How Often Should You Clean These 7 Overlooked Office Areas?
Keeping an office clean is essential for both productivity and health, but even with regular cleaning, some areas are often neglected. These hidden or overlooked spots can harbor dust, germs, and allergens, contributing to poor air quality and the spread of illness. So, how often should you clean these forgotten areas to keep your workspace in top shape?
At NJ Premier Cleaning Crew, we know what it takes to ensure your office stays pristine. Let’s dive into seven often-overlooked office areas and how frequently you should be cleaning them!
1. Keyboards and Computer Mice
How often to clean: Weekly
Keyboards and mice are some of the most germ-ridden items in any office. They’re constantly touched, and crumbs, dust, and even germs can easily accumulate in the nooks and crannies. Studies have shown that keyboards can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat!
How to clean: Use compressed air to blow out debris from between the keys, then wipe down the keyboard and mouse with disinfectant wipes. Make sure to use a product that’s safe for electronics and let everything air dry before using.
2. Office Phones
How often to clean: Weekly
Shared office phones are used by multiple employees throughout the day, which means they can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Even personal desk phones aren’t immune, as employees often forget to clean them regularly.
How to clean: Disinfect phone receivers, buttons, and screens with antibacterial wipes or spray a disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth to clean the surface. Avoid directly spraying the phone to protect its electronics.
3. Light Switches and Door Handles
How often to clean: Daily or every other day
Light switches and door handles are high-touch surfaces that are often overlooked during regular cleaning routines. These spots can easily spread germs, especially in busy office environments.
How to clean: Wipe down handles and switches with disinfectant wipes or a cloth sprayed with an antibacterial cleaner. Be diligent about cleaning these areas during cold and flu season to reduce the spread of illness.
4. Breakroom Appliances (Microwave, Fridge, Coffee Maker)
How often to clean: Weekly for exterior surfaces, monthly for deep cleaning
The office breakroom is often one of the most used, yet least cleaned, spaces in the workplace. Appliances like the microwave, fridge, and coffee maker are hotspots for bacteria, spills, and leftover food odors. Grime can build up quickly if not regularly addressed.
How to clean: Wipe down appliance handles and exterior surfaces weekly with disinfectant wipes. Monthly, clean the inside of the microwave with a mix of water and vinegar, deep clean the fridge by tossing old food, and run a cleaning cycle through the coffee maker to remove residue.
5. Air Vents and Filters
How often to clean: Quarterly
Air vents and filters are critical for maintaining good indoor air quality, but they’re often out of sight and out of mind. Dust, allergens, and even mold can accumulate in air ducts, affecting the entire office environment.
How to clean: Make sure to dust vents regularly and replace air filters at least every three months. Consider scheduling professional duct cleaning annually to ensure your office’s air circulation system remains free of allergens and dust.
6. Office Chairs
How often to clean: Monthly for light cleaning, bi-annually for deep cleaning
Office chairs collect dust, dirt, and sweat over time. The fabric or leather on the seats can harbor germs, and the wheels and frames often gather dust and debris. Keeping chairs clean is important for maintaining a healthy work environment and extending the life of your office furniture.
How to clean: Wipe down plastic and metal parts with disinfectant wipes once a month. For fabric chairs, vacuum the seat and backrest to remove dust. Twice a year, consider steam cleaning the fabric or wiping down leather surfaces with a gentle cleaner and conditioner.
7. Window Blinds and Curtains
How often to clean: Quarterly for blinds, bi-annually for curtains
Blinds and curtains are dust magnets, and because they’re often neglected, they can become discolored or lead to poor air quality in the office. Cleaning these areas regularly helps reduce allergens in the workplace.
How to clean: Dust blinds with a microfiber cloth or use a vacuum with a brush attachment. For deeper cleaning, wipe them down with soapy water every few months. Curtains should be vacuumed or washed every six months to remove dust and grime.
Final Thoughts: Stay on Top of Office Cleaning
Cleaning these often-overlooked areas on a regular schedule helps maintain a healthier office environment, improves indoor air quality, and reduces the spread of germs. With a bit of extra attention to these spots, your office will stay fresher, and your team will stay more productive and healthier.
For a truly thorough clean, consider hiring professional cleaners like NJ Premier Cleaning Crew. We ensure no corner is missed and your office is not just clean but completely sanitized. Want to take the hassle out of your office cleaning routine? Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
