Where are the most overlooked areas when cleaning an office?
Maintaining a clean office is crucial for employee productivity and morale.
While most offices adhere to a regular cleaning schedule, certain areas are often missed.
This article sheds light on these overlooked areas when cleaning an office.
The Importance of Comprehensive Office Cleaning
Before diving into the overlooked areas, let’s understand why comprehensive office cleaning is vital.
Employee Health
A clean office means fewer germs and bacteria and fewer employee sick days.
Especially in the current era of COVID-19, maintaining a sanitized office environment is more important than ever.
First Impressions
An unkempt office can reflect poorly on a company’s image. On the other hand, a clean, well-maintained office can impress clients and visitors.
Overlooked Areas in Office Cleaning
Despite regular cleaning, certain areas in an office often get overlooked, either due to their location or because their need for cleaning isn’t immediately apparent.
Here’s a list of such areas:
Behind and Under Office Equipment
Desks often house many pieces of equipment, including computers, printers, and telephones. Dust and dirt can quickly accumulate behind and under these items.
Air Vents and Ducts
Air vents and ducts are hotspots for dust and allergen build-up, affecting air quality and potentially leading to employee health issues.
Light Fixtures
Light fixtures, especially overhead ones, often go unnoticed during cleaning.
They can harbor a lot of dust and insects, affecting both cleanliness and lighting quality.
Inside Office Drawers and Cabinets
Office drawers and cabinets can accumulate debris and clutter over time.
While they might not be in plain sight, maintaining their cleanliness is important.
Keyboard and Mouse
Given their constant use, keyboards and mice are among the dirtiest office items. Yet, they often get overlooked during regular cleaning.
Coffee and Break Rooms
The coffee machine, microwave, fridge, and other appliances in the break room are often used frequently but not cleaned as often as they should be.
Door Handles and Light Switches
High-touch surfaces like door handles and light switches are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, making them critical areas to clean regularly.
The Aftermath of Neglecting Overlooked Areas
A clean office isn’t merely about aesthetic appeal.
By overlooking these areas during cleaning, businesses may face certain consequences, which we’ll delve into below.
Health Concerns
If dust and grime accumulate in areas like air ducts, office equipment, and appliances, they can breed bacteria and allergens.
Prolonged exposure to these can lead to health issues among employees, such as allergies, respiratory problems, and other illnesses.
Decreased Productivity
A cluttered and unclean office can impact the morale and productivity of your team.
If employees are working in a dirty environment, it can be distracting and even lead to increased stress levels.
Damage to Equipment
Dust and dirt buildup can harm office equipment.
For instance, dust accumulation behind and under computers can lead to overheating and damage the hardware.
Poor First Impressions
An unclean office can leave a bad impression on visitors and potential clients. It reflects poorly on a company’s image and may impact business relationships.
Tips to Ensure Comprehensive Office Cleaning
Identifying these overlooked areas is the first step. Next is implementing measures to ensure these spots don’t miss out on regular cleaning. Here are some tips:
- Create a Detailed Cleaning Schedule: A schedule that lists all areas to be cleaned, including the often-overlooked ones, can help ensure nothing gets missed.
- Encourage Employee Participation: Make cleanliness a team effort. Encourage employees to maintain their personal workspaces, including cleaning keyboards and emptying drawers.
- Hire a Professional Cleaning Service: Professionals are trained to clean every nook and corner thoroughly. They have the right tools and know the best techniques to ensure comprehensive office cleaning.
How to Clean Overlooked Office Areas
Now that we’ve highlighted some of the most frequently overlooked areas when cleaning an office, let’s discuss how to clean them effectively.
Cleaning Behind and Under Office Equipment
Moving office equipment can seem like a hassle, but it’s necessary to clean the dust and debris that accumulate in these spaces.
Regularly schedule a deep-cleaning day to unplug and move the equipment and wipe down the areas underneath with a damp cloth or a multi-purpose cleaner.
Cleaning Air Vents and Ducts
A professional cleaning service is usually best for thoroughly cleaning air vents and ducts.
However, regular dusting with a long-handled duster can help maintain them between professional cleanings.
Cleaning Office Drawers and Cabinets
Empty drawers and cabinets, wipe them down with a damp cloth or multi-purpose cleaner and declutter before replacing items.
Encourage employees to do this regularly.
Cleaning Keyboards and Mice
Use compressed air to dislodge crumbs and debris from keyboards.
Wipe down the keys, mouse, and any other peripherals with a cloth dampened with a mild cleaner or alcohol-based disinfectant.
Cleaning Coffee and Break Rooms
Appliances should be cleaned according to their specific instructions, but a general rule is to unplug the appliance, wipe down the exterior with a multi-purpose cleaner, and clean the interior appropriately.
For instance, the inside of a microwave can be cleaned with a warm soapy cloth.
Cleaning Door Handles and Light Switches
These high-touch surfaces should be wiped down daily with disinfectant wipes or a cloth sprayed with disinfectant cleaner.
Why Choose Us for Comprehensive Office Cleaning
Our professional cleaning service excels at surface-level cleaning and ensuring every office corner is thoroughly cleaned, including the often-overlooked areas.
Here’s why we are your best bet for comprehensive office cleaning:
Experienced and Trained Staff
Our cleaning professionals are trained to clean effectively and efficiently.
We know where to look and what to do to ensure a deep clean that covers every part of your office.
Use of High-Quality Cleaning Supplies
We use only high-quality cleaning supplies that are effective and safe. We also prioritize eco-friendly products wherever possible.
Excellent Customer Service
Our job isn’t finished when the cleaning is done. We are always available to address any questions or concerns you might have.
Most Overlooked Areas When Cleaning an Office – Conclusion
While maintaining a clean office is crucial, it’s easy to overlook certain areas during regular cleaning.
By paying attention to these often-ignored spots and ensuring they’re included in cleaning schedules, offices can maintain a cleaner, healthier environment conducive to productivity and a positive impression.
Are you looking for professional and reliable office cleaning services in Singapore? Contact us today!