Cleaning and sanitizing your workplace is a must. Given that employers spend most of their days at work, office spaces are typically more prone to bacteria growth. As winter arrives, maintaining a clean and hygienic office becomes ever more crucial, as there is an increased risk of germs and viruses spreading during this time of the year.
Keeping an office space clean during winter can be tricky. With people spending more time indoors and the risk of bringing in snow and slush from outside, cleaning can become an impossible feat. But it doesn’t have to be this way! In this article, we’ll go over the best tips and tricks for effectively cleaning your office during winter.
1. Have a Cleaning Plan
Before diving into the cleaning process, you must have a plan in place. This should include a checklist of all the tasks you need to complete so that you don’t forget anything. Additionally, your plan should a shopping list of any cleaning products you’ll need.
Running out of disinfectant, mops, or even trash bags can significantly slow down the cleaning process. By planning beforehand, you can ensure no areas are overlooked and that all the cleaning is completed within schedule.
2. Organize and Declutter
Winter is the perfect time to declutter your office space. Getting rid of unnecessary items and accumulated trash will not only make cleaning easier but will also improve the overall appearance and functionality of your workspace.
That’s why it’s crucial to encourage employees to organize their workstations and common areas at least once a year.
3. Maintain a Clean Entryway
The entryway of your office is the first line of contact with dirt, snow, and moisture from outside. Keeping your entryway clean will ensure the rest of your office space remains cleaner throughout the day.
Your office’s entryway should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a day. However, additional cleaning might be necessary if your workspace has a lot of foot traffic. To keep your entryway clean, you can do the following things:
• Place a sturdy doormat to capture dirt and moisture from shoes
• Have a designated area for wet umbrellas and rain boots
• Regularly sweep and mop the entryway floor
• Use salt or ice melt to keep walkways safe and prevent ice buildup
• Install hand sanitizer dispensers so employees can clean their hands before coming in
4. Clean Carpets and Upholstery
Carpets and upholstery accumulate a lot of dirt and bacteria. Moreover, they can become stained more quickly during the colder months. That’s why we recommend having your office’s carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned at the beginning of winter. Afterward, you’ll only need to clean as needed throughout the season.
5. Dust and Vacuum Regularly
Dust and dirt can accumulate more rapidly during winter, given that windows and doors tend to remain closed for most of the day. This can be detrimental to your employees’ health.
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That’s why you should regularly dust and vacuum your office space. Pay special attention to areas such as baseboards, vents, and tops of shelves and cabinets, as they tend to collect more dust.
6. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
Viruses can linger on surfaces for hours or even days. That’s why it’s crucial to disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly during winter. This can significantly reduce the spread of illness in the office. Surfaces that require special attention include:
• Doorknobs and handles
• Light switches
• Desks and workstations
• Computer keyboards and mice
• Phones
• Widely used stationary items
• Faucets and bathroom fixtures
• Elevator buttons
7. Ventilate the Office
Proper ventilation is crucial for minimizing the spread of illnesses during winter. That’s why you must make sure your office’s heating and ventilation systems are working correctly throughout the year. Moreover, it’s important to change the filters regularly to ensure clean air circulation and prevent the buildup of airborne contaminants.
8. Clean Windows
Condensation, frost, and outside pollutants can significantly dirty up your windows during winter. Cleaning all windows in your office space should be a daily task.
Not only will it help keep your workspace clean both inside and out, but it can also allow more natural light into the office. Additionally, it’s important to dust blinds and curtains regularly to prevent dust and debris buildup.
9. Disinfect Electronics
Electronic devices such as computers, printers, and copiers can accumulate a lot of germs, especially if they’re used by several people. That’s why you must clean such electronic devices regularly throughout the day, even if they don’t look visibly dirty.
Consider investing in electronic-safe disinfectant wipes. A great alternative is to use a cloth with some disinfectant spray.
10. Promote Hygiene Among Employees
When it comes to keeping an office space clean, preventive measures go a long way. After all, keeping a clean workspace is the responsibility of all workers, not only cleaning staff.
Encouraging workers to practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands regularly, disposing of issues correctly, and using hand sanitizer, can significantly prevent illness spread. Moreover, it’s a good idea to encourage employers to clean their workstations to maintain overall cleanliness.
11. Hire a Professional Cleaning Services
Working with a commercial cleaning service will ensure your office space remains nice and clean throughout the winter. These professionals can help you deep clean all areas of your office space, including those that are often overlooked.
This can go a long way in preventing illness from spreading and keeping your office looking and feeling fresh throughout the colder months.
Choosing the right commercial cleaning service is not always easy. So, take the time to shop around to find the services that better fit your workspace’s needs.
Bottom Line
Maintaining a clean office during the winter is crucial for the health and well-being of your employees. Great steps to include in your cleaning routine include, cleaning floors, windows, and high-touch surfaces regularly, disinfecting electronics, keeping the entryway clean, and promoting sanitary practices between employees.
By doing this, you can ensure your office is not only a clean environment but also a more productive and pleasant place to work.
Do you need help keeping your Colorado office clean? Contact Crown Inc. today! We are a dedicated commercial cleaning service that’s been providing exceptional cleaning and customer service since 1997.
