When you think of office cleaning, what comes to mind? Most people picture emptying trash cans, vacuuming carpets, and wiping down desks. But even in the most sparkling of workplaces, there are hidden germ hotspots that often go unnoticed—places where bacteria and viruses thrive, quietly waiting to hitch a ride on your hands, phone, or lunch. If you’re a business owner, office manager, or simply someone who cares about workplace wellness, it’s time to shine a light on these overlooked areas and learn how cleaning professionals can help keep your office truly healthy.
Why Office Germs Matter
The average office worker comes into contact with hundreds of surfaces each day. From the elevator button you press first thing in the morning to the communal coffee pot handle, every touch is an opportunity for germs to spread. According to studies, office desks can harbor up to 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat! These germs aren’t just gross—they can lead to increased sick days, reduced productivity, and even outbreaks of illnesses like the flu or norovirus.
While regular office cleaning routines tackle the obvious messes, the real challenge lies in identifying and addressing the less obvious germ hotspots. Let’s take a closer look at the places you’re probably ignoring—and how to keep them clean.
1. Elevator Buttons and Door Handles
Think about how many people use the elevator in your building each day. Now imagine how often those buttons are cleaned. Elevator buttons are among the most-touched surfaces in any office, and studies have found that they can be breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. The same goes for door handles, especially those on restroom doors, conference rooms, and shared offices.
How to Clean: Cleaning professionals recommend disinfecting elevator buttons and door handles multiple times a day, especially during cold and flu season. Consider installing touchless entry systems where possible, and provide hand sanitizer stations nearby for extra protection.
2. Shared Office Equipment
Printers, copiers, fax machines, and even staplers are touched by dozens of hands each day. Yet, these items rarely make it onto the daily cleaning checklist. The buttons and touchscreens on these devices are prime real estate for germs.
How to Clean: Wipe down shared equipment with disinfectant wipes at least once a day. Encourage employees to wash their hands after using communal devices, and keep cleaning supplies nearby for easy access.
3. Break Room Appliances
The office kitchen or break room is a social hub—and a germ magnet. Coffee pot handles, microwave buttons, refrigerator doors, and water cooler spigots are all high-touch surfaces that often go uncleaned. Food spills and crumbs can also attract pests and create additional health hazards.
How to Clean: Assign responsibility for cleaning break room appliances, or schedule regular deep cleans with your office cleaning team. Remind employees to clean up after themselves and to avoid leaving food out overnight.
4. Computer Keyboards and Mice
You might think your personal workspace is safe, but keyboards and mice are among the dirtiest items in any office. We eat at our desks, sneeze, cough, and touch our faces—all while typing away. If you share workstations or hot-desk, the risk multiplies.
How to Clean: Use compressed air to remove debris from keyboards, then wipe down keys and mice with disinfectant wipes. Cleaning professionals recommend doing this at least once a week, and more often during flu season or if you’re sharing equipment.
5. Telephones and Headsets
Office phones and headsets are often shared between employees, especially in call centers or reception areas. These devices are in constant contact with hands and faces, making them a hotspot for germs.
How to Clean: Disinfect phones and headsets daily, paying special attention to the mouthpiece and earpiece. If possible, assign personal headsets to each employee to reduce cross-contamination.
6. Conference Room Tables and Chairs
Meetings bring people together—and so do their germs. Conference room tables, chair arms, and remote controls are frequently touched but rarely cleaned. With multiple meetings a day, germs can accumulate quickly.
How to Clean: Wipe down tables, chair arms, and any shared equipment (like remotes or presentation clickers) after every meeting. Encourage employees to use hand sanitizer before and after meetings.
7. Light Switches and Thermostat Controls
Light switches and thermostats are touched by nearly everyone but are often overlooked during routine office cleaning. These small surfaces can harbor surprising amounts of bacteria.
How to Clean: Include light switches and thermostat controls in your daily cleaning checklist. Use disinfectant wipes or sprays, and remind employees to use clean hands when adjusting settings.
8. Office Supplies and Stationery
Pens, scissors, staplers, and other shared office supplies can easily transfer germs from one person to another. Communal supply drawers are rarely cleaned and can become a hidden source of contamination.
How to Clean: Encourage employees to use their own supplies whenever possible. For shared items, wipe them down regularly and keep hand sanitizer nearby.
9. Restroom Fixtures Beyond the Obvious
While toilets and sinks are cleaned regularly, other restroom fixtures like soap dispensers, paper towel holders, and door locks are often missed. These surfaces are touched by everyone who uses the restroom, making them prime germ hotspots.
How to Clean: Make sure your cleaning professionals include all restroom fixtures in their routine. Check that soap dispensers are always filled and functioning, as proper handwashing is the first line of defense against germs.
10. Office Chairs
The arms and backs of office chairs are touched frequently, especially in shared workspaces or meeting rooms. Fabric chairs can also harbor dust mites and allergens.
How to Clean: Vacuum fabric chairs regularly and wipe down hard surfaces with disinfectant. For leather or vinyl chairs, use appropriate cleaning products to avoid damage.
11. Personal Items and Desk Accessories
While not technically part of the office infrastructure, personal items like cell phones, coffee mugs, and reusable water bottles can carry germs from home to work and back again. Desk accessories like organizers, picture frames, and plants also collect dust and bacteria.
How to Clean: Remind employees to clean their personal items regularly and to avoid sharing them with coworkers. Desk accessories should be dusted and wiped down as part of the regular cleaning routine.
How Cleaning Professionals Make a Difference
While it’s possible to tackle some of these hotspots with a DIY approach, professional office cleaning services bring expertise, specialized equipment, and high-grade disinfectants to the task. Cleaning professionals are trained to identify and address hidden germ zones, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
A reputable office cleaning company will:
- Develop a customized cleaning plan based on your office layout and needs.
- Use EPA-approved disinfectants and follow best practices for infection control.
- Pay special attention to high-touch and high-traffic areas.
- Provide regular deep cleaning services in addition to daily maintenance.
By partnering with cleaning professionals, you can create a healthier, more productive work environment and demonstrate your commitment to employee well-being.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthier Office
Even with the best cleaning team, maintaining a germ-free office is a shared responsibility. Here are some tips to help keep your workplace healthy between professional cleanings:
- Encourage Hand Hygiene: Place hand sanitizer stations throughout the office and remind employees to wash their hands regularly.
- Promote Clean Desk Policies: Ask employees to clear their desks at the end of each day to make cleaning easier and more effective.
- Limit Shared Items: Where possible, assign personal equipment and supplies to each employee.
- Educate Staff: Share information about germ hotspots and best practices for keeping the office clean.
- Stay Home When Sick: Encourage employees to stay home if they’re feeling unwell to prevent the spread of illness.
The Bottom Line
Office cleaning is about more than just appearances—it’s about protecting the health and productivity of everyone who walks through your doors. By paying attention to the germ hotspots you’re probably ignoring, and by enlisting the help of cleaning professionals, you can create a workplace that’s not only clean but truly healthy.
So next time you walk into your office, take a closer look at those elevator buttons, break room appliances, and shared supplies. A little extra attention to these overlooked areas can make a big difference in the well-being of your team. And remember: a cleaner office is a happier, healthier, and more successful one.
About The Author
Clean Stride, your best provider of house cleaning services in Bakersfield, CA, and its surrounding areas. Committed to excellence, we prioritize top-notch quality and customer satisfaction in every service we provide. Our offerings include weekly, biweekly, and monthly recurring cleaning services, deep cleaning services, and move-in/out cleaning services. Additionally, Clean Stride offers a comprehensive range of commercial cleaning and janitorial services. If you’re in the area, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to request a free quote. Experience the difference with Clean Stride and step into a cleaner, fresher space.
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