Welcome to the workplace, a bustling hive of activity and, unfortunately, a hotspot for germs. While we often think of toilets and kitchens as the primary germ hubs, several everyday items in your workspace can harbour more bacteria than you might imagine. At United Cleaning Solutions, we’re here to shine a light on these germy culprits and share some best practices to keep your workspace clean and healthy.

Keyboard and Mouse

Your trusty keyboard and mouse are among the biggest germ magnets. They’re touched constantly throughout the day, often without a second thought.

Cleaning Tip:

• Daily: Use disinfectant wipes to clean the surface of your keyboard and mouse. Make sure they’re designed for electronics to avoid damage.
• Weekly: Turn off your devices and use a soft brush or compressed air to remove debris between the keys. Follow up with an alcohol-based wipe for a thorough clean.

Telephone

Whether it’s your desk phone or a shared office phone, this frequently used device can harbour thousands of germs.

Cleaning Tip:

• Daily: Wipe down the handset and keypad with a disinfectant wipe.
• Weekly: Use a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean around the buttons and crevices.

Desk Surface

Your desk is where you spend most of your time, and it can collect dust, food particles, and bacteria from various sources.

Cleaning Tip:

• Daily: Clear any clutter and wipe the surface with a disinfectant wipe.
• Weekly: Give your desk a more thorough clean, moving items around to ensure you reach all areas.

Office Door Handles

Door handles are high-touch areas that can easily transfer germs from one person to another.

Cleaning Tip:

• Daily: Wipe down door handles with disinfectant wipes or a cloth sprayed with disinfectant.
• Throughout the Day: Encourage the use of hand sanitiser before and after touching door handles.

Coffee Machine and Water Cooler

These communal areas see a lot of traffic, making them prime spots for germ transfer.

Cleaning Tip:

• Daily: Wipe down buttons, handles, and any other high-touch surfaces with disinfectant wipes.
• Weekly: Clean the drip trays and water dispensers according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Shared Office Supplies

Items like staplers, hole punchers, and shared pens can also carry germs.

Cleaning Tip:

• Daily: Wipe down shared supplies with disinfectant wipes.
• Personal Supplies: Where possible, use your own set of supplies to reduce cross-contamination.

Hand Hygiene

While cleaning surfaces is crucial, nothing beats good hand hygiene to reduce germs.

Best Practices:

• Regular Washing: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds regularly, especially after touching high-contact surfaces.
• Hand Sanitiser: Keep a bottle of hand sanitiser at your desk and use it frequently throughout the day.

Implementing a Cleaning Routine

Creating a consistent cleaning routine can make a big difference in eliminating germs and maintaining a hygienic workplace.

Tips:

• Set Reminders: Schedule daily and weekly cleaning tasks.
• Assign Responsibilities: If you work in a shared space, assign cleaning duties to ensure all areas are covered.
• Professional Cleaning: Consider hiring a professional cleaning service, like United Cleaning Solutions, for regular deep cleaning to ensure your workspace stays pristine.

Keeping your workplace clean is essential for the health and wellbeing of everyone in the office. By being mindful of the items you touch daily and implementing effective cleaning practices, you can significantly reduce the spread of germs. At United Cleaning Solutions, we’re committed to helping you maintain a clean and healthy work environment. Contact us today to learn more about our professional cleaning services tailored to meet your needs.

Stay clean, stay healthy!