Keeping your office clean is the key to staying productive and organized. If your desk is cluttered, chances are so is your mind. But how do you keep your office clean without spending hours cleaning? Look at this blog to learn the do’s and don’ts of maintaining a clean workspace!
Contents
Have a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Every office should have a regular schedule for keeping its environment clean and organized. This will ensure that it is free of dirt, germs, and other clutter that can create an unhealthy working environment. Setting aside time each day or week to tidy up the office will help keep the space neat and reduce stress levels among employees. It is important to routinely clean high-touch surfaces such as keyboards, door handles, and copy machines, in order to prevent the spread of germs.
Additionally, organizing shared spaces like supply closets or file storage areas also helps prevent clutter from building up and serves as a reminder for coworkers to keep their personal areas tidy. Having a designated staff member responsible to clean the office or hiring a professional cleaning service from Cheras are both effective strategies for keeping your workspace clean on a regular basis.
Use Appropriate Cleaning Products
Regularly cleaning the office is an important part of keeping a safe and healthy working environment. When it comes to office cleanup, it’s important to use the right products in order to achieve the best results. Here are some do’s and don’ts for choosing products that will keep your office looking clean and inviting.
- Do use an all-purpose cleaner: All-purpose cleaners are designed to remove dirt, grime, and messes from multiple surfaces. Use one mixed with warm water for general cleaning throughout your office such as on desks, chairs, walls, floors and more. It should cut through dirt without leaving a sticky residue so surfaces can stay clean longer.
- Don’t use harsh bleaches: Harsh bleaches can damage confidential documents along with furniture and equipment so these should be avoided. Look for available bleaches that are specifically designed for offices – if using one is necessary – or you may opt for an alternative such as diluted vinegar which provides similar cleaning effects without the risk of damaging sensitive materials.
- Do buy microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths prevent dust particles from settling on surfaces while removing any existing layers of dust efficiently and easily. These cloths don’t require harsh chemical cleaners instead they pick up dirt with ease thanks to their absorbent fibers acting like tiny sponges when dampened lightly with water or cleaner solution and wiped in circular motions across surfaces requiring attention.
- Don’t forget protection products: In addition to cleaners, it’s good practice to have protection products available such as window cleaners, shoe sprays, and hand wipes that reduce bacteria on our hands thus preventing them from spreading germs in the office environment. For such issues prevention is better than cure since common workplace bacteria could quickly contaminate entire offices if not solved preemptively by using protective solutions available in dedicated stores or online providers.
Disinfect High-touch Areas
High-touch areas can harbor germs and bacteria that can spread illness and disease, so it is important to ensure that these areas are regularly disinfected. High-touch areas include phones, computers, keyboards, door knobs, light switches, sinks, countertops, and toilet handles. When disinfecting high-touch surfaces in an office environment, it is important to adhere to the following do’s and don’ts to ensure a clean office:
- Do:
- Wear disposable gloves when cleaning high-touch surfaces.
- Use a cloth or disposable paper towel to apply the disinfectant.
- Read the label of the product to ensure you are using a product that is effective against SARS-CoV–2 (the virus that causes COVID–19).
Encourage Employees to Keep Their Work Areas Clean
A clean work environment helps give employees a sense of pride in their jobs and encourages better performance. Encouraging employees to keep their personal workspaces neat and organized will help maintain a sanitary, hazard-free workspace for the entire office.
Do’s:
- Provide clear and visible trash cans throughout the office for use.
- Offer a variety of storage solutions for items that may not need to be out on desks all the time. For example, file cabinets encourage documents to be stored away when not in use; perhaps provide additional hook railings or shelves/ cubby systems if needed.
- Educate employees on proper printer use and disposable instructions; if documents are printed incorrectly they should be recycled and not left around the office as clutter.
- Provide cleaning supplies such as disinfectant sprays, paper towels, microfiber cloths, and dusters so employees can clean off their areas before leaving for the day or after using shared equipment such as printers or computers.
Implement a Recycling Program
Having an effective recycling system is essential for any office looking to reduce its environmental impact. Implementing a recycling program provides a clear solution for reducing waste and encourages employees to think twice before discarding items into the trash.
It is important to begin by identifying what types of materials can be recycled in your workplace. A paper-only system might suffice in areas with cards and journals, but other items – such as plastic bottles, cans, and glass containers – should also be addressed. Consider labeling each bin with its specific purpose, or providing guidelines on what items can be disposed of in each bin. After this is done, it’s important to remind teams of the importance of properly sorting their trash and disposing properly in order to ensure that all materials are recycled or reused at their maximum potential.
Another excellent way to reduce office waste is by introducing additional rules such as:
- Encouraging staff members to bring reusable cups instead of disposables.
- Avoiding excessive plastic and paper packaging by opting for digital substitutions such as printing double-sided documents or energizing email communication instead of memos and letters every time possible.
Donts
Don’t Neglect High-traffic Areas
High-traffic areas such as lobbies, waiting rooms, and break rooms are often overlooked when it comes to regular cleaning. Not only is this unsightly to visitors, but it also can be a serious health hazard. Dust and dirt that collect on carpets in high-traffic areas can become packed down and ground in over time, making them difficult or impossible to properly clean. In addition, germs from unwashed hands and food waste can quickly build up in these often-forgotten spaces.
To make sure that your high-traffic office areas stay clean and sanitary:
- Vacuum carpets at least twice a week.
- Mop hard floor surfaces daily.
- Disinfect any surfaces touched frequently (desktops, doorknobs, light switches).
- Use non-toxic cleaners throughout the office.
- Empty waste bins regularly.
Following these simple guidelines will help keep your office looking clean and professional while keeping your staff healthy and safe.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
Using harsh chemicals to keep your office clean may seem like the safest option, but this can be damaging. Not only can many of these products contain ingredients that could be toxic and hazardous to your health, but they can also cause damage to surfaces throughout your office. Many of these chemicals are also highly flammable and can create noxious and even potentially dangerous fumes in an enclosed space.
Instead, look for natural and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. These come in a wide range of options that are specifically designed for different surfaces and materials. Natural products are usually more expensive than their chemical counterparts, but they will not harm yourself or the environment over time, making them well worth the extra cost.
Neglecting to clean hard-to-reach areas can lead to the accumulation of dirt, bacteria, and even mold that are affecting the health and safety of your office environment. It is essential to regularly inspect and clean all areas in order to ensure a healthy and organized workplace.
It is important to use a ladder when reaching high places that are too difficult for the janitorial staff or other office personnel. To properly maintain those difficult areas, check for dust build-up and how the natural lighting affects each area. There can be dust buildup on high shelves or ventilation systems which needs attention. In addition, it is imperative to make sure windowsills, air vents, blinds/shades/curtains, desks, and table surfaces are clear from dust or dirt buildup which accumulates over time due to surface materials or climate conditions.
It is also important to pay extra attention when cleaning bathrooms as they can be breeding grounds for bacteria if not properly cleaned regularly. Many people forget all the surfaces need cleaning in order for them to remain sanitized such as door handles, faucets, toilet flush levers, floors and walls behind toilets, etc. Surfaces can also be sanitized with bleach cleaning product if necessary (Just make sure it is labeled safe enough for use in offices). Regularly scheduling bathroom maintenance/cleaning, especially around weekends or holidays will help reduce any dirt buildup issues caused by visitors during those days so please take note of this as well!
Don’t Ignore Spills or Stains
Spills and stains can occur in any office environment, from drops of coffee or tea on the carpet to smears of ink on office furniture. It is important to take immediate action when these incidents happen and not allow them to continue accumulating. Left unattended, these stains can lead to more serious damage and an unappealing sight. Furthermore, they can become difficult and expensive to remove once they’ve set in. To ensure a clean office space, make sure you clean up any spills or stains right away by following the steps below:
- Act fast – Time is critical when dealing with any type of stain. The quicker you remove the stain upon occurrence, the better chance you have of eliminating it from your office.
- Identify the source – Identify what caused the spill or stain so that you will know which cleaning solutions are necessary for removal.
- Choose the appropriate solution – Use a cleaning product that is compatible with both your surface material and stain substance for maximum effectiveness in removal.
- Clean without smearing – When removing a spill or stain, use gentle dabbing motions with a cleaning cloth or sponge rather than rubbing motions which could worsen and scatter the mark further across your surface area.
- Be thorough – Make sure that all traces of the spilled substance have been removed by repeating treatment as necessary until no more product will come up on your cloths.
Don’t Neglect Regular Cleaning
It is essential to ensure regular and thorough cleaning of your office so you can maintain a healthy and safe environment. Neglecting regular cleaning can have serious effects on your team’s health, productivity, and morale. Failure to complete even basic maintenance tasks such as mopping the floors, dusting furniture and fixtures, and emptying the trash cans can result in an unhealthy workplace, where germs run rampant. Moreover, if workers lack the cleanliness necessary for completing their work effectively and efficiently, it can lead to reduced productivity.
In order to ensure a healthy work environment with the proper level of cleanliness people are accustomed to, it is important to pay attention to a handful of different tasks on a daily basis. These tasks include but are not limited to:
- Sweeping/vacuuming carpets and floors
- Emptying all trash cans frequently
- Dusting desks, shelves, and other surfaces
- Wiping down common areas such as lobby/kitchen counters
- Disinfectant mop or spray all hard floor surfaces
- Washing windows
- Cleaning restrooms
It is essential that all members of your office take extra care to clean and disinfect all shared equipment, especially during this time of uncertainty. It is important to remember that germs and bacteria can live up to 48 hours on hard surfaces, thus making the spread of viruses more likely.
When cleaning any shared surfaces, it’s best to use a commercial cleaner or disinfectant that is approved by the EPA. Additionally, during each clean, use a paper towel or single-use cloth to avoid cross-contamination. Be sure to use gloves when cleaning surfaces as well to protect yourself from coming in contact with any germs or bacteria from previous users.
If a cubicle does not have its own disposable cleaning products, consider purchasing and labeling a set for your entire team or office space for everyone to use in order to keep the workspace free from germs and bacteria. Be certain these products are properly labeled so that everyone knows how to effectively clean off each surface appropriately and keep their surroundings sanitary for themself and their colleagues’ health & safety!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do to maintain a clean office environment?
To maintain a clean office environment, you should follow basic cleaning protocols such as washing your hands regularly, wiping surfaces, and vacuuming frequently. You should also throw away any food or drink items after use and dispose of trash properly. Additionally, you should avoid leaving clutter around and ensure that all employees are following proper cleaning guidelines.
Are there any items that should never be brought into an office?
Yes, you should avoid bringing items into the office that can increase the risk of dirt and germs, such as shoes, outdoor clothing, pets, and food that is not properly sealed. Additionally, you should never bring items that can be a fire hazard, such as candles or electric heaters, into the office.
How often should I vacuum and mop?
Vacuuming and mopping should be done at least once a week, depending on the level of foot traffic in the office. If your office sees a lot of foot traffic, you should vacuum more frequently to reduce the amount of dirt and dust in the office.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a clean office is essential to promoting a professional and welcoming atmosphere. In order to make sure that your office space is clean, there are several do’s and don’ts to follow such as:
- Vacuuming regularly.
- Using the right supplies for each type of surface.
- Organizing items in different areas.
- Designating cleaning tasks.
Furthermore, it is important not to overload by trying to clean everything at once, as this can be overwhelming. Finally, creating a cleaning schedule tailored for your particular office environment will help ensure that the workspace remains fresh and inviting all year round.