When running a business, there are many operational details to contend with daily. Throw cleaning into the mix, and certain elements may get overlooked. A clean office area may not be a top priority if it does not influence your bottom line. Unfortunately, this is when overlooked office areas need to be addressed.
Overlooked Office Areas Requiring Extra Attention
Even with routine cleaning, some office areas still need to be noticed. This can lead to dust buildup, germs, and a decline in indoor air quality. High-traffic or hard-to-reach spots, such as air vents, computer equipment, and light fixtures, need attention to maintain a clean workspace. Cleantec specializes in thorough cleaning that addresses these commonly missed spots. We provide an environment that supports the health and productivity of everyone in the office.
Here, we point out the top office areas that are frequently forgotten. Of course, by hiring a professional cleaning service to do the job, you can make sure these areas are always noticed!
Light Fixtures
The most effective cleaning strategy is to start at the top—gravity naturally pulls everything down, including dust. Certain things can be easy to overlook, like light fixtures that are out of sight and often out of mind.
Some light fixtures are in hard-to-reach office areas yet still need regular cleaning. Light fixtures attract a lot of dust that builds up quickly and can become a fire hazard. Along with fixtures, fluorescent lights also need attention. Think about how many dead bugs you’ve noticed trapped in unclean light fixtures! That’s all the more reason to give them the attention they deserve.
Air Vents and Ducts
Vents in an office area are not as apparent as those in homes. They are usually situated in more inconspicuous places, so you are less likely to notice how filthy they get.
Heating and cooling systems are constantly pushing air in and out of the vents. Dust particles build up and get stuck on the vent before reaching the air filter. Additionally, dusty air vents can indicate the air filter needs changing.
When the filter clogs, dust passes through the system causing the ceiling around the vents dusty. This will cause unsightly buildup, and the dust gets pushed back into the air that office occupants breathe. This will affect the office's air quality causing potential health hazards.
Dust particles also get stuck in the ductwork, which in turn causes the same air quality problems. Change your filters and clean the vent, air ducts, and surrounding ceiling for a fresh start then perform these actions regularly.
Phones
We've previously mentioned office phones in our 10 Office Hot Spots blog, and they also make this list. Even though they are one of the most used pieces of office equipment, they are also one of the most overlooked as far as cleaning goes. It should be different, primarily because they are used so often and by numerous people. They must be disinfected daily as these devices are close to our faces.
Additionally, office phones usually have vents on them that will collect dust. Hence, it is good to clean and disinfect those, too.
Computers and Accessories
While you may clean some office items frequently, others must be addressed. Keyboards and mice probably get used most frequently and should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
You need a touchscreen computer to clean the monitor or the tower, which may be underneath your desk. However, these two pieces of equipment collect a lot of dust and can harbor unwanted germs. They may not need to be cleaned as often as the other equipment but this should be addressed. Not to mention monitors can be the landing spot for sneezes and coughs - yuck!
Get into the habit of regularly cleaning all computers' nooks, crannies, and accessories for cleanliness and maintenance. If there is a dust buildup, it can interfere with the proper function of these components. Keep a condensed air canister handy to blow out the keyboard and tower, which will help keep them operating correctly. A computer's mouse can get a buildup of dust, causing interference with its movement and use.
Cleaning and disinfecting all office equipment regularly will help keep equipment working while maintaining a safe office area.
Office Chairs
How often do you clean or think about cleaning your office chair unless you drop something on it? Not too often, right? Plus, most office chairs use dark-colored fabric and have many crevices that tend to hide dirt buildup.
Another factor when cleaning office chairs is that you may only regularly clean the surfaces you see and touch. Unfortunately, these chairs may contain greased components and mechanisms toward the bottom where buildup is less noticeable. They tend to accumulate dust and grime, resulting in an unsightly mess. The bottom line is that chairs should be cleaned from top to bottom, not just where you touch and see.
Breakroom/Kitchen
As with any kitchen, the office kitchen is a breeding ground for dirt, germs, and bacteria. Common areas like counters and knobs are often disinfected, but what about other important spots?
The space underneath and behind appliances often needs to be addressed yet collects dust and crumbs. Ignoring these areas can lead to unwanted insects and rodents. The handles on these appliances should also be cleaned and disinfected as they accumulate grime and germs. Pay attention to the cabinet, drawer, and appliance fronts. These areas can be the target of splashes, fingerprints, and other grimy buildup.
It’s important to clean the outside of things in the kitchen. Also, two appliances should be cleaned on the inside regularly – the refrigerator and microwave. Liquid and food spills are common in these two appliances. To avoid mold and mildew, clean them regularly.
Another common area for spills is the trash. There may have been a hole in the bag, or someone threw something away before the bag was replaced. Either way, things find their way through the garbage bag and into the bin creating a sticky and stinky garbage bin.
These should be thoroughly cleaned regularly to avoid unpleasantries. Lastly, don’t forget the area around the trash can. Whether it is a cabinet or a wall the trash can sits against, this area can become grimy simply due to proximity.
Window Coverings
Blinds and fabric window coverings do more than bring privacy—if neglected, they can collect a thick layer of dust. Ignoring such an area can exacerbate allergies and feed dust mites. It is best practice to clean blinds and fabric window coverings regularly to remove dust. When they are not cleaned regularly, opening and closing them will send dust into the air, which might irritate those in the office area.
Let the Professionals Handle It
Hiring a professional cleaning service allows your staff to focus on day-to-day operations and the health and safety of the employees. These cleaning professionals will tackle these less obvious tasks and the rest of your facility's cleaning needs. Professional cleaners have been trained in the proper techniques and can perform the job efficiently at a convenient time for your business.
Cleantec’s professional cleaning services provide the deep cleaning needed to target these hidden spots. We make sure that every corner of your office supports health, productivity, and a positive environment. Investing in thorough cleaning enhances office appeal and demonstrates a commitment to a healthier, more efficient workplace for everyone. To learn about our commercial cleaning, window washing, carpet cleaning, and other services, contact us today.
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.
