There is research to show that we spend about one-third of our lives at work; that’s about 90,000 hours of the average expected lifespan! We spend so much time at work and come in contact with many germ-infested surfaces.
Of course, there are provisions for general cleaning of the office space. However, we leave out many germ hotspots while cleaning. This article will discuss the top ten places in your office harbouring germs, so you can become intentional about cleaning them.
Top Ten Germiest Spots in Your Office
Research by the University of Arizona showed how fast germs spread. The researchers put a harmless virus with similar properties to stomach flu and cold virus on the front door.
Within two hours, the virus was on the microwave, fridge door handle, and coffee pot. After four hours, the virus was already present on the toilet seats, desks, and the hands of half the staff.
One thing to note is how some places mentioned above are barely cleaned. We’ll expose many more germy locations so you can pay more attention to them.
Cell and Office Phones
The first culprit is the phones! Think about how often office phones are used daily and by how many people. Each square inch of a cell phone harbours a lot of germs, making it one of the filthiest things one can come in contact with daily. To ensure phone hygiene, provide a microfiber cloth for wiping phones every 3 hours.
Keyboard and Mouse
Click, Click, Click! What’s an office without a computer? Office workers spend hours in front of their desktops, typing and typing. Germs from their hands, fingernails, skin, and the environment will likely be transferred to the keyboard and mouse.
Electronic cleaning wipes are recommended for keyboards and mice. Also, consider investing in washable keyboards.
Elevators
Does your office have an elevator? Imagine how many people click the “going down” and “going up” buttons in one day. These people come from all over and pass whatever germ is on their hands to the elevator buttons. This makes it one of the germiest spots in the office.
Encourage employees to use elbows to operate these buttons. You can also distribute a pocket sanitiser for them to disinfect their hands immediately after using the elevator.
Door Handles and Light Switches
The average human hand contains about 3,200 different germs. Multiply that by the number of employees in your office. Then consider that they use the door or switch on the light at some point. These high-touch surfaces are constantly exposed to germs and must be cleaned regularly.
Alcohol or other disinfecting solutions are effective cleaning agents for door handles and light switches. However, remember to disconnect from power before cleaning the light switch.
Communal Breakroom Utensils
The microwave, fridge handle, and coffee pot are hot zones for germs. Every office worker visits the breakroom at least once every day, and when they touch these devices, they increase the transfer of germs. The solution is wiping these devices with microfiber clothes or disinfectants at least twice daily.
Kitchen Sinks and Faucets
Another hotspot for germs in the breakroom is the kitchen sink. Bacteria can comfortably breed there because of the dampness and constant contact with food. The faucet is another unique spot for germs.
Everyone that wants to wash their hands handles the faucet first with a dirty hand. Encourage workers to sanitise their hands and the tap after washing.
Floor
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. The floor is an open field for every form of germ, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The sole of shoes carries them from the different places employees come from and deposits them at the office. To deal with germs on the floor, consider mopping with disinfectants at least twice daily.
Restrooms
Restrooms are a comfortable breeding spot for bacteria, especially E. coli. Also, employees still have to touch the faucet after washing their hands. So again, ask them to use a pocket sanitiser once they leave the toilet.
Office Equipment
The buttons on printers, copiers, fax machines, postage meters, and other gadgets are perfect places for germs to hide and grow, and they hardly get cleaned. Therefore, leave sanitising wipes beside these machines. This way, people can remember to clean them after use.
Vending Machines and Water Dispensers
A damp environment, money, food, and fingers make vending machines and water dispensers the perfect place for germs to thrive. Ensure they are wiped from top to bottom at the close of work daily and leave hand sanitisers near them for employees.
Keep Your Office Germ-Free With Mackay Office Cleaning
Office cleaning should go beyond routine sweeping and mopping. The places mentioned above must also be considered and cleaned regularly. This effectively prevents the spread of germs.
If you are searching for a professional cleaning service for your office space, look no further! We are experts at keeping offices and homes clean and germ-free at Mackay Office Cleaning! Contact us today.