Office spaces are hubs of productivity, collaboration, and creativity. But hidden in plain sight are areas that can become breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. While regular cleaning routines often focus on visible dirt and clutter, high-touch surfaces are frequently overlooked. These are the areas employees and visitors touch multiple times a day, and neglecting them can lead to the spread of illnesses and a decline in workplace hygiene. In this article, we’ll uncover the top high-touch areas that often go unnoticed and why giving them attention is vital for maintaining a clean, healthy, and productive workspace.

The first high-touch area that tends to be overlooked is office door handles. Think about how many times throughout the day these are touched—employees entering and leaving meeting rooms, visitors opening the main entrance, and staff handling restroom doors. Door handles are constantly in use, but they’re often forgotten during routine cleaning. Germs can quickly transfer from one person to another through these surfaces, leading to the spread of illnesses like colds and the flu. Regularly sanitizing door handles is an easy and effective way to minimize this risk and ensure a healthier office environment.

Another area often ignored in office cleaning is shared office equipment. Items like printers, photocopiers, and fax machines (yes, some businesses still use these!) are touched by numerous employees daily. Buttons, screens, and handles on this equipment can harbor bacteria and germs, especially during flu season. While the outer surfaces might look clean, it’s essential to wipe down every touchpoint with disinfectant wipes or sprays regularly. Implementing a cleaning schedule for shared equipment ensures these surfaces don’t become hotspots for bacteria.

Breakroom areas are another zone of concern. While most cleaning routines focus on emptying trash bins and wiping down countertops, high-touch items like microwave buttons, refrigerator handles, and coffee machine surfaces are often neglected. Employees frequently touch these areas before eating or drinking, making proper disinfection even more critical. A clean breakroom not only keeps employees healthy but also creates a welcoming environment that boosts morale. Encourage employees to clean up after themselves and schedule frequent professional cleanings to maintain a spotless and germ-free space.

Conference rooms are often seen as the heart of collaboration in any office, but they can also be a hidden haven for germs. High-touch areas like the conference table, remote controls, chair armrests, and light switches are frequently overlooked during cleaning. With multiple people using the same space for meetings, presentations, and brainstorming sessions, these surfaces can accumulate bacteria quickly. Regular deep cleaning of conference rooms, including sanitizing all high-touch surfaces, can make a big difference in maintaining a professional and hygienic atmosphere.

Finally, let’s talk about personal workstations. While many employees take pride in keeping their desks organized, they often overlook cleaning high-touch items like keyboards, mice, and telephones. Research has shown that keyboards can harbor more germs than a toilet seat—an alarming statistic that underscores the need for regular cleaning. Encourage employees to sanitize their personal equipment weekly and provide them with the necessary supplies, such as disinfectant wipes and sprays. This small step can significantly reduce the spread of germs and contribute to a healthier workplace overall.

Beyond the obvious benefits of improved hygiene, focusing on these overlooked high-touch areas can have a broader impact on your business. A clean office sends a strong message to clients, visitors, and employees alike. It shows that your company values health, safety, and professionalism. This can improve employee morale, reduce absenteeism, and even enhance productivity. Employees who feel cared for are more likely to stay engaged and motivated, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the organization.

Additionally, regular attention to high-touch areas can help prolong the lifespan of your office equipment and furniture. Dirt, grime, and bacteria can degrade surfaces over time, leading to costly replacements or repairs. By incorporating proper cleaning and maintenance into your routine, you can protect your investments and save money in the long run.

So, how can you ensure that high-touch areas in your office aren’t overlooked? The first step is to create a detailed cleaning plan that specifically targets these surfaces. Identify all the high-touch areas in your workspace, from door handles to conference room remotes, and prioritize them during daily cleaning routines. Make sure your cleaning staff or professional cleaning service is aware of these zones and equipped with the right tools to sanitize them effectively.

Educating your employees is another crucial step. Encourage them to take responsibility for keeping their personal workspaces clean and to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding touching their faces. Provide cleaning supplies in easily accessible locations so employees can quickly sanitize shared surfaces after use. A team effort can go a long way in maintaining a clean and healthy office.

If managing these tasks feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional cleaning service like Dusty Solutions. A reputable cleaning company understands the importance of high-touch areas and uses advanced cleaning techniques to ensure every corner of your office is spotless. From daily sanitization to deep cleaning sessions, a professional team can take the burden off your shoulders and provide peace of mind that your workspace is safe and hygienic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of the importance of cleanliness in shared spaces, but maintaining these standards requires ongoing effort. By addressing high-touch areas often overlooked in office cleaning, you can protect your employees’ health, boost workplace morale, and create a positive impression for clients and visitors. A clean office is more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s an investment in your business’s success.

In conclusion, high-touch areas like door handles, shared office equipment, breakroom appliances, conference rooms, and personal workstations are critical components of a comprehensive office cleaning routine. Don’t let these overlooked surfaces become hotspots for germs and bacteria. By taking proactive steps to sanitize these areas regularly, you can create a cleaner, healthier, and more productive work environment. Whether you handle cleaning in-house or partner with a professional service like Dusty Solutions, making high-touch areas a priority is a decision you—and your employees—won’t regret. Start today and see the difference a truly clean office can make.