There are many operational details to contend with daily when running a business. Throw cleaning into the mix, and certain elements may get overlooked. After all, if a clean office does not influence your bottom line, it may not be a top priority. Unfortunately, this is when areas of the office become neglected.
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 never get missed!
Light Fixtures
The best strategy for cleaning is to start at the top - after all, gravity pulls everything down. Even dust settles. That said, sometimes things are out of sight are therefore out of mind. Take light fixtures, for example.
Some light fixtures are in hard-to-reach areas of the office 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. Just think about how many dead bugs you have seen when you look up at unclean lights – EEWW! Even more reason to give them the attention they require.
Air Vents and Ducts
Vents in an office environment are not as apparent as those located in homes. They are usually situated in more inconspicuous places, which means 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 buildup, getting 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 to become dusty. Not only will this cause unsightly buildup, but the dust gets pushed back into the air that office occupants are breathing. 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 make this list as well. 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. This should not be the case, primarily since 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, so it is good to clean and disinfect those, too.
Computers and Accessories
While you may clean some office items frequently, others might get neglected. Keyboards and mice probably get used most frequently and should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Unless you have a touch screen computer, you probably don't think to clean the monitor or even the tower, which may be underneath your desk. These two pieces of equipment collect a lot of dust, however, and can harbor unwanted germs. They may not need to be cleaned as often as the other equipment but should not be neglected. 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 environment.
Office Chairs
Let's be honest. Unless you drop or spill something on it, how often do you clean or think about cleaning your office chair? Probably not too often, right? Plus, most office chairs use dark-colored fabric and have many crevices that tend to hide dirt buildup. Again, out of sight, out of mind.
Another factor when cleaning office chairs is that you may only clean the surfaces you see and touch regularly. 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. Bottom line, 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. The most common areas, such as counters and knobs, are disinfected. But what about the other vital areas?
The space underneath and behind appliances often gets neglected yet collects a lot of dust and crumbs. Ignoring these areas can potentially 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 appliances fronts, which can be the target of splashes, fingerprints, and other grimy buildup.
Not only is it essential to clean the outside of things in the kitchen, but 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 be become grimy simply due to proximity.
Window Coverings
Blinds and fabric window coverings do more than provide privacy – they can collect a thick layer of dust if neglected. Ignoring this 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, causing irritation for those in the 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 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.
