Workplace Germs: Watch Out For These Hotspots

Published : Thu, Jan 26, 2023 4:00 AM GMT

Do you have a business office in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area? Having a clean and presentable space is likely a top priority to impress customers and visitors, as well as to keep employees motivated and reduce sick days. However, maintaining office hygiene is not just about having a visually pleasing workspace. It's also crucial to ensure that the area is free of germs and thoroughly cleaned. To achieve this, it's important to know the key areas where dirt and germs tend to accumulate, as these lesser-known hotspots can be the most dangerous. One such area that is often overlooked is office restroom cleaning. This is why it's essential to hire experienced commercial cleaning services in Toronto for your office.

Neglected areas in the office can be breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Here are some of the top hotspots that are often overlooked during cleaning, and why they should be given more attention:

Office Desks

Office desks are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, as they are the main place where you spend most of your day working, eating, and performing various tasks. Studies have shown that desks can be 400 times dirtier than toilet seats. This high concentration of potentially harmful bacteria can cause harm if left unattended. To maintain a clean and healthy working environment, it's important to keep your personal space as clean as possible. If you have a commercial cleaning company that visits your office, make sure to specify that all parts of the desk, including hard-to-access crevices, need to be cleaned.

Desk phones, keyboards, and mice

Your desk phone, keyboard, and mouse may be personal items that only you use, but since we spend a significant portion of our time on them throughout the day, they can easily become contamination zones. They accumulate evidence of where we've been and what we've touched. Keyboards and mice are especially susceptible to germs and dirt due to their concave designs. If it's been a while since you've cleaned your keyboard and mouse, now is the time to do so using an antibacterial wipe.

Door Handles

Door handles are one of the most frequently touched objects in any office, and as such, they can harbor a significant amount of germs and bacteria. When someone hasn't properly washed their hands after using the restroom, they can transfer harmful pathogens to door handles and other surfaces they touch. This could lead to the spread of illnesses, including coronavirus. Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than we think, with many office workers failing to practice proper hand hygiene. The simple act of washing hands can greatly reduce the risk of germs spreading in the office.

Microwave and Coffee Maker

The office microwave is likely one of the most frequently used appliances in the office, with staff members using it to warm up a variety of foods and drinks. However, spills and food explosions can occur, leaving the unit with unpleasant smells and germs if not cleaned promptly. To avoid infections, it's important to make cleaning both the inside and outside of the microwave a weekly task. This includes removing dirt, grime, food odors, and any other forms of germs. If you don't have professional cleaners, consider creating a rotating cleaning schedule among the staff to avoid conflicts. Additionally, don't forget to clean the coffee maker or tea kettle as well. Using a descaling agent can help remove limescale buildup and improve the overall performance and hygiene of the appliance.

Fridge

The office fridge can be a source of bacteria and viruses, as the handle may have been touched by coworkers who have not properly washed their hands. Additionally, keeping expired foods in the fridge can pose a risk for foodborne illnesses like Listeria, which can lead to miscarriages and even death. To prevent these dangers, it's important to be mindful of the food you store and consume from the office fridge. This includes being cautious with ready-to-eat items like sandwiches and salads, ensuring they are still within their expiration date and stored at a temperature below 5°C. Also, be respectful of other people's food and take care when storing raw meat and vegetables, as these can become contaminated with bacteria on both the packaging and inside the fridge.

Furniture

Furniture plays a crucial role in creating a comfortable and safe atmosphere in the workplace, but it's often neglected when it comes to cleaning. Over time, dirt and stains can accumulate on upholstery, and dust, mites, and germs can invade the furniture. These allergens can cause damage to the upholstery and lead to the spread of contaminants in the air. To maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the office, it's essential to clean furniture regularly. This includes desk chairs, lobby seats, employee lounge furniture, and any other fabric-covered items. Regular cleaning will remove dirt and other substances, improve the quality of the air, and reduce the spread of germs and other contaminants.

Printer/Photocopier

Photocopiers and printers are essential equipment in any workplace, as they are used to reproduce important documents, handouts, and other materials for meetings, presentations, and other purposes. These devices are used by many people on a daily basis, making them a prime spot for germs and bacteria to accumulate. The flu and other viruses can easily spread from person to person through contact with the surface of the photocopier and printer. It's important to frequently clean and sanitize these devices to prevent the spread of germs and maintain a healthy office environment.

Blinds and Curtains

You may regularly clean your office windows to ensure they are free of dust and grime, but do you remember to clean the blinds and curtains as well? These window treatments collect dust and dirt just like the windows, and if not cleaned regularly, they can become dull and difficult to clean. Furthermore, the dust can spread around the office, causing allergies and respiratory issues. To avoid this, it's important to clean or dust the window treatments as often as the windows. This can be done by sending them to a dry cleaner, vacuuming them, or using steam cleaning. Another option is to dust aluminum and vinyl blinds with a feather duster regularly or deep clean them in a solution of dish soap.

In conclusion, maintaining office hygiene is crucial for creating a visually pleasing and healthy workspace. However, it's important to know the key areas where dirt and germs tend to accumulate, as these lesser-known hotspots can be the most dangerous. Office desks, door handles, microwave and coffee makers, fridges, furniture, printers/photocopier, and blinds and curtains are some of the most overlooked areas in the office that can harbor germs and bacteria. To ensure a clean and healthy working environment, it's essential to hire professional cleaning services in Toronto for your office and make sure to specify that all parts of the office, including hard-to-access crevices, need to be cleaned.