Maintaining a clean and organized office is essential for productivity, health, and creating a professional environment. However, even with regular cleaning, some common oversights can occur that impact both cleanliness and efficiency. Here are five common office cleaning mistakes to avoid, along with practical solutions to keep your workspace pristine.
1. Neglecting Keyboards and Electronics
Mistake: Keyboards, phones, and other office electronics are often overlooked during cleaning, even though they are some of the most frequently touched surfaces. Dust, crumbs, and bacteria can accumulate, creating both hygiene issues and performance problems.
Solution: Make sure to clean electronics regularly. Use compressed air to blow out dust from keyboards, and disinfect them with a lightly dampened microfiber cloth or alcohol wipes. Pay extra attention to areas like the mouse, phone receivers, and shared office equipment like printers and copiers.
2. Forgetting to Disinfect Doorknobs and Light Switches
Mistake: High-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and elevator buttons are often skipped in regular cleaning, yet they are hotspots for germs, especially in shared office spaces.
Solution: Include these touchpoints in daily cleaning routines. Use disinfectant wipes or sprays to sanitize these areas at least once a day to help reduce the spread of germs and keep employees healthy.
3. Improper Trash Disposal
Mistake: Emptying trash cans but neglecting to clean the bins themselves is a common cleaning oversight. Over time, waste residue and unpleasant odors can build up, creating an unsanitary environment.
Solution: Clean the inside of trash cans regularly, not just when a spill occurs. Wipe them down with disinfectant to remove any residue and neutralize odors. Consider adding liners to make disposal easier and cleaner.
4. Skipping Air Vents and HVAC Grilles
Mistake: Air vents, HVAC grilles, and ceiling fans are areas that can accumulate a significant amount of dust over time, affecting both air quality and overall office cleanliness. These areas are often ignored, leading to poor ventilation and potential health issues.
Solution: Schedule periodic cleaning of air vents and HVAC systems. Dust and vacuum these areas to ensure optimal airflow and air quality. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to handle this task if needed.
5. Overlooking Breakroom Appliances
Mistake: Shared kitchen appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee machines can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria if not cleaned regularly. These are often overlooked in daily cleaning routines.
Solution: Set up a cleaning schedule for kitchen appliances. Wipe down the microwave daily, clean the coffee machine weekly, and ensure the refrigerator is emptied and wiped down at least once a month. Encourage employees to clean up after themselves to maintain hygiene.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common office cleaning mistakes will help maintain a healthier, more productive work environment. Regular attention to high-touch surfaces, shared spaces, and neglected areas like air vents and breakrooms can make a significant difference in office cleanliness. For a more thorough and professional approach to maintaining a spotless workplace, call Progan Cleaning at (773) 355-4727 to schedule a walkthrough and receive a customized quote tailored to your office’s specific needs.
