Quick office cleaning guide: benefits and how to keep a clean & hygienic work environment

Many employees spend a big part of their day at the office: typing away at their desks, moving from one meeting room to another, drinking coffee and eating snacks in between... it’s no wonder their workplace can easily get messy and dirty. And without effective cleaning practices, it can create an environment for bacteria and viruses to spread, affecting employee well-being as well as the perception of your premises.
 
That’s why we’re here to explore the benefits of a clean office space and how to keep it spotless.
 

What are the benefits of a clean office environment? 

86% of employees regard cleanliness as the most important aspect of a good work environment. [1] And when people are given a good working conditions, it’s much more likely they will contribute to the success of your business thanks to: 

Reduced absences 

Germs can spread easily in the workplace, causing employees to become ill. This leads to sick leave, which could have a negative effect on your business. For example, employee absences may result in an increased workload for remaining workers and even missed deadlines. This can, on one hand, demotivate and reduce the productivity of healthy employees while on the other, jeopardize your customer relations and business reputation. Fortunately, regular and thorough office cleaning is an easy way to limit illness spread.

Increased employee productivity 

A sanitary office building can help not only keep your employees healthy, but also boost their productivity. In fact, one study by the Staples Corporation found that 9 out of every 10 workers feel more productive in a clean workspace. Additionally, 77% said they contribute higher-quality work in a clean office. [2]
 
This heightened productivity can be partly attributed to the focus that a clean and tidy workplace enables. Clutter and mess can be distracting, making it challenging for employees to take care of their responsibilities. Therefore, it is crucial to uphold a clean work environment for the sake of your team's overall performance.

Better perception of your business 

A clean and sanitary workplace can also enhance your business's image. When clients and partners visit, their first impression is often shaped by the cleanliness of your office environment. 
 
A tidy working space conveys professionalism and attention to detail, which can build trust in your products and services. On the contrary, an office in disarray may deter potential clients and damage your reputation. 
 

Tips for a clean and hygienic office 

Keeping your workplace spotless requires effective cleaning procedures for both equipment and surfaces. Here are our tips for maintaining a tidy and hygienic office:
 

Train employees on the importance of hygiene

It’s key to help your workforce understand the significance of good hygiene in the workplace. So, consider running basic training sessions that explain how bacteria and viruses can spread, as well as the impact of this on health and productivity. Such initiatives are a great opportunity to highlight the importance of personal hygiene and cleanliness in shared areas. Educating employees can encourage them to take responsibility for maintaining tidiness too, contributing to a consistently cleaner and healthier facility. 
 
While hygiene training can be beneficial for the employees that use the office, it is a must for cleaning teams, who may also get involved in interactive training sessions on how to work more efficiently and effectively.
 

Use the right cleaning materials and products 

Education on hygiene and cleaning is the first step. The next one is to put that knowledge in action. 
 
Stocking your cleaning staff up on all the necessary tools is crucial —but keep in mind that not just any products may suffice. According to our Eco Office Survey, employees expect their employers to prioritize sustainable practices. Keeping their workplace tidy with green cleaning products is one way to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. Tork products can help you meet high hygiene standards and your employees' expectations, with offerings such as:

Microfiber towels 

Microfiber towels are effective tools for eliminating dust and dirt from office surfaces such as computers, keyboards, and desks. They are particularly useful to minimize the risk of damage when cleaning electronic equipment.  Most Tork microfiber cloths can even be used for polishing, helping cleaning teams to maintain your facility and its assets looking as good as new. These types of products are long-lasting, reducing waste and therefore contributing to a more sustainable office. 

Paper wipers 

Paper wipers are ideal for use in office environments to deal with tougher messes and tasks, whether that be spilt coffee or cleaning a whiteboard. Strategically placing Tork paper wiper dispensers around your office can promote proactive and quick cleaning before any stains set and the job gets more challenging, so why not try it?

Disinfectant wipes 

Disinfectant wipes are a great choice for office cleaning because they are convenient, quick, and effective at killing germs on high-touch surfaces. Our disinfectant wipes can be used to clean non-porous surfaces such as desks, door handles, and light switches, ensuring a safer, healthier workspace for everyone.
 
Being disposable, these products help minimize the risk of cross-contamination at your facility. Better still, the one-at-a-time dispensing method of Everwipe® by Tork® wet wipes allows your employees to use only what they need, reducing waste. 

Hand soap 

Germs from hands can quickly spread throughout the office. But you can save your business some troubles by equipping restrooms, kitchens, and dining areas with hand soap dispensers. You can even cut down on costs and waste thanks to the dose control feature in Tork hand soap dispensers.
 
Keep in mind that consistently refilled dispensers make the difference in promoting hygiene at your office. Tork Vision Cleaning can help you with this task. Our data-driven software uses real-time information to let your cleaning staff know exactly which dispensers need refilling. This enables them to work smarter and step up your facility’s hygiene standards.
 
Ensuring product availability is an essential starting point, just make sure it is accompanied by hand hygiene education. It is worth reminding your employees to wash their hands regularly with warm water and hand soap, drying up with a hand paper towel afterwards to minimize the chances of any lingering germs.
 

Pay special attention to high-risk areas 

A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that the average computer keyboard can hold up to 20,000 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. [3] This comes to show the importance of being aware of high-risk areas and giving them special attention when doing cleaning rounds.
Other office items prone to concealing germs include:
  • Light switches
  • Desk phones
  • Mouse buttons
  • Tape dispensers
  • Pen holders
Ensuring that these office items are cleaned regularly will help to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms around your workplace.
 

How to clean and sanitize office equipment 

With different office equipment items being used in different ways at different frequencies, cleaning methods for each will differ slightly. Here’s our quick guide on how to take care of them:
 

How to clean an office chair 

  1. Start by vacuuming the chair to remove any dust, dirt, or debris.
  2. Mix mild soap cleaning solution and warm, clean water in a bucket or spray bottle. You can also get a commercial upholstery cleaner if available.
  3. Dampen a cleaning cloth or wiper with the cleaning solution or cleaner and gently scrub the entire chair. Pay extra attention to stains, spills, or harder-to-reach areas.
  4. Use a different clean, damp cloth or wiper to remove any excess soap and dirt from the chair.
  5. Allow the chair to air dry completely.
Keep in mind that this is a general guide, if your office chairs feature fabrics (e.g leather) that require more specialist cleaning instructions, it’s best to follow the manufacturers recommendations.
 

How to clean a computer keyboard  

  1. Make sure the keyboard is unplugged from the computer (or turned off, if wireless) before you start cleaning to reduce the risk of damage.
  2. Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it to remove any loose debris, such as crumbs or dust. You could even use a toothpick or a folded up sticky note to loosen any stubborn build-up.
  3. Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with disinfectant. Make sure the cloth is not dripping wet, as excess moisture can damage the keyboard.
  4. Gently wipe down each key on the keyboard.
  5. Allow to air dry completely. 

How to clean an office desk 

  1. Remove all items from the desk so that you have a clear surface.
  2. Use a dry microfiber cloth or wiper to dust the surface of the desk, paying attention to corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate.
  3. Mix gentle soap cleaning solution and warm water in a spray bottle or bucket. 
  4. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and wipe down the entire desk surface, including drawers and shelves.
  5. For stubborn stains or spills, use a mild cleaner specifically designed for your desk's material (wood, laminate, glass, etc.). Read the label of the product carefully and test it on a small, out-of-sight area before using it on the whole surface.
  6. Dry the desk with a clean cloth.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your office equipment clean and germ-free. 
 
 
 
Regularly cleaning your office, including equipment, not only helps to maintain a safe and welcoming space but also prolongs the life of your work tools. Remember to train all employees and cleaning staff on proper hygiene practices and provide them with the necessary products to keep the workplace clean. At the end of the day, all this effort is worth it, as a tidy office environment can lead to happier, healthier, and more productive employees.

Reference

[1] June 2022 Behaviorally – Qualitative and quantitative office segment research with 600+ respondents in North America and Europe
[2] https://www.gccfm.com/how-a-clean-office-boosts-your-workforce-productivity/
[3] Shereen, M. A., Khan, S., Kazmi, A., Bashir, N., & Siddique, R. (2020). COVID-19 infection: Origin, transmission, and characteristics of human coronaviruses. Journal of Advanced Research, 24, 91-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2020.03.005