Germs Hotspots in Your Office: How to Clean & Disinfect Them

Eliminating visible dirt and stains is not enough to promote a healthy, hygienic, and productive workplace. To reduce sick leave, improve employees’ wellbeing, and boost overall productivity, disinfecting germ laden areas becomes imperative for every businessman.

There is no denying that frequently touched surfaces within an office property are a breeding ground for lethal germs and bacteria. These invisible invaders pose potential health risks and affect your company’s reputation in the market. However, regular cleaning and proper disinfection make a world of difference. After vacuuming carpets, dusting desks, and removing stains, ensure you kill germs and bacteria from potential spots to create a healthier work environment.

In this guide, we’ll explore common germ hotspots in a commercial property and the best hacks to tackle them. You can also prefer hiring experts for a top quality vacate cleaning Perth to reduce business downtime while securing your hardearned bond.

Let’s Get Started!

1. What are the common Germs Found in an Office Space?

As an entrepreneur, it is your key responsibility to provide a tidy, hygienic environment for your employees. It is important to prevent crosscontamination by combating the following germs and bacteria found in workplaces:

• coli: It is often transferred from contaminated hands and surfaces, causing food poisoning, severe diarrhoea, UTIs, nausea, and other infections.
• Staphylococcus: These are common germs that can live on skin and surfaces and cause skin infections, respiratory illnesses, and foodborne illnesses.
• Salmonella: Linked to food contamination, causing diarrhoea, food poisoning and other diseases.
• Influenza Virus: Spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, posing various health risks.
• Mould and Mildew: These are nasty spores found in poorly ventilated, damp areas, which can cause respiratory disorders and skin infections.

Let’s explore germ hotspots in your office space:

2. Office Desks or Workstations

An office desk may look clean at first glance, but beneath the surface, germs and allergens breed. From keyboards to mice, mobile phones to drawers, a messy and dirty workstation is a breeding ground for 25k germs per square inch. Food crumbs stuck between keyboards, dustladen wooden desks, etc., can contribute to germ infestation.

How to Keep it Clean: Make sure you encourage your employees to maintain a tidy workstation and no eating policy at the desk to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Ensure you remove dust using a damp cloth. Next, spray rubbing alcohol on the desk and leave it for a few minutes to kill germs. You should always follow sustainable cleaning to protect the environment.

To disinfect keyboards and computer screens, turn off and unplug your device. Use compressed air to remove loose food debris stuck between keys.

Next, dampen your microfibre cloth in rubbing alcohol and gently wipe down the surfaces. Ensure you avoid excess moisture and never spray any product directly on the keyword.

Tip: Dry everything before turning on your system.

3. Doorknobs and Handles

Believe it or not! Doorknobs and handles are one of the breeding grounds for lethal germs and bacteria that can cause infection and diseases, affecting employee’s wellbeing and their productivity. Germs and grime spread instantly from one person to another through contaminated doorknobs and handles.

It is essential to wipe down your doorknobs with rubbing alcohol. You can also use disinfecting wipes regularly. If you are moving out of your office space, book experts for a guaranteed vacate cleaning in Perth and pass your rental inspection.

4. Light Switchboards

Light switches are another germ hotspot that is often overlooked during a commercial cleaning session. Dirty fingerprints from multiple hands spread germs from one person to another, causing infections and other health concerns. People often forget to clean these areas. So, it is good to wipe down light switches using a cloth dampened in a white vinegar solution. It will also help you eliminate oils, dirt and hidden germs effectively.

5. Office Phones and Headsets

Phones and headsets also harbour diseasecausing germs and viruses. Whether it’s a shared office phone or personal headsets, make sure you disinfect them properly. You can use antibacterial wipes to disinfect the receiver and headset parts. Also, encourage your employees to regularly wipe down their headsets to prevent the spread of germs.

6. Pantry, Breakrooms and Shared Kitchens

Break rooms, pantries/canteens, and shared kitchens in office spaces are germy hotspots, with various contaminated surfaces like fridges, coffee machines, ovens, stovetopsand water purifiers. Make sure you remove grease and grime using a baking soda paste. Scrub gently to avoid scratches. It is also essential to disinfect all shared surfaces daily, especially during flu season.

Tip: Place a hand sanitiser in your kitchen or canteen to prevent germ buildup.

7. Washrooms in an Office Space

Every office must have a strict washroom hygiene policy because washrooms are laden with lethal germs and bacteria. It is essential to remove soap scum, mould and disinfect surfaces like toilet flush, soap dispensers, faucets, counters and doorknobs. You can also book office cleaning Perth services at regular intervals to maintain a tidy and hygienic office space.

Infographic: How to Disinfect Your Office Space?

Wrapping Up

These are some of the most common hotspots where germs and bacteria tend to harbour, leading to various health hazards. It is good to create an office cleaning checklist and prioritise these areas to keep germs at bay and employees healthy and productive.