Sanitizing High-Touch Areas in Offices: What You Need to Know
Maintaining a clean and hygienic workspace is crucial for the health and productivity of employees. High-touch areas in offices—such as doorknobs, light switches, and shared equipment—can harbor bacteria and viruses if not properly sanitized. In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of sanitizing high-touch areas in offices and provide tips for effective cleaning. Whether you handle the cleaning in-house or rely on professional office cleaning services, this guide will help you create a safer work environment.
The Importance of Sanitizing High-Touch Areas
High-touch areas in offices are prone to accumulating germs due to frequent contact by multiple people. Properly sanitizing these areas can:
- Reduce the spread of illnesses: Sanitizing high-touch surfaces helps prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria, keeping employees healthy.
- Improve overall office cleanliness: Clean high-touch areas contribute to a more sanitary workspace, promoting productivity and well-being.
- Enhance employee confidence: When employees see that high-touch areas are regularly sanitized, they feel more secure in their work environment.
Tips for Sanitizing High-Touch Areas in Offices
1. Identify High-Touch Areas
Identify high-touch areas in your office such as:
- Door handles: Both on interior and exterior doors.
- Light switches: Especially in common areas and bathrooms.
- Shared equipment: Copiers, printers, scanners, and other communal devices.
- Desks and tables: Conference rooms and workstations.
- Phones and keyboards: Particularly in shared or communal spaces.
2. Choose Effective Cleaning Products
Use cleaning products specifically designed to kill bacteria and viruses. Look for disinfectants that meet EPA standards for effectiveness against pathogens.
3. Follow Proper Cleaning Techniques
When sanitizing high-touch areas:
- Use a microfiber cloth: Microfiber is effective at trapping dirt and germs.
- Allow disinfectants to sit: Follow the product instructions for the recommended dwell time to ensure effectiveness.
- Clean frequently: High-touch areas should be sanitized multiple times a day, especially during cold and flu season.
4. Provide Hand Sanitizer Stations
Place hand sanitizer stations near high-touch areas to encourage regular use by employees and visitors.
5. Hire Professional Office Cleaning Services
For comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing, consider hiring professional office cleaning services. They have the expertise and equipment to sanitize high-touch areas effectively.
FAQs
How often should high-touch areas be sanitized?
High-touch areas should be sanitized at least once a day, but more frequent sanitization may be necessary during cold and flu season or during a pandemic.
What cleaning products should I use to sanitize high-touch areas?
Use EPA-approved disinfectants that are effective against a broad range of bacteria and viruses. Follow the product instructions for best results.
Should I wear gloves when sanitizing high-touch areas?
Yes, wearing disposable gloves is recommended when sanitizing high-touch areas to protect yourself from exposure to germs and cleaning chemicals.