The Dirtiest Places in Your Office You Might Be Overlooking

April 4, 2023   

A clean and tidy office is important not just for the appearance, but also for the health and well-being of employees. While most offices have a regular cleaning routine, several areas often go overlooked or neglected. Letting these areas go untouched for a long period can lead to large amounts of bacteria and germs. To help you understand what areas you may be missing, we will explore some of the dirtiest places in your office that you might be overlooking and explain why it’s important to include them in your cleaning routine.

If you need help keeping your office clean, InterKleen is here to help! We offer professional office janitorial services that will ensure everything is tidy, clean, and disinfected. Contact us today to learn more. 

 

Keyboard and Mouse

The keyboard and mouse are the most frequently touched items in the office, and therefore, they are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. A study conducted by the University of Arizona found that the average office keyboard is home to more bacteria than a toilet seat. Yes, you read that right, a toilet seat!

Cleaning these items should be a priority, and it’s recommended that they are wiped down with disinfectant wipes or spray daily. It’s common knowledge, but employees should be encouraged to wash their hands frequently, especially before and after using their keyboard and mouse.

 

Desk Surface

Desks are another area that often goes unnoticed, yet they are touched regularly and can harbor a variety of germs and bacteria. This includes bacteria that can cause cold and flu viruses, which can easily spread in an office environment.

Cleaning desks should be a regular part of the cleaning routine, and it’s recommended to use a disinfectant spray or wipes to remove any germs and bacteria. It’s also important to remind employees to keep their desks clean and tidy, and to avoid eating at their desks as this can attract pests such as mice and cockroaches.

 

Phone

The office phone is another item that is often overlooked, but it’s an essential part of the office communication system. Unfortunately, it can also be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

Studies have shown that office phones can be contaminated with up to 25,000 germs per square inch! That’s more than the average toilet seat. To keep your office phone clean and germ-free, it’s recommended to wipe it down regularly with a disinfectant spray or wipes.

 

Kitchen

The office kitchen is a hub of activity, with employees preparing their meals and making tea and coffee throughout the day. However, it’s also an area that can easily become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

To keep the office kitchen clean and tidy, it’s important to implement a regular cleaning routine. This includes wiping down surfaces with a disinfectant spray, cleaning out the fridge regularly, and emptying the bins daily. It’s important to encourage employees to clean up after themselves and avoid leaving food out overnight, as this can attract pests.

 

Door Handles

Door handles are touched by everyone who enters and exits the office, making them another hotspot for germs and bacteria. This includes not just the front door, but also internal doors such as those leading to the kitchen or bathroom.

To keep door handles clean and germ-free, it’s recommended to wipe them down regularly with a disinfectant spray or wipes. Additionally, employees should be encouraged to wash their hands frequently, especially after touching door handles.

While regular cleaning of the office is important, it’s equally important to pay attention to the areas that often go overlooked or neglected. By including these areas in your cleaning routine, you can create a cleaner, healthier, and more productive workplace for your employees.

At InterKleen, we understand the importance of a clean and healthy workplace. That’s why we offer a range of janitorial services tailored to the needs of our clients. Our team of experienced and trained cleaners can help keep your office clean and germ-free, including the areas that often go overlooked. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how