Clean Work Spaces

A clean work space makes a good impression on your clients while providing a healthy environment for your staff. It contributes to everyone's well being.

Continue reading for a checklist of cleaning tasks that will keep the work space looking great and healthy.

Areas to Clean Every Week

In addition to removing trash, dusting, sanitizing common areas, bathroom cleaning, restocking, and floor cleaning - weekly cleaning should include the following areas:

Computer keyboards: Keyboards are a prime hub of germs, dirt, crumbs and dust.

How to clean: First, make sure the computer is powered off. Use a keyboard vacuum to easily and safely remove dust and crumbs from between the keys. Then wipe with a plant based disinfecting wipe or a clean microfiber cloth. Add plant based or "green" all purpose cleaning solution to the cloth before wiping.

The mouse, drawer pulls, monitor buttons, window handles/pulls, and pens: These are frequently touched areas. They are germ hotspots.

How to clean: Simply wipe these areas down using plant based disinfecting wipes or a clean cloth with disinfecting solution. Always apply to the solution to the cloth and not to the surface. Never saturate computer components with any cleaning solution.

Desk surfaces: The top of the desk needs regular cleaning because it is a high traffic area that can harbor germs, spills, crumbs, and dirt. The sides of the desk need to be cleaned as well - at the very least - dust collects here.

How to clean: Clear the desk as much as possible. The few things on the desk, the more of the desk gets cleaned. Use a microfiber cloth with all purpose cleaning solution to thoroughly wipe down the desk. Make sure the surface is dry before putting the papers back on it.

Chair-backs: These are frequently touched spots and thus can be prime areas for germs to linger. Chair handles and seat bottoms usually get all the attention. The backs are sometimes forgotten.

How to clean: Simply clean any hard surface of a chair with a damp cloth and cleaning solution. Be sure to go over these cleaned areas with a clean dry cloth to leave them shiny. Read below for cleaning upholstered chairs.

Schedule Regular Cleaning

Areas to clean monthly or quarterly

Air Vents & Fans: Since these are responsible for moving air, they collect dust. If dust builds up, not only will the air be loaded with dust but the vent or fan will not work properly. Circulating dust makes the work environment unhealthy. It can irritate or in some cases cause respiratory illnesses.

How to clean: Use the duster attachment - vacuum as much dust as you can. Vents usually have a grate cover. After vacuuming this thoroughly, open it and vacuum the other side of it. While you have the grate open, take time to vacuum the inside of the vent. Often there may be a fan inside. If so, vacuum this thoroughly as well. Wiping the grate with a cloth and plant based cleaning solution will slow the build up of dust.

Ledges & Door Jambs: Mold and mildew love these areas. Regular cleaning will prolong the life of seals and weather stripping.

How to clean: Vacuum the areas thoroughly to remove any loose debris. If the ledges or jambs are metal, an oil based cleaner will remove build up and restore a beautiful shine. If these areas are not metal then simply using a damp cloth with a plant based cleaner.

Window Sills: The area at the base of the window between the glass and the screen are home to outside dust, dirt, pollen, mold & mildew. These areas are often damp from rain and dew. Cleaned window sills reduce indoor allergens.

How to clean: Vacuum to remove dust, dirt, and pollen build up. Spray the area thoroughly with a plant based cleaner that focuses on mildew removal. After you allow the solution to sit for a few minutes, wipe thoroughly with disposable towels. Disposable towels are ideal for this job because of the mildew you will be collecting.

Walls: Unless there are obvious marks on the wall, we may not think that it requires cleaning. However, even an unmarked wall requires regular cleaning. As one cleaning authority put it: "If it has a surface, it needs to be cleaned." Cleaning the walls removes dust, odors and prolongs the life of your paint.

How to clean: Go over the wall with a duster. Then take a damp clean cloth with a bit of plant based cleaning solution and lightly wipe it down - starting from high going to low.

If there are marks that you wish to remove, be careful of the paint finish. Glossy finishes can loose the shine in areas where tough abrasive cleaners or sponges have been used. Flat paint finishes hold up better when abrasives are used, but you still need to be careful because you may not know the quality of paint used and too much muscle can ruin the paint. Start cleaning lightly and increase intensity if needed slowly.

Carpets & Upholstered Chairs: Germs, dirt and allergens love nestling in the fibers of carpet and upholstered chairs. These fibers are not quick to let them go either. As a result, they can be responsible for indoor allergies and stale odors.

How to clean: In addition to weekly - maybe even daily vacuuming, carpets and fabric covered chairs must be professionally cleaned according to the traffic they receive.

At the very minimum an office should have these areas professionally cleaned every 6 months. Your professional cleaner can help you access how often your office needs this service.

Maintaining a healthy, functioning work space that reflects well on your business requires constant attention. It may be tempting to cut costs by not scheduling regular professional cleaning. Ultimately, though, that is the only way to give thorough attention to all that needs to be done. In the long run, not only does it save you time and energy, but it increases productivity which increases the bottom line.

Schedule Regular Cleaning

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