When you think of the dirtiest places in your office, the bathroom probably comes to mind. However, commercial cleaning experts at JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting in Northern Colorado reveal that many germ-ridden areas go unnoticed—and these spots can significantly impact employee health and productivity if left unaddressed.
Read on to uncover the five dirtiest places in your office and how to keep them clean.
1. The Kitchen/Break Room
The break room often doubles as the kitchen, making it a hub for germs. Despite appearing clean, many surfaces in this area are hotspots for bacteria, yeast, and mold. A study by Kimberly-Clark Professional found that 75% of break room surfaces had high levels of ATP, a chemical indicating the presence of living cells and microbes.
Common Culprits in the Break Room
-
Sink & Faucet Handles: Frequent contact with food particles and hands makes these areas prime spots for bacteria.
-
Sponges & Towels: Warm and damp conditions allow bacteria to thrive on shared sponges and towels.
-
Office Mugs: Research from the University of Arizona found that 20% of office mugs tested positive for coliform bacteria and E. coli.
-
Coffee Makers: The coffee pot handle alone was found to harbor over 108,000 CFUs (colony-forming units) per square inch.
-
Microwave & Refrigerator Handles: Sticky residues and food spills contribute to high germ levels on these surfaces.
Cleaning Tip: Ensure your Greeley commercial cleaning service prioritizes these areas, using disinfectants and regularly replacing shared items like sponges with disposable alternatives.
2. The Bathroom/Toilet
While bathrooms are expected to harbor germs, they are often not the dirtiest areas in an office. This is because services typically disinfect restrooms daily, reducing germ buildup.
Cleaning Tip: Continue daily cleaning and disinfection of all bathroom fixtures to maintain hygiene and minimize germ transmission.
3. Your Workstation
Your desk, where you spend most of your day, can be a breeding ground for germs. The average desk harbors 10 million bacteria, with keyboards, mice, and phones ranking as the dirtiest items.
Workstation Germ Hotspots
-
Mouse & Keyboard: Contain up to 3,295 bacteria per square inch (keyboards) and 1,676 bacteria per square inch (mice).
-
Office Phone: Averages 25,000 germs per square inch, making it one of the dirtiest office items.
Cleaning Tip: Keep disinfectant wipes handy for daily cleaning of keyboards, mice, and phones. Encourage employees to clean their workstations regularly.
4. Door Handles
Office door handles are touched by nearly everyone, making them a key point of germ transmission. A CBS News experiment found that within four hours of contaminating a single doorknob with a harmless tracer virus, 60% of office surfaces, including computers, phones, and light switches, were infected.
Cleaning Tip: Use hand sanitizer frequently and ensure door handles are cleaned and disinfected daily.
5. The Photocopier Machine Start Button
The photocopier start button is one of the most overlooked yet dirtiest spots in the office. A study by Hloom found over 2 billion CFUs per square inch on these buttons—compared to just 3,200 CFUs on a typical school toilet seat.
Cleaning Tip: Disinfect photocopier buttons regularly and consider using an antimicrobial screen protector.
How to Maintain a Cleaner Office
If you’re surprised by these findings, don’t worry—there are actionable steps you can take to combat office germs:
-
Daily Cleaning: Ensure high-traffic and high-touch areas are cleaned and disinfected every day.
-
Encourage Hygiene: Provide hand sanitizers throughout the office and replace shared items like towels with disposable alternatives.
-
Schedule Deep Cleanings: Plan regular deep cleans to address overlooked areas and ensure thorough disinfection.
-
Hire Professional Cleaning Services: Partner with a reputable commercial cleaning provider like JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting to ensure a clean, safe work environment.
Why Hire Commercial Cleaning Services?
A clean office promotes better employee health, increased productivity, and improved morale. With professional janitorial services in Greeley, you can reduce the spread of germs, resulting in fewer sick days and a more comfortable environment for everyone.
JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting in Northern Colorado offers tailored cleaning solutions to address the unique needs of your office. Their certified franchisees use hospital-grade disinfectants and advanced cleaning techniques to eliminate germs and maintain a spotless environment.
Get Professional Office Cleaning Services in Greeley
For reliable and effective office cleaning in Greeley, trust JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting in Northern Colorado. Their expert cleaning franchisees ensure that your office is not only clean but also safe for employees and visitors.
Contact JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting in Northern Colorado today for a free cleaning quote.
