In many commercial spaces, regular cleaning routines tend to focus on the high-traffic areas: desks, floors, bathrooms, and common spaces. However, there are several overlooked spots in an office environment that, if neglected, can negatively affect both the cleanliness of your facility and the health of your employees. These hidden areas are prime locations for germs, dust, and allergens to accumulate, potentially leading to poor air quality and a less hygienic workspace. Let’s take a closer look at these often-forgotten areas and discuss how to integrate their cleaning into your routine.
1. HVAC Vents and Air Ducts overlooked areas
HVAC systems are crucial for regulating the temperature and air quality in commercial spaces. However, over time, dust, dirt, and other contaminants can build up in HVAC vents and ducts. These particles are then recirculated through the air, affecting the overall air quality and potentially leading to respiratory issues for employees. Dirty HVAC systems can contribute to the spread of bacteria, mold, and allergens throughout the building, making these areas a significant concern for health-conscious facility managers.
Practical Tip: Clean HVAC vents and ducts regularly, at least twice a year, to remove dust and debris. We can also vet a professional to perform an in-depth air duct cleaning to improve airflow and air quality. Encourage the use of air purifiers and air quality monitors to reduce contaminants further.
2. Light Switches and Door Handles overlooked areas
Light switches and door handles are touched numerous times throughout the day by different employees, making them prime breeding grounds for germs. Despite being high-touch areas, they are often overlooked during routine cleaning, leading to the potential spread of harmful bacteria and viruses, especially in shared spaces.
Practical Tip: Make disinfecting light switches, door handles, and other frequently touched surfaces part of your daily cleaning checklist. Use CDC-approved disinfecting wipes or sprays to clean these areas regularly, ensuring they remain free from germs and bacteria. This simple step can help reduce the spread of illnesses in the workplace. If you are a customer of Christian Bros. FMG this is provided during our regular general service to you
3. Behind Office Furniture
Behind desks, bookshelves, filing cabinets, and other large pieces of office furniture can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris that often go unnoticed. These hidden spots are prime locations for allergens, mold, and dust mites to thrive. Not only does this reduce the overall cleanliness of your space, but it can also lead to poor indoor air quality and contribute to allergies and respiratory problems for employees.
Practical Tip: Incorporate cleaning behind and beneath office furniture into a detailed quarterly cleaning regiment. Make sure to move heavy furniture, when possible, to clean hidden spaces or use a vacuum cleaner with attachments to reach hard-to-get areas. If possible don’t forget to check the areas around baseboards and corners, which can also trap dust and dirt.
4. Elevator Buttons and Touchscreens
Elevator buttons, office equipment touchscreens, and vending machine panels are other commonly touched surfaces that can be overlooked. These areas often harbor harmful germs and bacteria, as they are touched by multiple people throughout the day. In office buildings with frequent traffic, these spots can become hotspots for the spread of illness, particularly in high-touch environments like elevators.
Practical Tip: Clean elevator buttons and touchscreens multiple times a day with disinfecting wipes. If you have touchscreen devices, ensure they are regularly wiped down to prevent the buildup of dirt and germs. It's essential to address these high-touch areas, especially in buildings with many visitors or shared spaces, to ensure employee health and safety.
5. Breakroom Appliances and Common Areas
The office breakroom is a hub for socializing, eating, and relaxing, but it can also be a breeding ground for germs if not cleaned regularly. Appliances such as microwaves, coffee machines, refrigerators, and their handles can harbor food particles, spills, and bacteria. These areas can contribute to foul odors, mold, and contamination, especially when food is being prepared or stored improperly.
Practical Tip: Develop a regular cleaning schedule for the breakroom and appliances. Wipe down the handles, counters, and surfaces daily, and schedule deep cleanings of the microwave and refrigerator weekly. Employees should also be encouraged to clean up after themselves to reduce clutter and keep the space sanitary. In addition, consider providing sanitizing wipes for shared kitchen equipment to encourage everyone to clean after use.
Conclusion: The Importance of Addressing Hidden Cleaning Areas
While routine office cleaning often covers the basics, it’s crucial to focus on areas that aren’t immediately visible but still play a significant role in overall cleanliness and employee health. HVAC vents, light switches, behind office furniture, elevator buttons, and breakroom appliances all contribute to the hygiene of your workspace and the well-being of your team. By incorporating a quarterly detailed cleaning regiment to address these often-overlooked spots into your regular cleaning routine, you can help create a healthier, more comfortable, and more productive environment for everyone in your facility.
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