Maintaining a clean office is crucial for both health and productivity. While most businesses focus on visible surfaces such as desks and floors, many germ hotspots are overlooked, which can contribute to illness and lower productivity. In fact, research shows that office spaces can harbour more bacteria than most people realise. A study by the University of Arizona revealed that the average office desk has 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat! With this in mind, it’s essential to give attention to these often-ignored areas in your office that may be breeding grounds for germs.
1. Keyboards and Mice: The Germ Havens
Keyboards and mice are among the most heavily used items in any office, yet they’re rarely cleaned. A UK study found that keyboards can harbour up to 7,500 bacteria per swab, including harmful germs like E. coli and Staphylococcus. Given how often we use these items and touch our faces or food afterward, they become prime areas for spreading illness.
What You Can Do:
- Clean and disinfect keyboards and mice weekly with antibacterial wipes or sprays.
- Encourage employees to clean their hands regularly, especially after lunch breaks or using shared equipment.
2. Phones: Germs at Your Fingertips
Office phones, particularly shared ones, can also accumulate a shocking amount of bacteria. Phones are high-touch surfaces, but they’re often ignored during routine cleaning. Germs are transferred from hands, faces, and mouths onto the phone, making them a common source of contamination.
What You Can Do:
- Disinfect phones daily, especially shared ones.
- Provide staff with personal headsets or encourage them to clean phones before use.
3. Break Room Appliances: A Germ Minefield
The break room is a common area where employees gather, but it can also be one of the germiest spots in the office. Microwaves, fridges, and coffee machines are frequently used and rarely cleaned. A study from the National Sanitation Foundation found that the microwave door handle is one of the most contaminated surfaces in the office, often more so than the bathroom sink.
What You Can Do:
- Wipe down the microwave, fridge handle, and coffee machine daily.
- Ensure proper fridge organisation and regular cleanouts to avoid cross-contamination.
4. Door Handles and Light Switches: High-Touch, Low-Cleaning Areas
Door handles and light switches are touched by almost everyone in the office but are rarely cleaned. According to research from the University of Houston, about 20% of light switches are contaminated with harmful bacteria such as MRSA and E. coli. These high-touch surfaces are major germ transfer points in any workplace.
What You Can Do:
- Include door handles, light switches, and similar high-touch surfaces in your daily cleaning routine.
- Install hands-free switches or door openers where possible.
5. Office Chairs: The Overlooked Furniture
Office chairs are often neglected during cleaning routines, even though they’re in constant contact with employees throughout the day. Sweat, food crumbs, and spills can accumulate on the fabric or leather over time, turning chairs into germ reservoirs.
What You Can Do:
- Vacuum and disinfect chairs at least once a week.
- Consider professional upholstery cleaning for fabric chairs every few months.
6. Printers and Copy Machines: Shared, But Seldom Cleaned
Printers and copy machines are shared by many employees but are rarely included in regular cleaning schedules. Since they are high-touch items, they can easily transfer germs from one person to another.
What You Can Do:
- Wipe down shared printers and copiers daily with disinfectant wipes.
- Encourage hand sanitising after using these machines.
Why Regular Deep Cleaning Matters
Overlooking these hidden germ hotspots can contribute to the spread of illnesses, leading to increased employee absenteeism and reduced productivity. In Queensland, where flu seasons and viral infections peak at certain times of the year, maintaining a germ-free office environment is crucial for employee health and business continuity. Regular, professional cleaning services can help you keep these hard-to-reach, easily overlooked areas sanitised.
At Mackay Office Cleaning, we specialise in comprehensive cleaning solutions that target both visible and hidden areas of your workplace. Our experienced team ensures your office is not only clean but safe from harmful bacteria. Whether it’s routine cleaning or a one-time deep clean, we tailor our services to your business’s unique needs.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or book a deep clean, and let us help you create a healthier, germ-free workspace.