When you work in an office with a breakroom or shared kitchen, it can be difficult to keep the area clean. With so many people eating meals, relaxing and storing food, things can get messy fast. If these messes don't get cleaned up right away, they can become a more significant and costly problem.
We highly recommend hiring a professional cleaning company to clean your breakroom regularly. Keep your breakroom clean in between professional cleanings with these nine tips.
Get Organized and Use Storage
A well-organized breakroom can make all the difference in maintaining a clean environment. Having plenty of supply storage that is clearly labeled and organized will set you up for success. Create a place for napkins, paper towels, trash bags, cleaning supplies, and soap.
Making them easy to see and access will help employees clean up quickly after utilizing the breakroom. As a result, things get put back in place, and people can find the appropriate materials to clean up after themselves.
Keep Supplies Stocked
People often intend to clean up after themselves in the breakroom but can't find the supplies to do it. This is when messes get left behind, and areas of the breakroom get neglected. Ensure that the breakroom always has enough supplies and that they are quickly accessible. This will help minimize everyday messes and spills from turning into mold or attracting unwanted critters.
Empty Trash Regularly
Trash is another big problem in the breakroom. Ensure your breakroom has a trashcan near every door and that it is regularly emptied to prevent spills, bacteria build-up, or excessive trash. If people dump food in the trash throughout the day or overnight, it can also harbor unpleasant odors. Hiring a professional cleaning company to empty trash daily is a good idea.
Do Not Neglect Appliances
The appliances in breakrooms can become neglected and home to unwanted germs and mold. Microwaves, coffee pots, and refrigerators are often the victims of spills and food splatter. Grime can build up and create a gunky mess if they aren't cleaned regularly. Schedule a routine cleaning inside and out to prevent build-up from happening.
Avoid Sponges
Sponges are a prime breeding ground for bacteria. The damp, dark environment allows harmful bacteria spores to thrive. Ensure sponges are wrung dry after use and stored in a holder when not in use. Avoid letting the sponge sit on the sink's bottom! To reduce the spread of germs, try to use disposable towels instead of germ-filled sponges on countertops.
Consider Signage
Keeping our hands clean is one of the most important ways to keep germs from spreading. Posting signage in your breakroom and other areas where your employees gather can serve as a reminder to wash their hands often. This is particularly important before and after handling food.
Install Hand Sanitizer Stations
To help prevent the spread of germs, provide hand sanitizer stations for employees to use throughout the office. This will benefit employees when they do not have access to soap and water to wash their hands. The CDC recommends "an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol."
Avoid Contact with "Hotspots" and Disinfect Frequently
By touching something that has not been disinfected, bacteria and viruses can spread throughout your office space. Have employees avoid direct contact with "hotspots" to significantly lower the risk of spreading diseases and becoming infected. Hotspots are the most frequently touched office points, such as doorknobs, light switches, handles, etc. Easier said than done, right?
One way to avoid touching these hotspots is to use a paper towel to turn on sink faucets or open a door. Then simply discard the paper towel after use, and your hands have not touched those items and remain clean.
Nevertheless, your breakroom and other areas in your office should be disinfected regularly. Regular disinfection should be performed on objects and surfaces such as countertops, door handles, vending machine buttons, microwaves, and refrigerator handles.
Delegate Breakroom Duties
Employers often think they can reduce costs by allowing their existing employees to split up work and clean the breakroom. The problem is that their employees are often too busy working and rushing to eat, resulting in little time for cleaning up. Consequently, cleaning the breakroom is often a low priority. That is why it is good to hire a professional cleaning company to clean the breakroom area regularly.
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 (877) 469-0543 to place an order.
