Office cleaning is an important task that helps maintain a clean, organized, and professional work environment. However, it’s easy to make mistakes when it comes to office cleaning, which can lead to a build-up of dirt and germs, and potentially harm employee health. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when cleaning your office:
Skipping deep cleaning: Deep cleaning is an important part of office maintenance, but it’s often overlooked in favor of more visible tasks like dusting and wiping down surfaces. Deep cleaning includes tasks like cleaning behind and under desks, washing walls and windows, and sanitizing restrooms. Neglecting these tasks can lead to a build-up of dirt and grime, which can make your office look uninviting and potentially lead to health hazards for employees. Working with a facilities management company makes sense in this regard.
Neglecting high-traffic areas: Offices tend to have high-traffic areas that get more wear and tear than other areas of the office. These areas, such as entryways, restrooms, and areas near common spaces, should be given extra attention during cleaning. Neglecting these areas can lead to a build-up of dirt and germs, which can be off-putting to employees and potentially lead to health hazards.
Using harsh chemicals: Many offices use harsh chemicals to clean and sanitize their spaces, but these chemicals can be harmful to both employees and the environment. Harsh chemicals can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory systems, and they can also damage certain surfaces or products. Instead of using harsh chemicals, consider using eco-friendly cleaning products that are safer for both people and the environment.
Not properly storing cleaning supplies: Proper storage of cleaning supplies is important to ensure the safety of both employees and the office environment. Chemicals should be stored in a designated area that is out of reach of children and away from food products. In addition, it’s important to label cleaning supplies clearly to prevent accidents or misuse.
Failing to properly train employees: Office employees are often responsible for cleaning and maintaining their own workspace, but they may not have proper training on how to do these tasks safely and effectively. Proper training can help ensure that employees know how to use cleaning supplies and equipment correctly, as well as how to properly clean and sanitize different surfaces and areas of the office. This can help reduce the risk of accidents or injuries and improve the overall cleanliness and appearance of the office.
Neglecting to clean frequently-touched surfaces: In the age of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to properly clean and sanitize frequently-touched surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, and phones. Neglecting to clean these surfaces can lead to the spread of germs and potentially harm employee health.
Not having a schedule: Without a regular cleaning schedule, it’s easy for tasks to be overlooked or for dirt and grime to build up over time. Establishing a schedule for tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and washing windows can help ensure that the office stays clean and well-maintained on a regular basis.
In summary, avoiding these common office cleaning mistakes can help ensure that your office is clean, safe, and inviting for employees. Proper cleaning and maintenance can help improve employee health and morale, as well as create a professional image for your business.