Flu season can make it almost impossible to keep common areas in the workplace clean and disinfected at all times. Don’t even get us started on the coronavirus. Within an office environment, there are certain touch points that can pose the most threat. Paying special attention to these areas helps reduce the impact of flu germs and coronavirus in the workplace. If you work with a professional cleaning service, discuss these ten specific germ hotspots with them.
Understanding Germ Hotspots in the Workplace
Germs spread easily in office settings because of shared spaces and frequently touched surfaces. Any time multiple people come into contact with the same surface, there’s a high chance of germ transfer. Areas where people frequently touch surfaces with their hands such as doorknobs or phones, become prime spots for bacteria and viruses to accumulate.
Knowing where germs are most likely to thrive in an office is the first step in preventing the spread of illnesses like the flu and COVID-19. From frequently touched objects to communal areas, certain spaces are more prone to harboring germs. Here are some key spots in your office that require regular attention.
Top Office Hot Spots For Illness Spreading Germs
Doorknobs and Locks
Unless the offices have automatic doors, everyone entering and exiting the workplace must use the doorknob to get in or out. This is a prime spot for germs to accumulate. It’s one of the fastest ways germs can spread from person to person.
Doorknobs should be disinfected continuously throughout the day during coronavirus and flu season, especially to prevent the spread. Not everyone uses the door locks, but why not disinfect them too when doing to the knobs. Keep disinfectant wipes near the entrance to the office and encourage employees to wipe down the doorknob before and after use.
Light Switches and Plates
Have you ever really looked at light switches and plates when turning on or off the lights? They can get quite grungy if not cleaned regularly. Look closely to see caked-on fingerprints that have been there for who knows how long. How often do you think they are disinfected?
Since most light switches are close to the door, give these a quick wipe-down when disinfecting the doorknobs. Be sure to include the switch plates in your cleaning routine. Use a disinfectant that is safe for electronics and plastic surfaces to avoid damaging the switch.
Any Handles in the Offices
There are handles all over the office that a variety of people touch throughout the day. From the handles on your desk to those in the break room, these all should be disinfected regularly. They can accumulate just as many bacteria and germs as doorknobs.
Make sure to include the handles on kitchen appliances such as coffee machines, refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers. Implement daily wipe-downs of all handles in shared spaces like the break room and conference rooms to minimize germ spread.
Hand Railings
If there are hand railings in your office do not forget about disinfecting them. In fact, if you can, avoid coming into contact with them all together. From stairwells to walkways, hand railings create a place for hands to rest or grab for balance—leaving behind bacteria and viruses.
Make sure your cleaning service pays attention to them on a daily basis. In high-traffic areas, they may even need cleaning multiple times a day. Use a long-lasting disinfectant spray to help maintain cleanliness between professional cleanings.
Toilet Flushers
It should go without saying, but make sure your cleaning service disinfects the bathroom's toilet flushers daily. In high-traffic areas, this may need to be done even more frequently. Also, have them disinfect the handles of each individual partition in the bathroom.
These can often be neglected if you don’t have a credible cleaning service. In general, bathrooms should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. During coronavirus and flu season, they can use extra special attention. Consider installing touchless toilet flushers in the bathroom to reduce the spread of germs.
Faucet Handles
These are another touch point that gets used quite often during the day by many different people. Therefore, they can also become quite germy rather quickly. It includes faucets in the bathroom as well as the break room area. They need regular cleaning and disinfecting.
Regular cleaning and disinfecting of faucet handles are essential to maintaining a clean office environment. Use touch-free faucets where possible to minimize contact and reduce germ transmission.
Soap Pumps
Manual soap pumps are another often-neglected germ hotspot. While soap is meant to clean, the pump itself can collect bacteria and viruses if not cleaned properly. If your office uses manual soap pumps, these should not be overlooked. They should be cleaned and disinfected regularly as well as replaced to avoid germ and mold buildup. Each person using the soap pump touches it with dirty hands and leaves germs behind for the next user.
Replace the pumps as needed to avoid mold buildup, which can occur with prolonged use of the same dispenser. Switch to automatic soap dispensers to eliminate the need for touching the pump altogether.
Telephones
Shared telephones in the office are a breeding ground for bacteria. Whether it’s a landline or a personal smartphone, germs can accumulate on the receiver and buttons. For devices that are shared between multiple people, this can be especially problematic.
All telephones in the offices need constant cleaning especially those shared by more than one person. There should be disinfecting wipes close by for regular use. This is also true for your smartphone even if you are the sole person using it. Germs can be airborne. If you put the phone near your mouth, you want to make sure it is disinfected as well.
Disinfecting it regularly can help reduce your risk of illness. Include both the receiver and the buttons when wiping down phones to guarantee thorough cleaning.
Computers and Hardware
Computers are an integral part of any office, but they also collect germs quickly. As with telephones, computers, keyboards, and mice get used every day and sometimes by multiple people. Keyboards are particularly notorious for trapping dirt, dust, and bacteria between the keys. Disinfecting wipes should be available and used on these devices throughout the day.
Bring disinfecting wipes for employees to use on their keyboards, mice, and other devices throughout the day. Opt for silicone keyboard covers that can be easily removed and cleaned. This makes it easier to maintain a sanitary workspace.
Remote Controls
If your office has TVs, DVD players or any other electronics do not forget to disinfect the remote controls. These are often neglected but can carry a lot of germs since they do not get cleaned that often.
Make it a priority to disinfect remote controls in common areas like conference rooms or break rooms. These devices are touched frequently but rarely cleaned. They are prime germ carriers. Use a UV sanitizing wand to quickly and effectively disinfect remote controls and other small office items.
Paying special attention to these touch points and keeping them disinfected throughout the day will help reduce the spread of germs during coronavirus and flu season. As most of these areas are constantly touched by many different people, they have the most potential to carry and spread germs.
Talk to your cleaning service provider to make sure they are stepping up their game during coronavirus and flu season. You can also refer to The Dirtiest Places in Your Office and Best Practices for Cleaning and Disinfecting During Flu Season for more tips from us on keeping your work environment safe.
Keeping Your Office Healthy Today
Germ hotspots in the office pose a significant threat during flu and coronavirus season. With the right cleaning routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of illness. For businesses looking to maintain a clean, healthy workspace, partnering with a professional cleaning service is essential. Cleantec has the experience and expertise to make sure your office’s germ hotspots are thoroughly disinfected and properly maintained.
With over 45 years of experience in bringing professional janitorial services, we know the need to maintain a germ-free environment. Our team uses top-quality cleaning products and advanced cleaning techniques to help businesses minimize the spread of germs.
For more information on how we can assist with keeping your office clean, contact us today. Together, we can create a safer workspace for your employees and clients alike.
Cleantec aims to offer helpful information to our clients and friends. We currently serve all of New York, including the Syracuse, Ithaca, Manhattan, Rochester, Utica, and Buffalo regions. We also have operations in Palo Alto, CA; Denver, CO; Muscle Shoals, AL; Tampa, FL; and Sanford, NC. Give our sales professionals a call at (877) 469-0543 for a free consultation and quote regarding janitorial services. Learn how we can help your business achieve your cleaning needs.
Cleantec ensures all staff members are thoroughly vetted conducting background checks and drug testing. In addition to providing professional cleaning services, we are also a supplier of specialized cleaning products and green chemicals. Please call (315) 463-5353 to place an order.
