Top 5 Germ Hotspots in Your Office (And How to Keep Them Clean)

Introduction: The Hidden Dangers of Germs in the Workplace 

Your office may look clean, but lurking beneath the surface are countless germs that can spread illness and affect productivity. High-touch surfaces, shared equipment, and communal areas are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Recognising these germ hotspots and knowing how to keep them clean is essential to creating a healthier work environment. 

In this blog, we’ll highlight the top five germiest areas in the office and provide practical cleaning tips to keep them sanitised.

 

 

Section 1: The Top 5 Germ Hotspots in Your Office 

1. Keyboards and Computer Mice:  Your keyboard and mouse are used all day, often while eating or drinking, making them prime germ collectors. Studies have shown they can harbour more bacteria than a toilet seat. 
2. Door Handles and Light Switches: These are touched by nearly everyone throughout the day, making them hotspots for cross-contamination. 
3. Shared Kitchen Appliances: Microwave handles, coffee machine buttons, and fridge doors are often overlooked during cleaning but are frequently touched by multiple people. 
4. Telephones: Office phones, especially shared ones, are touched and breathed on regularly, accumulating germs and bacteria.
5. Restroom Fixtures: While restrooms are often cleaned, high-touch areas like taps, flush handles, and soap dispensers are often the germiest spots in the entire office. 

 

Section 2: Practical Cleaning Tips for Each Area 

     Keyboards and Computer Mice          

• Use a compressed air can to remove debris from between keys. 
• Wipe surfaces daily with disinfectant wipes, especially after eating. 
• Encourage staff to wash their hands before and after using shared devices.

 

     Door Handles and Light Switches 

• Disinfect these high-touch points at least twice daily using antibacterial wipes or sprays. 
• Consider installing touchless options where possible to reduce germ spread. 

 

     Shared Kitchen Appliances 

• Clean handles and buttons on appliances like microwaves and fridges after each use. 
• Use sanitising wipes or sprays and keep disposable gloves handy for staff. 
• Encourage a “clean as you go” policy in the kitchen. 

 

     Telephones 

• Provide disinfectant wipes near phones for users to sanitise after each call. 
• Deep clean shared phones weekly with alcohol-based cleaning solutions. 

 

     Restroom Fixtures 

• Ensure these areas are cleaned multiple times a day using strong disinfectants. 
• Stock restrooms with touchless soap dispensers and paper towel dispensers to minimise contact. 

 

Section 3: How Professional Cleaning Ensures Thorough Sanitisation 

While regular DIY cleaning is essential, professional cleaning services provide the expertise, tools, and thoroughness needed to keep these hotspots truly germ-free. 

     Benefits of Professional Cleaning: 

• Advanced Equipment: Professionals use tools like steam cleaners and electrostatic sprayers to sanitise hard-to-reach areas.
• Trained Cleaners: They understand how to tackle germ hotspots effectively, ensuring no area is missed. 
• Regular Maintenance: Scheduled professional cleans maintain high hygiene standards, complementing your daily efforts. 

 

Reliant Cleaning’s tailored office cleaning services focus on these high-risk areas to provide a safer, healthier workspace for your team. 

 

Conclusion: Protect Your Staff with Consistent Cleaning Practices 

Germ hotspots in the office can have a significant impact on employee health and productivity. By addressing these areas daily and incorporating professional cleaning services, you can minimise the spread of illness and create a more hygienic workplace.