10 Overlooked Places Germs are Hiding in Your Office

Did you know that the typical office worker’s hands come in contact with 10 million bacteria a day? Common areas in the workplace are the most likely area that employees pass on germs.

It is easy to miss cleaning all the surfaces in your office or workspace that hide cold and flu viruses. Now with the added concern of COVID-19, it is especially important not to overlook common touch points that see a lot of traffic throughout the workday.

Our Office Already Has a Cleaning Routine

It’s safe to say that over the past year and a half, everyone has learned more about cleaning than they ever thought they would. Even with our increased knowledge and understanding, it is still easy to overlook and miss spots that may not easily come to mind.

What Are You Missing?

With cold and flu season coming up fast, and with COVID-19 and its variants still a large concern, let’s take a few minutes to review the places germs and bacteria are hiding so they can be addressed immediately:

1. Printers and photocopiers – Often overlooked, these devices with multiple buttons and drawers are used and touched by numerous employees throughout the day. Display boards, buttons, and handles should be wiped down daily.
2. Coffee maker – If you have an office full of java-lovers, the handle of the coffee maker sees a lot of contact throughout the day. This important kitchen appliance needs multiple wipe downs throughout the day to help reduce the transfer of germs from one person to another.
3. Water cooler – After you’ve disinfected the coffee maker, swing by the water cooler as most employees use the water cooler at least once per day, handling the buttons and cup dispenser. Because water coolers are not always located the kitchen and are often situated in hallways or corners for easy access, they can often be overlooked and forgotten about.
4. Office kitchen refrigerators – Any place people go to get food attracts a lot of hands. Handles and buttons should be cleaned daily.
5. Door handles and keypads – When we think of germs from door handles many of us think of the door handle in the bathroom. All door handles, including those with keypads or fingerprint scanners get as much traffic and contact as the bathroom. Some handles receive more contact from visitors and delivery people. Don’t forget handles on closets, storage cupboards, and conference rooms.
6. Conference rooms – These areas see a lot of people flow in and out throughout the day, including visitors. While your focus may be on keeping the windows and carpets looking their best, people are coming into contact with multiple surfaces that can spread germs. Chairs, tables, conferencing equipment, phones, shared keyboards, and even the remote control for presentations are hot spots for germs. In the age of COVID-19, these items should be wiped down after each meeting to ensure the healthiest environment possible.
7. Windowsills and blinds – Speak to your commercial cleaning service to make sure they also hit the sills, blinds, and other surrounding areas.
8. Stairways and hallways – Many people, including visitors and delivery people, pass through these areas using the handrails and door handles. Dust and debris can also accumulate here. Keep these areas swept, dusted, and disinfect any handrails and handles on a daily basis.
9. Shared furniture – Places like break rooms or waiting areas have shared furniture. Upholstery can harbor germs and odors, so it deserves some special attention several times a year.  It needs to be vacuumed, conditioned, rinsed, and dried, or possibly steam cleaned. Hard surfaces should be wiped down with disinfectant daily.
10. Employee desks and workstations – A typical desk has 10 million bacteria! Desks, chairs, keyboards, and computer mice are germ magnets. Ask employees to do their part with daily disinfecting and be sure to review your expectations with your professional cleaners regarding these areas. Provide employees a place to eat lunch other than their desks to help keep dirt and food debris at a minimum and reduce pest infestation.

This may sound like a lot to cover, but a professional cleaning service can help you get the job done and help you maintain a healthy office.

Speak with your commercial cleaning service to set up an appropriate and effective cleaning regimen that meets your office’s individual needs.

Commercial Cleaning Corporation is dedicated to delivering healthy, safe, and immaculately clean workplaces. We offer 24/7 live customer support, follow premier industry standards, invest in advanced technologies, and use green cleaning products to ensure your safety.