Nobody likes a dirty office! A clean and hygienic workplace isn’t just more pleasant to be in, it can enhance employee productivity and reduce the number of sick days people take — especially as we transition into cold and flu season.
You might think you keep your office clean. In reality, though, you could be skipping necessary steps or making mistakes that prevent your commercial space from being as pristine as it could be.
Here are the top five office cleaning mistakes people make (and how to avoid them).
Using incorrect cleaning supplies is the first issue that could impact your office’s cleanliness. Some products deliver better results than others and will help you maintain a tidy office longer.
The following are some essential supplies to keep on hand:
At a minimum, you should make sure these products are always available at your office. They make it easier for you and your team to handle
every day messes and keep the workspace clean.
(Bonus Tip: When you find something that works, stick with it)
Along with using the wrong cleaning products, many people also make the mistake of using different products every time they clean. If you continuously change products, you’ll likely see inconsistent results.
Pay attention to brands and formulas that work best for your office's cleaning needs. Then, when you find something that works, keep
it on hand.
It might be tempting to leave your rubbish bins unemptied until they’re totally full. If you leave trash sitting in your office overnight or over the weekend, though, you may walk in the next morning to an unpleasant smell that takes all day to go away.
Leaving rubbish in your bins overnight or over the weekend can also invite pests like insects and rodents into your office. Not only will the presence of these creatures upset your employees, but it can also deter customers or clients from wanting to work with you.
Even if your bins are only half-full, empty them daily. This task is one that’s better to overdo than underdo.
(Bonus Tip: Create separate bins)
If you can’t stand the idea of emptying a bin holding just a few scraps of paper, consider creating separate containers for dry and wet waste.
Wet waste includes biodegradable waste like fruit and vegetable peels, tea bags, coffee grounds, and leftover food. Dry waste, on the other hand, includes things like paper, plastic, cardboard, and styrofoam.
By separating your office’s waste into wet and dry categories, you can ensure the stuff that contributes to bad smells gets tossed out
regularly without wasting plastic bin liners.
It’s easy to get in the habit of only cleaning visible areas — especially as a busy professional who has a dozen other tasks on their to-do list.
Remember that invisible areas (behind the bins, behind filing cabinets, around and behind the faucet, etc.) harbour just as much dirt, dust, and bacteria (if not more) as other places in your office.
If you haven’t already, create an office-cleaning checklist. These simple tools will ensure you don’t forget invisible or less visible
areas.
(Bonus Tip: Delegate or outsource cleaning tasks)
You’re not the only person who uses the office, so you shouldn’t be the only one who cleans it.
Delegate cleaning tasks based on your office's cleaning requirements and rotate them weekly. That way, one person doesn’t consistently get stuck cleaning the toilets. Ensure regular cleaning by keeping a consistent rotation.
Another option is to outsource your regular cleaning and hire a commercial cleaning crew. Employing professional cleaners is an excellent option if you and your team struggle to sanitise and maintain the office on top of your other responsibilities."
Professional cleaners will take care of the heavy-duty tasks and deep cleaning, giving you and your employees more time to focus on other
essential tasks.
Have you ever seen someone spill soft drink on the counter and wipe it up with a paper towel? How about spilling coffee on the carpet and scrubbing it with a sponge?
Some credit is due to these people for trying to take care of their mess. However, incorrectly cleaning spills increases the likelihood that they’ll leave stains or sticky residue behind.
For spills on hard surfaces, use paper towels to soak up as much liquid as possible. Then, follow up with a damp cloth to ensure the area isn’t sticky afterwards.
As for spills on the carpet, start with a damp cloth with a bit of dish soap. Then, blot the area (don’t scrub, as that pushes the stain
deeper into the carpet fibres) with a dry towel.
(Bonus Tip: Invest in regular carpet steam cleaning)
Some spills and stains are difficult to remove, even with the proper technique. Investing in regular professional carpet cleaning helps to
address these areas and keep your carpet looking nice and fresh.
Don’t wait until you see a bunch of dirt and dust around the office to clean it. Stick to a consistent cleaning schedule to prevent serious messes and avoid creating unsanitary working conditions.
Keep in mind, too, that sticking to a schedule makes cleaning less time-consuming. If you clean the microwave in the break room once a week,
for example, you won’t have to spend 30 minutes scrubbing weeks’ or months’ worth of dried food off the sides.
(Bonus Tip: Dedicate specific days to specific tasks)
You don’t have to do all your office cleaning in one day. Dedicate specific weekdays to specific tasks to spread the chores out and prevent them from taking up too much time.
From using the wrong supplies to cleaning infrequently, there are lots of mistakes that can impact your office’s cleanliness your employees’ health and well-being all whilst leaving a positive first impression on your clients. Follow the tips discussed above so you can improve your cleaning process and see better results.
Don’t have time to clean your office? Consider a top-notch professional commercial cleaning company.
Dive into the expertise of Clean Feeling, Brisbane's premier commercial office cleaning service. We're here to provide a quality cleaning service for your commercial premises, ensuring every corner shines.
Contact office cleaners, Clean Feeling today for a free quote!
