This guide will provide practical cleaning tips to help you winter-proof your office. We will cover high-traffic areas that need extra attention, effective cleaning products, and simple techniques to stop the spread of germs in their tracks. By implementing these practices, you can create a safer environment for everyone.
Why Winter Demands a Better Cleaning Strategy
During winter, people spend more time indoors with less ventilation, allowing airborne viruses to circulate more freely. Studies show that the flu virus can survive on hard surfaces like desks and keyboards for up to 24 hours. When one person comes to work sick, they can unknowingly contaminate numerous surfaces, creating a chain reaction of infection throughout the office.
A proactive cleaning plan is not just about appearances; it is a critical part of your company's health and safety protocol. A clean office demonstrates care for your employees' well-being, which can boost morale and reduce the costly impact of sick days on your operations.
Target High-Touch Surfaces
Germs accumulate on surfaces that are frequently touched by multiple people. During cold and flu season, these areas require daily, and sometimes more frequent, disinfection.
Key Hotspots to Disinfect:
- Entrances and Exits: Focus on all door handles, push plates, and security keypads. These are the first and last things employees touch each day.
- Communal Areas: Kitchens and breakrooms are major hubs for germs. Pay close attention to microwave handles, refrigerator doors, coffee pot handles, water cooler buttons, and cabinet pulls.
- Meeting Rooms: Conference tables, chairs, remote controls, and whiteboard markers are all shared items that can harbor viruses.
- Workstations: While individual employees should be encouraged to clean their own space, shared equipment like printers, copiers, and scanners need professional attention.
- Restrooms: This is an obvious one, but go beyond the basics. Disinfect toilet flushers, stall locks, faucet handles, paper towel dispensers, and light switches.
Use the Right Tools for the Job
Not all cleaning products are created equal, especially when it comes to fighting viruses. Using the correct supplies is essential for effective sanitization.
Choosing Effective Cleaning Products
Look for disinfectants registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that are proven effective against common viruses like influenza. Products with active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, or quaternary ammonium compounds are typically very effective. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use, particularly regarding "dwell time"—the amount of time the disinfectant must sit on a surface to kill germs. Simply spraying and immediately wiping a surface is often not enough to achieve full disinfection.
The Power of Microfiber
Switching to microfiber cloths can significantly improve your cleaning results. Microfiber's unique structure is designed to trap and lift dirt, dust, and pathogens away from surfaces, rather than just pushing them around like traditional cotton cloths might. They are also highly absorbent and can be used with less water and fewer chemicals.
Promote a Culture of Cleanliness
Your professional cleaning efforts are most effective when supplemented by good hygiene practices among employees. Your company can play a vital role in encouraging a healthier workplace culture.
Encourage Proper Hand Hygiene
Handwashing is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to prevent the spread of illness. Ensure all restrooms are consistently stocked with soap and paper towels. Consider placing hand sanitizer stations in high-traffic areas like lobbies, kitchens, and near meeting rooms. A gentle reminder via internal email or posters can encourage employees to wash their hands regularly, especially after coughing, sneezing, or using shared equipment.
Provide Necessary Supplies
Make it easy for employees to maintain a clean personal workspace. Provide them with disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer for their desks. When people have the tools they need readily available, they are more likely to use them.
Partner with Professionals for a Healthier Winter
While in-house efforts are valuable, they often fall short of the comprehensive disinfection needed to truly combat cold and flu season. Daily tasks can overwhelm employees, and ensuring proper cleaning protocols are followed consistently is a challenge.
A professional janitorial service brings expertise, industrial-grade equipment, and EPA-approved disinfectants to ensure your office is not just visibly clean, but hygienically clean. Our trained teams understand germ hotspots and use proven techniques to systematically reduce the presence of pathogens in your workspace. We can create a custom cleaning schedule that targets your office’s specific needs, helping to protect your team and your bottom line.
Don’t let cold and flu season disrupt your business. Contact us today to learn how our professional cleaning services can help you create a safer, healthier office this winter.
