Many of us spend a significant portion of our lives in an office environment. While keeping your desk tidy and organized is important, a clean and hygienic workspace goes far beyond that. Our offices are breeding grounds for germs, with common surfaces touched by countless people throughout the day. This article dives into five surprisingly dirty areas in your office, along with simple strategies to keep them clean.
1. The Germ Hotel: Your Office Phone
The traditional office phone might be a relic of the past for some, but it’s still a common fixture in many workplaces. Think about it: how many hands touch that receiver every day? Food crumbs, dust, and even cold and flu germs can easily lurk on your phone.
Here’s how to keep your phone conversation germ-free:
- Disinfect Regularly: Invest in a disinfectant spray or wipes specifically designed for electronics. Spray the disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down the entire phone, including the receiver, buttons, and base.
- Don’t Forget the Cracks: For those hard-to-reach crevices around the buttons and receiver, consider using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol for a more thorough cleaning.
2. Crumb Catcher: The Keyboard
Keyboards are notorious for collecting crumbs, dust, and grime. While a professional cleaning service will likely clean keyboards during their regular visits, you can also perform a quick clean yourself throughout the week.
- Blast Away the Big Stuff: Compressed air canisters are a lifesaver for dislodging crumbs trapped between the keys. Simply hold the can upright and spray short bursts of air, working your way across the entire keyboard.
- Deep Clean for a Fresh Start: For a more thorough cleaning, especially if spills or sticky situations have occurred, consider investing in a specialized keyboard cleaning brush. These brushes are designed to reach between the keys and remove built-up dirt. You can also follow some online tutorials for specific keyboard cleaning methods, depending on your keyboard model.
- Wipe Down the Surface: After dislodging any debris, use a microfiber cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe down the entire surface of the keyboard. Avoid soaking the cloth, as this can damage the electronics.
3. The Silent Partner: Your Mouse
The humble computer mouse, a constant companion throughout the workday, often gets neglected when it comes to cleaning. Here’s how to keep your mouse functioning smoothly and hygienically:
- Wipe it Down: Just like your keyboard, use a microfiber cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe down the top surface of the mouse. Pay close attention to the buttons and scroll wheel.
- Tackle the Tracks: For the trackpad or trackball, a dry cleaning toothbrush can be used to remove any built-up dust or debris that might be affecting its functionality.
- Don’t Forget the Underside: The bottom of your mouse can accumulate dust and grime as well. Use a folded piece of paper or a post-it note to carefully remove any built-up gunk.
4. The Germy Gathering Place: The Office Kitchen
The office kitchen is a communal space used by everyone, and with that comes a heightened risk of germ transmission. While professional cleaning services will typically sanitize surfaces and empty trash cans, there are additional steps you can take to ensure a cleaner and more hygienic kitchen environment.
- Wipe Down Common Touchpoints: Door handles, microwave buttons, refrigerator handles, and coffee pot knobs are all frequently touched surfaces. Keep a container of disinfectant wipes readily available in the kitchen and encourage everyone to wipe down these areas before and after use.
- Clean Up Spills Immediately: Spills happen, but it’s important to clean them up as quickly as possible to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for bacteria. Keep paper towels and disinfectant spray readily available in the kitchen for easy cleanup.
5. Beyond the Obvious: Don’t Neglect Commonly Touched Surfaces
While the areas mentioned above are some of the biggest culprits for harboring germs, don’t forget about other commonly touched surfaces throughout the office. These can include:
- Light switches: Consider placing disinfectant wipes near light switches, especially in high-traffic areas like entrances and bathrooms.
- Elevator buttons: Elevator buttons are touched countless times throughout the day. If wipes aren’t readily available, use hand sanitizer after pressing a button.
- Door handles: Keep door handles, particularly those in restrooms and break rooms, disinfected regularly. Professional cleaning services will typically handle this task, but you can also keep a small bottle of disinfectant spray on hand for quick touch-ups.
- Handrails: Staircase handrails and cubicle walls are frequently touched surfaces that can harbor germs. While professional cleaning services will likely disinfect these areas during regular visits, consider keeping a travel-sized hand sanitizer with you to use after touching these surfaces.
A Clean Office is a Healthy Office
By implementing these simple yet effective cleaning strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of germs lurking in your office environment. A clean and healthy office not only promotes a more pleasant work environment but can also lead to a decrease in employee absenteeism due to illness. Remember, keeping your office clean is a collaborative effort, and by working together, you can create a space that is conducive to both productivity and well-being.
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