Top 10 High-Touch Areas in Your Office That Need Frequent Cleaning

Maintaining a clean office is essential for creating a professional environment and promoting employee health and well-being. While regular cleaning routines often focus on visible areas like floors and desks, certain high-touch surfaces are prone to harboring a high concentration of germs and bacteria. These areas are used frequently by multiple people, and should be disinfected one or more times each day to prevent the spread of various illnesses.

Doorknobs and Handles

Every time someone enters or exits a room, they touch a doorknob or handle. These surfaces can easily collect dirt, oil and bacteria. Frequent sanitizing is essential, especially during cold and flu season.

Shared Keyboards and Mice

Employees spend hours at their desks, and their keyboards and mice are among the dirtiest items in the office. Crumbs, dust and bacteria accumulate quickly, making it essential to wipe down these tools with disinfectant wipes at least weekly. Any workstations that are shared by multiple people should be disinfected daily.

Elevator Buttons

Elevator buttons are shared by everyone in the building, often touched multiple times daily by each person. These buttons are high-traffic surfaces that should be disinfected at least once a day to minimize germ transfer.

Light Switches

Light switches are frequently used but often overlooked during cleaning. These surfaces can harbor germs and bacteria, especially in communal spaces. Regular disinfecting can help ensure they don’t serve as a vector for the spread of illnesses in the workplace.

Phones

Office phones, especially shared ones, are a hotspot for germs. Employees often touch their faces while using phones, transferring bacteria from their hands. Phones should be sanitized daily to ensure cleanliness.

Breakroom Appliances

The office breakroom is a hub of activity, and appliances like refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers see frequent use. Handles, buttons and doors on these appliances should be cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of germs.

Desk Surfaces

Personal desks are not immune to germ buildup, especially if employees eat or touch their faces at their workstations. Wiping down desks with disinfectant wipes at least weekly keeps them clean and reduces bacteria. Any desks or workspace that are shared should be disinfected daily.

Bathroom Fixtures

Sink faucets, soap dispensers and toilet handles in office bathrooms are among the most germ-laden surfaces. These fixtures require daily cleaning with high-grade disinfectants to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.

Chairs

The backs and armrests of office chairs are touched often but rarely cleaned. Over time, these surfaces collect dirt, oils and bacteria. Regular cleaning with appropriate cleaners can extend the life of chairs and improve cleanliness.

Shared Office Supplies

Items like staplers, scissors and communal pens often change hands throughout the day. These items are often overlooked during cleaning routines but should be wiped down regularly to prevent the spread of germs.

Why Frequent Cleaning Matters

High-touch areas in offices can become breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, impacting employee health and productivity.

Regular cleaning of these surfaces helps:

• Reduce Illness: Minimizing germ transfer can lower the risk of spreading illnesses, leading to fewer sick days.
  
  
• Enhance Employee Morale: A clean workspace shows employees that their well-being is valued.
  
  
• Improve Professionalism: A clean and sanitized office leaves a positive impression on clients and visitors.

Best Practices for Cleaning High-Touch Areas

• Use the Right Products: Select disinfectants approved for killing bacteria and viruses, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
  
  
• Clean Regularly: High-touch areas should be cleaned daily or multiple times a day in high-traffic spaces.
  
  
• Train Cleaning Staff: Makes sure that cleaning personnel are aware of these hotspots and equipped to clean them effectively.

Why Should You Hire Professional Cleaners for Your Business?

While regular cleaning by employees can help maintain hygiene, professional cleaners have the expertise, equipment and products to ensure thorough sanitation. They can implement a detailed cleaning schedule to address these high-touch areas consistently and effectively.

Schedule Your Office Cleaning in Odessa and Midland

Don’t let overlooked, high-touch surfaces compromise the cleanliness of your office. Contact West Texas Commercial Cleaning today by calling 432-552-9520 to schedule a consultation for your office cleaning and keep your high-touch areas in expert hands.