As employees return to offices, how can businesses ensure that their staffs are safe while still keeping the company running? Office cleaning.
Many people think of office cleaning as sweeping and mopping the floors, but there is more to it. To ensure a safe and healthy work environment, it is vital to have a well-rounded office cleaning routine.
Here is a good checklist…
Cleaning desks and surfaces
A cluttered desk can lead to a cluttered mind, which can, in turn, lead to decreased productivity and creativity. A clean and organised desk, on the other hand, can help you focus and be more productive.
When people return to work after a break, the last thing they want to do is walk into a dirty space. By cleaning desks and surfaces, you can reduce the number of bacteria and dirt accumulated over time. This will help keep your employees healthy and productive.
Sanitising surfaces: Defra-approved disinfectants
With the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to ensure that your office is clean and sanitised.
The UK government has published guidance on disinfectants in businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
By law, you must use a Defra-approved disinfectant when an outbreak of a notifiable disease.
This includes information on how to use disinfectants safely and effectively and how to make sure that your office is clean and sanitised.
In summary, the guidance includes the following points:
- It would help if you used a Defra-approved disinfectant in your office
- You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using disinfectant
- You should make sure that you are using the correct type of disinfectant for the surface you are cleaning
- You should wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a face mask when using disinfectant
The list of Defra-approved disinfectants will show you which product to use and the concentration of the disinfectant you must use. Some products can be used at different concentrations for different diseases.
For more information on keeping your office clean and sanitised during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the government website.
Identify and clean frequently touched surfaces
To clean and disinfect your office effectively, you need to identify the most commonly touched surfaces.
These surfaces can include door handles, light switches, computer keyboards, telephones and mouse pads. By targeting these areas, you can help to reduce the risk of bacteria spreading.
Here are some examples of frequently touched objects in offices.
- work surfaces like desks, platforms and workstations
- handles on doors, windows, rails, dispensers and water coolers
- common areas like toilets, reception, changing rooms, corridors and lifts
- the vehicle handles, steering wheels, seat belts and internal surfaces
- control panels for machinery, control pads and switches
- computer keyboards, printers, touch screens, monitors and phones
- taps, kettles, water heaters, fridges, microwaves and cupboards
- shared equipment like tools, machines, vehicles, pallet trucks and delivery boxes
- post and goods coming in or being shipped out
If you are hiring a commercial cleaning company, make sure they clean all these surfaces.
Vacuuming carpets and floors
Carpets and floors can quickly become covered in dirt, dust, and other debris. This can make them difficult to clean and lead to the build-up of allergens which can trigger reactions in people with allergies or asthma.
Office vacuum cleaners should be professional grade because they offer more power and suction than a regular household vacuum cleaner. This allows them to quickly and easily remove dirt, dust, and other debris from carpets and floors and furniture and electronics.
Additionally, professional vacuum cleaners come with various attachments that can be used to clean tight spaces and difficult-to-reach areas.
Cleaning windows and mirrors
Window cleaning is an integral part of office cleaning because it helps to keep the office looking clean and professional. Windows can become dirty and streaky over time, making the office look untidy. Additionally, dirty windows can let in dust and other allergens, which can harm employees.
Mirrors can also become dirty over time and lead to the build-up of bacteria and mould. For this reason, it is essential to clean mirrors regularly.
Disinfecting surfaces
Surfaces such as desks, countertops, and door handles can become covered in bacteria over time. This can lead to the spread of illnesses among employees and can be challenging to clean.
Employers should use disinfectants regulated in the UK under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). The aim is to make sure that they are used properly and do not harm people, pets or the wider environment.
It is essential to check the label of any disinfectant before use to make sure that it is effective against the bacteria or viruses you are trying to kill.
There are several different types of disinfectants available, including:
- surface disinfectants
- environmental disinfectants
- fogging agents
- hand sanitisers
Sanitising toilets
Did you know that toilets are one of the most germ-ridden places in a business setting? They can be up to 200 times dirtier than a kitchen sink!
Many people often use them, and they are not always cleaned properly. For this reason, it is crucial to sanitise toilets regularly.
This can be done by using a toilet brush to clean the bowl and seat and the surrounding area. It is essential to use a disinfectant that is effective against bacteria and viruses, such as E. coli and hepatitis A.
Cleaning the kitchen
The kitchen is another office area that can become dirty and germ-ridden over time. It is essential to clean all surfaces, such as countertops, tables, and chairs.
Additionally, it is vital to regularly clean appliances such as the fridge, oven, and dishwasher. These can quickly become dirty and harbour bacteria if they are not cleaned properly.
Washing dishes
Dirty dishes can quickly build up in the office kitchen, which can lead to the spread of bacteria and illness. It is essential to wash dishes regularly to prevent this from happening.
This can be done using a dishwasher or by washing them by hand in hot water and soap. It is essential to make sure that all dishes are washed and rinsed correctly, as this will help reduce the risk of bacteria build-up.
Empty waste bins
Waste bins can quickly fill up, especially if they are not emptied often. By emptying them regularly, you can reduce the amount of garbage accumulated over time.
There are several different places where waste bins are kept in an office. Such as in the kitchen, near the photocopier, near the printer, in the staff room and the bathroom. Ensure you know where each one is located, and try to empty them regularly.
Dusting furniture and electronics
Dust can cause several problems for office furniture and electronics. It can clog up ventilation systems and fans, leading to overheating. It can also cause components to short-circuit, and over time it can lead to the build-up of dirt and grime, which can corrode metal parts. For this reason, it is crucial to dust these items regularly.
Disinfecting door
Door handles can be commonplace for germs to spread, as many people often touch them. By cleaning door handles regularly, you can help to reduce the risk of germs spreading.
Cleaning door handles can be done using a disinfectant spray or a cloth dipped in hot water and soap. It is vital to make sure that all of the handle surfaces are cleaned, as this will help reduce the risk of bacteria build-up.
Disinfecting lifts
Do you know that the most significant cause of Covid-19 spread in London offices is lifts – since lifts are closed with less ventilation than the office?
Therefore, cleaning and disinfecting lifts is a significant step in preventing the spread of Covid-19 in your office. Lifts can be cleaned and disinfected by using a spray or wipe-down disinfectant.
Recycling
Recycling is an integral part of keeping your office green and helping to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
There are many ways to recycle in your office, including recycling paper, plastic, metal and glass.
Regular office cleaning must include proper and responsible recyclable waste disposal.
You can find out more about recycling in your office on the government website.
Additional tasks
In addition to these cleaning tasks, some office-specific tasks should be added to your routine. For example, if you have a printer in your office, you will need to regularly clean the carriage and paper feed to prevent jams.
If you have a kitchen or break room, you will need to regularly clean the refrigerator, microwave, and countertops.
Look for areas not included in the standard cleaning routine, and make sure that they are included in your next office clean.
Final Thoughts
Office cleaning is an integral part of maintaining a healthy and safe work environment. By having a regular office cleaning checklist, you can ensure that all areas of your office are cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. We can come up with a cleaning solution to match your requirements.
This is important for preventing the spread of germs and bacteria and helps to keep your office looking clean and professional.
If you are looking for an office cleaning company, contact us at 020 7582 8111 or cleanology@cleanology.com. We offer a wide range of office cleaning services to help you keep your office clean and healthy.
