When you think about workplace safety, you might imagine slippery floors, fire hazards, or heavy lifting injuries. Sadly, there are not often banana skins, smoking appliances, or images of weightlifters to give us the visual cues to spot dangers! Offices may look clean and organised on the surface, but what about the unseen dangers lurking in front of us every day? Hidden health hazards can negatively affect employee wellbeing, productivity, and morale. Germ covered keyboards, dirty doorhandles, and poor quality indoor air are just some of the problems related to office cleanliness. Here’s how to clean and/or prevent them effectively:
Germ Infested Surfaces
How many people touch the same items in your workplace every day? Door handles, keyboards, phones, kitchen appliances, water coolers… the list is endless. All of these and more are hotspots for bacteria and viruses. Studies have shown that office desks are a breeding ground for up to 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat! If that statistic shocks you, then you’ll be reaching for the disinfectant right about now!
How to clean
Provide disinfectant wipes near to shared equipment.
Encourage employees to clean their desks and workstations regularly.
Schedule professional cleaning regularly
Disinfect phones, keyboards, and mice regularly with alcohol based product.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
The air quality indoors can be far more polluted that outdoor air. Dust, mould, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from furniture or cleaning products coupled with poor ventilation can cause problems for your staff. They may suffer from headaches, allergies, and respiratory conditions.
How to clean
Use air purifiers with HEPA filters.
Open the windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate.
Have HVAC systems inspected and serviced regularly.
Choose low-VOC paints, furniture, and cleaning products.
Add indoor plants known for purifying air, such as peace lilies.
Mould and Mildew
Toilets, kitchens, and sometimes HVAC systems are prime locations for mould in offices. The spores from mould can be dangerous to health, particularly for sufferers of asthma, allergies or those prone to sinus infections. Those affected might not even know the source of the attack.
How to clean
Identify any moisture build up and fix any leaks that may have occurred.
Keep humidity levels between 30 and 50%.
Clean areas that are prone to damp regularly – a vinegar solution is mould’s enemy!
Inspect any suspect areas regularly – mould can develop under carpets or behind furniture.
Dirty Carpets and Upholstery
Carpets and upholstered office chairs can trap dust mites, dirt, allergens, and bacteria. Even if they look clean, soft surfaces can harbour harmful particles for months, affecting the health of those with allergies or respiratory problems.
How to clean
Vacuum daily with a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner.
Get a professional deep clean at least twice a year.
Consider hard flooring to replace worn carpets in high traffic areas.
Use stain resistant fabrics and clean spills immediately.
Clutter and Dust
A cluttered office isn’t just bad for productivity — it’s bad for your health. Paper piles, unused equipment, and general messiness create perfect places for dust accumulation, which can exacerbate allergies and asthma.
How to clean
Implement a “clean desk policy” encouraging daily tidying.
Declutter storage areas regularly – donate or recycle unused items.
Dust surfaces weekly, including hard-to-reach places like light fixtures and vents.
Shared Kitchen Hazards
Office kitchens are often overlooked in cleaning routines, but they can be breeding grounds for bacteria, mould, and pests. Forgotten food in the fridge, dirty microwave interiors, and unwashed dishes can all contribute to an unhealthy environment.
How to clean
Assign responsibility for daily kitchen cleaning.
Post clear guidelines for fridge use (clean out every Friday, for example).
Disinfect countertops, handles, and appliances daily.
Ensure bins are emptied regularly to avoid attracting pests.
Office Equipment and IT & Electronics
Phones, touch screens, copiers, and headsets are handled frequently but rarely cleaned. These items easily collect oils, bacteria, and viruses from hands and faces.
How to clean
Provide microfiber cloths and alcohol wipes for employees to clean devices.
Encourage regular sanitising of headphones and shared electronics.
Consider UV sanitising boxes for small devices like smartphones or earphones.
Toilets and Bathrooms
While the loos typically get routine cleaning, certain high-touch areas (like flush handles, door locks, or soap dispensers) may still harbour germs. Also, poorly stocked bathrooms (missing soap or paper towels) can discourage handwashing which spreads germs fast.
How to clean
Increase cleaning frequency, especially in high-traffic areas.
Restock supplies daily – hand soap, sanitiser, and paper towels.
Install touchless taps, soap dispensers, and hand dryers where possible.
Forgotten Spaces
Storage cupboards, staff rooms, stairwells, and under desks often escape routine cleaning. Dust, pests, and mould can build up unnoticed in these areas.
How to clean
Create a cleaning checklist that includes all office spaces.
Schedule quarterly deep cleaning for overlooked areas.
Encourage staff to keep personal storage spaces clean and organised.
Stress Mess
An often overlooked health hazard is the effect physical mess can have on mental health. Studies show that messy, dirty environments can increase stress levels and reduce focus. Clean, organised spaces promote calm and improve workplace satisfaction.
How to clean
Invest in smart storage solutions for common items.
Encourage employees to personalise but not clutter their desks.
Create calming break areas with plants, natural light, and calm and neutral décor.
A final thought from us: A clean office is more than just tidy – it’s a vital investment in your company’s health, culture, and future success. If you’d like a quote for your business’ commercial cleaning needs, get in touch with us here.
