces
To maintain clean office surfaces, routinely check and sanitize all surfaces throughout the office daily. If you are in charge of the office, it is vital that you do the following:
Ensure that all employees adhere to cleaning and sanitizing standards that you establish.
Know all procedures for cleaning surfaces.
Know the correct method of sanitizing particular surfaces.
Consistent cleaning and sanitation practices are critical for maintaining a safe, hygienic environment in your office. To do so, make sure to follow these steps:
Implement clear, consistent procedures for addressing any type of debris, dirt or other hazardous risks that may be present in the office that may affect the cleanliness of office surfaces.
Train employees effectively and regularly assess their capabilities and knowledge related to office cleanliness.
Cleanliness and sanitation are not about speed or cost-effectiveness. Rather, they are about comprehensiveness and ensuring the safety of all employees and clients who will enter the office.
Clean surfaces have the added benefit of providing a sense of professionalism that will impress clients. Conversely, a dirty office is an indication of a lack of oversight and can diminish clients´ sense of trust in your company.
How Alsco Can Help
Contracting with a service like Alsco to manage your cleaning product inventory can help you focus more of your time on business-related tasks. This can eliminate any stress or preoccupation you may have about ensuring your office is equipped to be sufficiently clean and sanitized to meet or exceed industry standards.
You can also rent commercially approved cleaning supplies from Alsco, such as mops, so you know your office will be sanitized with the highest quality and state-of-the-art equipment available. We’ll also ensure all your cleaning products are topped off, so you are never without a particular product.
Contact us today to learn more about our facility services. Let us simplify the process for you.
References
Cleaning and Sanitizing. (2023). State of Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
Everything You Need. (2023). Alsco.