Ever thought about all the things you touch in a single day at the office? From your morning coffee to the last email of the day, your hands are constantly interacting with surfaces. While you might be diligent about wiping down your desk at the end of the day, there’s a whole ecosystem of invisible threats thriving on the most surprising spots. Research has shown that common office surfaces can harbor more bacteria than a public toilet seat, creating a perfect environment for cold, flu, and other viruses to spread from person to person.
That’s where the proper industrial cleaning supplies from CleanSource comes in. Our commercial grade disinfectant wipes are an easy and effective solution for tackling these forgotten hotspots, providing you with the peace of mind that comes from a truly clean workspace. They’re designed to not only clean away visible dirt but also to kill a wide range of bacteria and viruses on hard, non-porous surfaces. Let’s take a closer look at five of the most overlooked germy places in your office and learn how to keep them sparkling clean.
The Top 5 Overlooked Germ Hotspots
- The Coffee Pot and Microwave Handles
The office kitchen is a communal hub, and the coffee pot and microwave handles are ground zero for germ exchange. They’re touched by virtually everyone, often first thing in the morning when people’s hands haven’t been washed yet. Spilled coffee residue, food splatters, and moisture create a breeding ground for bacteria. A single person with a common cold can transfer germs to these surfaces, which are then picked up by countless others throughout the day. The CleanSource Solution: Make it a new office ritual. After you pour your coffee or heat your lunch, take a moment to grab a disinfectant wipe and give the handle a quick wipe-down. Encouraging this simple act of shared responsibility can dramatically reduce cross-contamination.
- Your Personal Keyboard and Mouse
Your desk may seem like your own personal, clean space, but it’s a micro-ecosystem of its own. Your keyboard and mouse are constantly in contact with your hands, collecting dead skin cells, oil, and food crumbs. Over time, these surfaces become a haven for germs that can lead to anything from skin irritation to illness. This is especially true if you eat at your desk, as crumbs get lodged between the keys, attracting bacteria. The CleanSource Solution: Your personal devices deserve a little extra care. Gently power down your computer before you start. Use a single disinfectant wipe to clean the surface of your mouse and the keys on your keyboard, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. This quick, five-minute task can significantly improve your personal hygiene and workspace health.
- The Refrigerator Door Handle
While you’re thinking about the coffee pot, don’t forget the refrigerator door handle. It’s a high-touch point used by everyone from the first person to arrive to the last person leaving. People touch this handle before and after handling their lunches, creating a perfect loop for transferring bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella. A seemingly clean, glossy exterior can hide a shocking number of germs. The CleanSource Solution: Make it a habit to wipe the fridge handle every time you open it or at least once a day during the lunchtime rush. This simple act of awareness can help break the cycle of germ transfer and keep the entire office safer.
- Light Switches and Doorknobs
These are arguably the most overlooked hotspots in any building. Every time you enter a meeting room, a restroom, or a private office, you touch a light switch or a doorknob. This constant, unconscious contact means that any germs from a hand can be transferred and remain on the surface for hours, waiting for the next person to come along. The CleanSource Solution: You can’t avoid touching them, but you can keep them clean. Add all light switches and doorknobs to a daily or weekly team cleaning checklist. It’s a simple but powerful way to reduce germ transfer in the office and provide everyone with peace of mind.
- The Shared Printer/Copier Buttons
The shared printer is a communal hub that everyone in the office visits. The physical buttons, touchscreens, and paper tray handles are constantly being touched by dozens of people throughout the day. This area, where people often gather and wait for their documents, is a key point for germ spread, especially during busy workdays. The CleanSource Solution: Make it a point to keep a container of disinfectant wipes right next to the machine. Encourage everyone to use a wipe to clean the screen and buttons before and after each use. This small act of consideration for your colleagues can help prevent the spread of germs.
The Quick Guide to a Healthier Office Environment
The key to a truly clean office isn’t about one massive cleaning session; it’s about consistency and a proactive approach. Beyond tackling the germ hotspots, here are some best practices to maintain a healthier workplace.
The Power of Contact Time
Remember, there’s a crucial difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning simply removes dirt and grime, while disinfecting actually kills germs. For a disinfectant to be effective, the surface must remain visibly wet for the amount of time specified on the product label. With our disinfectant wipes, this “contact time” is clearly listed, ensuring you get the full germ-killing power with every use. Don’t rush the process—let the wipe do its job!
Create a Simple Cleaning Schedule
Making these cleaning tasks part of your routine can make a huge difference. Consider creating a “daily 5-minute wipe down” checklist for each department, or a weekly team rotation to ensure all high-traffic areas are consistently disinfected. This structured approach makes it easy for everyone to contribute to a healthier work environment.
A Holistic Approach to Hygiene
While our wipes are incredibly effective, they’re part of a bigger picture. Encouraging regular hand washing, providing hand sanitizer stations, and creating a culture where sick employees feel comfortable staying home are all essential components of a healthy office. When you combine these practices with a regular disinfecting routine, you create a powerful defense against the spread of illness.
Disinfecting these few key spots can make a huge difference in preventing the spread of germs and keeping your entire office healthier. Using the right disinfectant wipes, is an easy and effective way to maintain a clean and productive workplace, ensuring not just cleanliness but peace of mind.
At CleanSource, we are your one-stop shop for all your industrial cleaning needs. We offer a wide range of high-performance cleaning solutions formulated to tackle even the toughest industrial messes. Plus, with our Canada-wide shipping, we can get the cleaning power you need right to your doorstep, no matter where you’re located.
Visit our online catalogue to browse our extensive selection of industrial cleaning supplies.
