Like homes, offices can get dirty quickly, sometimes without anyone noticing a problem until it’s become overwhelming. But with some regular maintenance and a clear mindset, you can help your employees or tenants maintain a clean, healthy workspace.
Like New Cleaning Service offers some helpful tips for a fresh, clean office.
Benefits of a Clean Office Environment
Beyond looking neater and more professional, a clean office environment offers several long-term benefits.
Regular office cleaning improves the air quality and reduces the amount of germs on surfaces. Employees are less likely to get sick and have to take days off from work. This leads to improved productivity.
In the spring, cleaning helps eliminate pollen brought in from outside, which can trigger sometimes severe allergic reactions. In the winter, cleaning helps keep germs and dust under control. When employees can breathe easy and feel good, they’re more likely to work more efficiently.
For places such as medical offices, animal facilities, or other places where sanitation is top priority, cleanliness helps your business stay up to code and pass regular health inspections.
Definitions
The words cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are often used interchangeably. But what do they mean, and how are they different from one another?
- Cleaning: Removes dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces. It doesn’t necessarily kill germs, but reduces their number by physically removing them.
- Sanitizing: Reduces the number of germs on a surface to a safe level, typically using a chemical solution, to help prevent the spread of illness.
- Disinfecting: Kills most or all harmful germs on surfaces using stronger chemical agents. It’s intended for areas at higher risk of contamination.
Which one is right for you will depend on several factors, including the type of surface you’re treating and the frequency of use. For example, the doorknobs in a doctor’s office probably need daily disinfecting, whereas a cubicle desk in a corporate office probably just needs a regular surface cleaning.
Get Organized
Before you start cleaning the office, get yourself organized. This will significantly increase your ability to perform a proper, thorough cleaning.
Determine where your cleaning supplies will be stored when not in use. They should be easy to access in case of an emergency, but out of sight from employees and visitors. Many offices will have a designated broom closet or cabinets that hold both cleaning tools (brooms, mops, vacuums) and products (sprays, wipes, detergents).
Next, determine which cleaning products to use. Will you use only eco-friendly, all-natural products? Or do you require hospital-grade disinfectants and anti-bacterial cleansers? Keep in mind, too, that different surfaces and materials will require different products. For example, delicate computer equipment shouldn’t be cleaned with harsh chemicals, but medical equipment requires more intensive disinfection.
We recommend using only high-quality cleaners in your office, as cheaper products may damage certain materials. Think of this as an investment in protecting your office and its finishings for years to come.
Define the Areas To Be Cleaned
Once you have all your tools and products ready, create a checklist outlining the areas to be cleaned. For every office space, prioritize high-traffic and high-touch areas. That’s because these are the most likely culprits to attract, harbor, and spread germs:
- Door handles
- Faucets
- Entrances
- Elevator buttons
- ID checkpoints
- Kitchen and bathroom counters
- Refrigerator handles
- Shared phones and keyboards
- Light switches
Next, consider other areas that could use a good cleaning to get rid of dust, dander, or other allergens:
- Office furniture
- Window sills
- Rugs, carpets, and mats
- Storage areas, including around filing cabinets or libraries
Remember to look in corners, behind furnishings, and under desks, too. Even places that aren’t frequented by people can attract germs, dust, or mildew that may spread throughout the office.
Create a Culture of Clean
Keeping a clean office is a team effort. Consider posting informative guides and graphics around the office to prompt employees to keep the space clean and provide tips on how to do so. For shared spaces like kitchens or break rooms, post signs that emphasize teamwork in keeping the area free of debris and food. Bathrooms should include signs reminding employees to wash their hands thoroughly before returning to work.
In addition to cleaning and disinfecting, encourage employees and tenants to keep their workspaces clutter-free. Clutter can look disorganized and lead to stress or anxiety. It provides too many hiding places for pests, food crumbs, dust, or moisture. You might even consider implementing a “clean desk” policy that requires employees to clear excess clutter off their desks before clocking out for the day.
Hire a Professional
Of course, one of the best ways to keep your office clean and healthy is to hire a professional commercial cleaning service. A high-quality company will offer you several cleaning options, including daily surface cleaning, weekly or monthly sanitizing, seasonal disinfecting, and ad hoc services.
FAQ: Cleaning Tips for a Healthier Workspace
Q: How often should office surfaces be cleaned?
A: High-touch areas like door handles, keyboards, and shared equipment should be cleaned daily. Less frequently used areas, such as shelves or storage rooms, can be cleaned weekly.
Q: Can I use the same cleaning products for all surfaces?
A: Not always. Some surfaces, like electronics or delicate finishes, require specialized cleaners to avoid damage. Always check labels and follow manufacturer recommendations for both safety and effectiveness.
Q: How can I encourage my employees or tenants to maintain a clean workspace?
A: Provide easy access to cleaning supplies, set up visible reminders, and lead by example. Incentives like recognition for clutter-free workstations can reinforce good habits and foster a culture of cleanliness.
A Clean Office = A Healthy Office
At Like New Cleaning Service, we provide a full range of services for our commercial clients, from regularly scheduled cleaning to periodic disinfecting. We’ve been cleaning properties in Massachusetts since 2012, so we’re experts in whatever type of cleaning service you need.
We offer free estimates in Taunton, Plymouth, and nearby areas. Contact us today to learn about our one-off or regular cleaning services!
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