Office Cleaning: 5 Things Missing From Your Checklist
Whether you use an in-house office cleaning staff or outsource your cleaning to a professional office cleaning company, there are some areas in every office environment that often get overlooked. If you outsource your office cleaning and find that these areas are not being cleaned, it’s time to fire your commercial cleaning company. If you use in-house cleaning staff be sure to add these five areas to your office cleaning checklist.
Buttons, Switches, Knobs, and Handles
Take a moment to have a good look around your office building. Can you count the number of knobs, handles, buttons, and switches? Chances are that even the most meticulous office manager will miss a few of these ubiquitous items. There are the obvious ones like doorknobs and handles, light switches, and elevator buttons, but what about the buttons on the office phone, the fax machine, or the office printer. Then there are the microwave and refrigerator door handles, water cooler buttons, sink fixtures, drawer pulls, and countless others.
These items get touched multiple times throughout the day and by multiple individuals. They may not be obvious high-touch surfaces, but high-touch surfaces they are, and the average microwave door handle or fax machine button can harbor as many germs as the average toilet seat! Make sure you add these items to your office cleaning checklist.
Trash Cans
Surely your office cleaning staff regularly empties the trash receptacles throughout your office, but do they clean and disinfect them? Trash cans are another breeding ground for germs and bacteria that can cause foul odors and an unhealthy environment for you and your staff. Add trash cans to your office cleaning checklist to ensure that they get cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. You will enjoy an odor-free office environment and your clients will appreciate the attention to detail.
Behind Appliances and Office Machines
The old saying goes: Out of sight, out of mind. This is especially true for these areas in your office. When was the last time you moved the microwave in the breakroom or looked behind the office printer? You might be surprised at how much dust and debris has accumulated over time.
Breakroom and kitchen appliances can build up enough dirt, dust, and liquid to create a sticky, stinky sludge, that if left unchecked can lead to nasty odors and damaged floors. Electronic office equipment is highly susceptible to overheating when dust accumulates and this can significantly reduce its useful lifespan. Adding these hidden areas to your office checklist not only ensures a cleaner environment but can save you thousands in repair and replacement costs.
Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned the ceiling fans and light fixtures in your office building, you are not alone. These are easily some of the most overlooked items when it comes to office cleaning. The fact is that like your kitchen appliances and office machines, the buildup of dust and dirt causes them to work harder and at higher operating temperatures. This shortens their useful lifespan and requires more frequent replacement.
In addition, ceiling fans not only gather dust but also disperse it every time you turn on the fan, sending dust mites and allergens into the air. Putting these on your office cleaning checklist will result in cleaner air and longer-lasting fixtures.
Air Vents
Speaking of cleaner air, when was the last time you took a good look at the air vents in your office? For many of us, the answer to that question is ‘Umm, never’. The air vents in your office building should be dusted on a regular basis to avoid dispersing excess dust and allergens throughout the building.
In addition, you should have your ductwork professionally cleaned at least semi-annually to avoid the buildup of harmful allergens and molds. It only takes a few seconds to dust an air vent and it can have a significant impact on the overall quality of air in your office.
Wondering What Else Is Missing From Your Office Cleaning Checklist?
If you are concerned about the health and safety of your staff and customers, it is important that you maintain a healthy office environment. In the post-pandemic world, your staff and customers expect nothing less. Complete Care Maintenance can help you build a comprehensive office cleaning checklist and can even provide professional office cleaning service at a reasonable cost.