Blog & News
The Dirtiest Things in an Office- What to Watch Out For
It’s flu season and germs are everywhere. No doubt you have made efforts to keep your office clean and germ free. But when we think of office cleanliness, we usually imagine wiping down desks, emptying trash cans, and vacuuming carpets. But did you know some of the dirtiest things in an office aren’t always the most obvious? Mighty Clean has seen that high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces can harbor a surprising amount of germs, which can affect both health and productivity. Here are some of the dirtiest things in an office environment that might be dirtier than you think.
Keyboards and Mice
Your computer keyboard and mouse are two of the most used items in the office, and they’re also among the dirtiest. Since they’re touched constantly throughout the day—often while eating or drinking—keyboards and mice can accumulate bacteria, crumbs, and oils from your hands. Studies have shown that the average keyboard can be home to more bacteria than a toilet seat!
Phones and Headsets
Office phones and headsets are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning, but they come into frequent contact with your face and hands. Whether you’re using a desk phone or a personal smartphone, these devices can collect bacteria and germs from constant handling, especially when shared by multiple users.
Office Coffee Machines
The office coffee machine is a popular gathering spot, but it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. The water reservoir, handles, and buttons are frequently touched by multiple people, yet they’re rarely cleaned thoroughly. Coffee makers, especially those with reusable filters, can harbor mold and yeast, creating an unhygienic situation for your morning cup of coffee.
Door Handles and Light Switches
It’s no surprise that door handles and light switches are among the dirtiest surfaces in an office. They are touched by nearly everyone, multiple times a day, making them prime spots for the transfer of germs and bacteria. These high-contact surfaces are often neglected during routine cleaning, leaving them with a buildup of dirt and germs.
Break Room Appliances
Once again, this is no surprise. The office break room is another hot spot for germs. Microwaves, refrigerators, and communal sinks often become hubs of bacteria, especially if they’re not cleaned frequently. The handles of microwaves and fridge doors are touched by many different people throughout the day, and spills or food remnants inside these appliances can further attract germs and mold.
Chairs and Armrests
Office chairs, particularly the armrests, can harbor a significant amount of dirt, sweat, and bacteria. Many people spend long hours sitting in their chairs, resting their arms on the armrests and sometimes eating or drinking at their desks. Over time, chairs can accumulate germs from food spills, skin contact, and even airborne particles.
Office Printers and Copiers
Printers, copiers, and fax machines are essential in most offices, but their buttons and surfaces are frequently touched by many employees. As shared equipment, they can quickly become dirty, especially when used by different people without regular cleaning.
We wish we could say this was a complete list but it’s not. The dirtiest things in an office aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on the overall cleanliness and health of the workplace. No worries, Mighty Clean will take care of it all as well as regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces like keyboards, phones, door handles, and break room appliances can help keep germs at bay and promote a healthier, more productive environment.
Recent: