A clean workplace is great for productivity, promoting optimal health and making an enjoyable experience for customers. The big downside for most office workers is the time investment. Working in everyday cleaning tasks along with actual work can feel like a thankless job for the average office employee. However, a few smart, proactive tips can set you up for more efficient cleaning habits, letting you reap the benefits of a clean workplace while saving time.
Follow these 10 simple cleaning tips to make your space sparkle without feeling overwhelmed.
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Designate a Cleaning Supply Area
Find a supply closet with open space or any accessible storage area to keep all of the office’s cleaning supplies. Keep an array of cleaners, dusters and wipes on hand for quick cleanup tasks.
Storing your cleaning supplies all in one place allows for an easy assessment to see what you may be running low on so you can place an order ahead of time. Not having the proper cleaning supplies handy can cause messes to worsen or make you forget if you cannot clean it up for a few days.
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Prioritize Public Areas
Your workspace provides clients with their first impression of your business. Make sure to clean public areas regularly, including your lobby and especially your restrooms. Sweeping and vacuuming in public spaces should be done at least once a week.
Disinfecting bathrooms is good for customers and employees alike. As one of the hot spots for grime and disease to build and fester, you will want to devote special care to wiping down surfaces, cleaning toilets and mopping floors.
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File Paperwork and Add Storage
Adding extra storage is never a bad idea and having room to spare for any new items is a forward-thinking approach to tackling clutter. Figure out a filing system for paperwork and use dividers for easy organization of any small items like paper clips or staples. Hanging wall shelves and wall pockets can save floor space while allowing you to arrange binders, folders and additional paperwork. The open floor space will also make the occasional deep clean more efficient.
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Clean Your Desk Daily
If you put everything back when you are done, you will never have to clean again. But the day gets busy for many of us and taking time to organize with an overflow of work can feel impossible. Put time aside at the end of the day to clear your desk and organize to start the next day off fresh. Set an alarm for a few minutes before the end of the workday to remind yourself so that you can build a healthy habit.
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Dust High and Work Low
Dust accumulates quickly in hard to reach places, including tops of bookcases and ceiling vents. Dust surfaces from the top down, starting with high shelves and corners where the wall meets the ceiling. Continue dusting all your surfaces down to the floor. Pay special attention to areas behind desks and electronics such as keyboards and computer monitors, as they are prone to attracting dust. If you keep plants to freshen the air, dust their leaves as you work through the office.
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Manage Cords While Dusting
Electronics and cords are prone to collecting dust and unfortunately, cleaning dust off of a clutter of cords can be time-consuming and frustrating. Take time to untangle cords and manage cables to make cleaning easier for the future. Keep them off of the floor to make vacuuming easier. Fix them in place on your desk or tie them together to open space to maneuver around them and make them easier to access.
Find opportunities to eliminate cords. Use wireless components, like monitors and keyboards, to reduce obstacles while cleaning your desk and cut down on dust traps.
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Have Enough Waste Baskets
Whether trash or recyclables, clutter can amass quickly. It may seem simple but strategically placed waste bins in public areas and at every workstation can reduce messes and build productivity. Just make sure to empty them at the end of the day.
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Disinfect High Touch Surfaces
Disinfecting high contact surfaces is arguably the most important aspect of any cleaning effort. Wiping down telephones, keyboards, desks and any other heavily used equipment with disinfecting wipes prevents the growth of bacteria and viruses, leading to a healthier and more productive workplace. For everyday spills, simple all-purpose cleaners can be used in lieu of disinfectants.
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Add Mats
Place mats inside entrances to capture any water or dirt that may be tracked in. Consider longer mats if you have winter weather. Having runs of 15 feet or more will be more effective in trapping ice, snow and salt as employees enter the workplace. Keeping these in place can decrease workplace accidents and make for easier floor cleanup.
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Clean the Fridge and Small Appliances
The break room refrigerator, microwave and coffee pot can quickly become the dirtiest part of your workspace. Remnants of food and forgotten meals can attract pests, create off-putting odors and facilitate mold growth.
Work up a rotation for weekly break room cleaning to at least clean the small appliances and ditch expired food from the refrigerator. The refrigerator should be fully wiped clean once every few weeks, or more often depending on how much it’s used. Using a simple solution of water and dish liquid or water and vinegar can be effective in cleaning up interior spills.
These easy office cleaning tips are a great start to encouraging a productive and healthy atmosphere. They can easily be worked into your everyday routine and can make cleaning more efficient over time. To completely refresh the workplace, consider scheduling a monthly professional deep clean.
At Dallas Janitorial Services, our expert technicians are versed in the most effective cleaning techniques and oft-overlooked areas. We use the highest-grade products and technologies and our service comes with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with our professionals or would like more information on cleaning in your workplace, contact our team today.
