How to Keep Your Office Germ-Free

Isn't it funny how some of the most touched items in your office are the least frequently cleaned? The keyboards and mice attached to your computer are all covered in bacteria from hands, not to mention crumbs from snacks and saliva particles from errant sneezes. Your phone receiver is equally germ-encrusted and yet... When's the last time your office has cleaned the IT equipment?

Of course, IT cleaning is slightly more complicated than wiping down a counter top. You can't just spray a cleaner on your keyboard and rub it with a cloth... The subtleties involved in adequately cleaning technology without damaging it is probably best left to the professionals. Call a professional cleaning company to see what they can do for you.

After the bathroom, the kitchen is a common source of office germs. With so many people using the space to prepare food and clean dishes, there are plenty of places for bacteria to collect. And since this is where your staff prepares their food, it's easy for contaminants to turn into illnesses.

Be diligent about making sure the kitchen stays clean. You may need to create a kitchen chore roster, to make sure everyone does their share and is accountable for what task they are assigned.

As always, make sure your cleaning supplies are well stocked and easily accessible. Change out the sponges regularly, and be sure to have dishtowels washed often.

On another health note: because so much of the kitchen makes contact with food, you might want to look into a set of eco-friendly cleaning products for this room. Harsh chemicals can be a health risk, especially when they are ingested.

The break room is usually where employees go to relax, which often entails eating and drinking. Dirty glasses and cutlery left lying around, or unsanitized table tops can all spread sickness around the office.

Make sure the area stays clear of dirty mugs and crumbs, by reminding everyone to clean up after themselves. For sanitation purposes, it's also important to go over the table top with an antibacterial wipe after you're done with the area. Make sure all the cleaning supplies are well stocked and easily accessible.

It goes without saying that the bathrooms are one of the most likely places for germs and bacteria to be lurking. It is extremely important that you have your bathrooms cleaned and sanitised regularly.

Keeping your bathroom as low-touch as possible is another way to keep the area sanitary. For instance, automatic hand dryers are a great way to both minimise trash and also keep your staff from having to touch appliances in the bathroom.

Further, you should encourage your staff to maintain good hygiene habits by posting signs reminding them to wash their hands. Also make sure that your bathroom supplies remain well stocked: keep pump bottles full of anti-bacterial soap and ensure that hand sanitiser is readily available.

Photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrbill/4385222/