Your office might look tidy, but beneath the surface, germs are thriving in places you might not expect. High-touch surfaces and shared spaces are breeding grounds for bacteria, and without proper cleaning, they can contribute to the spread of illness among employees. Even if your workplace follows a regular cleaning schedule, certain areas accumulate bacteria faster than others. Let’s take a look at the germiest hotspots in your office, and how you can keep them properly sanitised.
Desks and Workstations
Your desk might feel like your personal space, but it’s actually one of the dirtiest places in the office. Studies have shown that work desks can harbour more bacteria than a toilet seat, with food crumbs, coffee spills, and unwashed hands all contributing to the problem. Pens, notepads, and other frequently used items also collect bacteria, and since most employees eat at their desks, food particles become a magnet for germs. Over time, without proper cleaning, dust, bacteria, and even mould can build up in neglected areas.
To keep them clean, wipe down your desk at least once a day with disinfectant wipes or a microfibre cloth and a cleaning solution. Clean items like staplers, pens, and notebooks weekly, as they are frequently touched but rarely wiped down. Avoid eating directly at your desk, as food crumbs attract bacteria and pests. Declutter your space regularly. Piles of paper and miscellaneous office supplies collect dust and bacteria over time.
Keyboards and Computer Mice
Your keyboard and mouse are constantly touched throughout the day, making them a hotspot for bacteria buildup. Crumbs from snacks, oil from your hands, and dust settle into the tiny crevices of your keyboard, creating the perfect environment for germs to thrive. Since keyboards and mice aren’t usually included in regular office cleaning routines, they often go weeks—or even months—without being disinfected.
To keep them clean, use disinfectant wipes to clean your keyboard and mouse daily, focusing on the keys and areas that come into frequent contact with your fingers. Turn your keyboard upside down and gently shake out any crumbs or debris. Use a can of compressed air to remove dust from between the keys. Wash your hands regularly to reduce the amount of dirt and oil transferred to your devices.
Office Phones and Headsets
Shared office phones and headsets are among the most frequently touched and least frequently cleaned items in the workplace. Germs easily transfer from hands to the handset, and the close contact with your mouth means bacteria and viruses can linger on the surface for hours. Headsets are just as bad. Earpieces and microphones come into direct contact with skin, sweat, and hair, which can lead to bacteria buildup.
To keep them clean, wipe down office phones every day using antibacterial wipes, paying close attention to the handset, keypad, and receiver. If using a shared headset, disinfect it before and after each use. Encourage employees to use personal headsets where possible, or provide disposable covers for shared ones. Clean headset ear cushions regularly with a mild disinfectant to prevent bacteria buildup.
Shared Kitchen and Breakroom Surfaces
The office kitchen might seem like a place for relaxation, but it’s often one of the dirtiest areas in the workplace. The combination of food, moisture, and high foot traffic makes it an ideal environment for bacteria, especially on communal surfaces like fridge handles, microwaves, and coffee machines. Sinks, countertops, and tables accumulate food residue and spills, which can quickly lead to the growth of bacteria if not cleaned regularly.
To keep them clean, wipe down shared appliances like microwaves, coffee machines, and fridge handles at least once a day with a disinfectant. Wash dishes immediately after use. Leaving dirty cups and plates in the sink allows bacteria to multiply. Clean out the fridge weekly and throw away expired food to prevent contamination. Use disposable paper towels instead of shared sponges, which harbour bacteria and spread germs.
Door Handles, Light Switches, and Elevator Buttons
These high-touch areas are often overlooked in routine cleaning, yet they’re some of the most frequently touched surfaces in any office. Door handles, light switches, and lift buttons are touched by dozens, if not hundreds, of people throughout the day, transferring bacteria from one person to another. Since germs can survive on these surfaces for hours, or even days, regular cleaning is essential to minimise the risk of illness spreading.
To keep them clean, disinfect door handles and light switches daily, particularly in high-traffic areas like entrances, meeting rooms, and restrooms. Place hand sanitiser stations near entry points and elevators to encourage employees to sanitise their hands. Use antibacterial wipes or a damp cloth with disinfectant to clean lift buttons regularly throughout the day.
Let Us Handle the Germs – Professional Cleaning for a Safer Workplace
Even with the best cleaning habits, it’s impossible to catch every germ in a busy workplace. Some areas need more than a quick wipe-down. They require professional-grade cleaning solutions to fully eliminate bacteria and allergens.
At Premium Touch Cleaning, we go beyond surface cleaning to target high-risk areas in offices, ensuring a healthier and safer environment for your employees. Our team provides deep sanitisation services, high-touch surface cleaning, and tailored cleaning schedules designed to keep germs at bay. If you want a cleaner, healthier workplace, get in touch with us today and let’s create a customised cleaning plan that works for you.
