Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the germiest and dirtiest places in the office.

Computer keyboards

Keyboards can be one of the dirtiest places in the office, not only because we’re constantly touching them, but because food and dust can fall beneath the keys and fester. Regularly cleaning the keyboard with a special brush and cleaning fluid designed for electronics can help to tackle this problem.

Water cooler

The water cooler can be a popular spot to grab some water and have a chat with colleagues but, with a considerable number of hands touching the cooler on a daily basis, it can be easy for germs to accumulate here. If the water cooler isn’t disinfected regularly and glasses cleaned in warm soapy water, germs can easily be spread.

The kitchen sink (and sponge)

The kitchen area can easily harbour dirt and germs, especially when food remnants aren’t quickly cleared. These crumbs and splatters are a breeding ground for bacteria, some of which can be pretty harmful. What’s more, kitchen dish sponges can also be very dirty – often they are left damp and can be prone to mould as well as housing bacteria. One study found that 20% of ‘cleaned’ mugs had traces of coliform bacteria and, after wiping with a communal dish sponge, another 20% tested positive for E.coli.

Desk phones

Office telephones receive a lot of use and can quickly become dirty, particularly if they are shared. Have you ever seen someone cough or sneeze whilst on the phone and then simply replace the receiver? This is a sure way for viruses to spread. Make sure you disinfect the handset and buttons regularly to keep phones clean.

Refrigerator

Practically everyone in the office will open the refrigerator at some point during the day, but few will think about cleaning it. Germs can be quickly transferred to the fridge handle and passed on to the next few people to get out the milk for their coffee. With germs and bacteria able to linger on surfaces, the handle should be cleaned daily. What’s more, in communal kitchens food can easily be forgotten about and left to breed bacteria. It’s a good idea to have a system where unclaimed food is regularly thrown away and the fridge interior is cleaned.

Photocopier/printer

An office photocopier or printer is another prime example of a spot which accumulates germs due to regular use from a multitude of people. The equipment would benefit from daily disinfecting and, during cold and flu season, you may want to consider using hand sanitiser after operation.  

Toilet door handle

This seems like an obvious germ zone but you’d be surprised how many people overlook the door handle. Although you may wash your hands after using the toilet, other people may not and you can pick up germs from the handle as soon as you go to exit the room. All bathroom handles should be on your contract cleaner’s daily schedule for disinfecting to help curb germs.

Coffee pot/machine

With coffee fueling many an office, it’s likely the coffee pot or machine will be heavily used throughout the day by most people in your office. As well as the germs transferred from many different hands, due to the warm environment, coffee machines can also be susceptible to mould. With one study finding that the average coffee pot handle had 34 times more bacteria present than a school toilet seat, you’ll want to make sure this spot benefits from a regular cleaning schedule.

Microwave

The microwave experiences the same problems that other kitchen appliances suffer from when it comes to germs. With many different people using the microwave, germs can easily be transferred from hands to handle, then on to the next user. The potential for contamination doesn’t just stop there though. If you’ve ever given the inside of your office microwave a good look, you’ll likely notice all manner of splashes and food remnants. Particles of old, festering food could easily dislodge and get into uncovered food being heated, contaminating it. Ensure the microwave isn’t passed by during cleaning.

Door handles

Door handles across your office are a key spot which should be given cleaning attention on a daily basis. From entryway doors to meeting room doors, these are spots handled by multiple people every day. One study found that, after placing a virus on one of an office’s entrance door handles, approximately 60% of staff had traces of the virus on their hands within 4 hours. This plainly demonstrates how quick and easily viruses can be spread without sufficient cleaning care.

The problem with germs is that they can easily go unnoticed, due to being an invisible kind of dirt. It is, therefore, important to hire a thorough cleaning company, such as JMS Cleaning, who can keep your premises spick and span. Using professional equipment, an experienced team and tried and tested methods, we carry out consistently high quality contract cleans. If you have enquiries, don’t hesitate to contact us today – we offer cleaning contracts across the North West, including Cheshire, Stockport and Manchester.

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Improved productivity

Not only has it been proven that a cleaner work environment promotes productivity amongst employees, but using commercial cleaning services for your windows also ensures employees can focus on their own job responsibilities. Rather than having the additional task of cleaning windows, a cleaner can carry out this task safely and efficiently, while staff can do their main tasks.

Safety

Keeping the windows clean makes everyone safer, reducing the risk of hazards in the workplace. What’s more, using a professional cleaning services ensures your windows will be cleaned by a trained professional. Window cleaning can be dangerous, and having untrained employees tasked with this job could put them at risk.

Maintains Hygiene

Maintaining hygiene standards within the workplace is extremely important, as germs and bacteria can easily spread to all employees. Keeping the windows free of dirt and grime is just another step to ensuring a healthy atmosphere remains in the office, and that uncleanly windows are not putting employees’ health at risk.

Good impressions

Dirty windows are not only unhygienic but also unsightly, and can make a bad impression on both employees and guests to the office. Keeping them clean regularly reflects the professionalism of your business, and will likely make a lasting impression on your clients.

Better presentation

Our commercial cleaners use industry approved tools and a wealth of experience to ensure the job is carried out safely and professionally. This will result in a far better finish than an untrained employee trying to clean the windows, and will also mean that they do not need to be done again for a while.

Here at JMS Cleaning Services, we offer premier window cleaning throughout the North West, providing high-quality, professional cleaning services at competitive prices.

Contact us today for more information on the services we offer, or to discuss your office’s cleaning needs, and we’ll be happy to help.

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It’s easy for illness and germs to spread quickly around an office environment with many people, so keeping on top of the office cleaning through a professional commercial cleaning service is important to ensure a healthy and tidy working environment. We’ve listed just a few of the many benefits of having a tidy office space below!

Prevents Illness Spreading

Studies have shown that bacteria can spread rapidly around offices, with the majority of germs found in communal areas such as kitchens, on door handles and on light switches. If this is not monitored then illness can quickly spread around everyone using the premises, which can only be bad for business! A frequently cleaned office keeps bacteria at bay.

Less Stress

Messy desks can lead to you not being able to find the right notes, and feeling terribly unorganised! A clean space will allow you to relax knowing that everything is in it’s rightful place and easily accessible should you need it.

Increased efficiency

Office cleaning provides staff with a tidy workplace that in turn, maximises productivity. It has been proven that a clean working environment enables workers to focus on their daily tasks more efficiently and without distraction. Messy desks, on the other hand, can hinder people from working and lead to increased procrastination instead.

Better professional reputation

A clean and tidy office can make a huge impression on visitors and clients as soon as they’ve stepped through the door. Investing in a professional cleaning services ensures your business’ reputation stays as sparkling as the kitchen floor.

Less Safety Risks

Not only can an untidy office potentially spread germs and illness, but it could also present the risk of safety, too. Loose carpet tiles, dangerously stacked paperwork and messy kitchens can all pose a risk to staff, these should be regularly looked after and monitored to ensure everything is functioning safely.

Here at JMS Cleaning, we offer bespoke cleaning services to suit each client’s individual needs. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and we’ll be happy to help.

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Illnesses such as colds are spread either through the air when someone sneezes or coughs, or they are passed on from surfaces through touch. As much as the ideal solution would be for people displaying cold-like symptoms to stay away from the office, in reality this is not going to happen. People feel the pressure of work, and are reluctant to take time off. In any case, people are usually contagious with the cold virus a couple of days before the symptoms display, so it may well be a moot point anyway.

The easiest way to prevent illness spreading is by using tissues when sneezing or coughing, and by regular hand washing. Whether with soap and water, or by keeping hand sanitiser by the desk, regular hand washing is seen as the key by many. Try to avoid touching the face, since your hands may have already touched an infected surface. When washing your hands, do so thoroughly, preferably for at least twenty seconds. Wash them in particular before and after eating, after visiting the rest-room, and after coughing , sneezing or blowing your nose.

Therefore keeping office surfaces clean is a very simple way of reducing the potential for colds to spread. Having cleaners that clean the office on a regular basis will help keep surfaces clear of infection that employees may otherwise come into contact with. A flu virus can remain on a surface for up to eight hours, while a cold virus can remain for three hours. Therefore keeping all surfaces such as desks, copiers, doorknobs, and keyboards clean is essential, and probably best done as part of a routine clean.

Of course there are many things that we can all do to help ourselves reduce the chance of becoming ill. Anything that helps bolster the immune system has to be a big plus. This includes diet – proper nutritious meals with plenty of leafy green vegetables. Exercise also helps boost the immune system, as does a good nights sleep.

It can be immensely frustrating and annoying when seeing fellow employees not following basic hygiene etiquette, such as holding their hand over the mouth when coughing. Yet even so there are still quite a few ways people can help minimise the chances of becoming ill themselves. Regular surface cleaning in the office, with regular hand washing, is a good basis to work from.

The best way to ensure that your office is free from germs is to have regular commercial office cleaning from experienced professionals. The team at JMS Cleaning Services are the leading providers of commercial office cleaning across the North West of England. Get in touch today to find out more.

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