How Commercial Cleaning Reduces the Spread of Germs in Workplaces

December 19, 2024 | Posted at 5:59 am | by jack john (Follow User)

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Imagine this: It’s Monday morning, and Sarah, a marketing executive, steps into her office building, ready to tackle the week. She heads to the break room, grabs a cup of coffee, and exchanges pleasantries with a few colleagues. But as the day goes on, she begins to notice something unsettling. One of her coworkers sneezes without covering their mouth, another coughs in the hallway, and Sarah herself feels a little off. By midday, she starts worrying about the germs lingering on surfaces — the break room fridge handle, the coffee machine buttons, even her own desk.

Unfortunately, Sarah isn’t alone. Germs and bacteria spread rapidly in shared spaces, and workplaces are no exception. According to research, the average desk harbors up to 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat (source: University of Arizona). This alarming statistic highlights the importance of maintaining a clean, germ-free workspace. And that’s where commercial cleaning services come into play.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how commercial cleaning reduces the spread of germs in workplaces, the role of commercial steam cleaners and vacuum cleaners in maintaining a hygienic office, and why it’s essential for businesses to invest in professional cleaning services.

The Impact of Germs in the Workplace

Germs are everywhere — on your desk, keyboard, phone, and office supplies. A survey by the American Cleaning Institute found that 42% of office workers get sick due to poor office hygiene. When employees fall ill, productivity drops, absenteeism increases, and morale suffers. A cleaner, healthier office environment promotes better physical and mental well-being among staff.

Germs on Common Workplace Surfaces

It’s important to understand where germs are most likely to be found in the workplace. Here are some common areas that harbor harmful bacteria:

  • Desks: A primary hotspot for germs. Think about it — employees eat at their desks, use phones, and touch various items that are shared across multiple people.
  • Keyboards and Mice: Research shows that one in four office keyboards contains harmful bacteria. Employees often touch their keyboards without washing their hands, transferring germs from one surface to another.
  • Phones: Mobile phones are germ hotspots, often carrying more bacteria than toilet seats. Studies suggest cell phones harbor 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats (source: Dr. Charles Gerba, University of Arizona).
  • Shared Appliances: Breakroom areas and shared office appliances, like coffee machines, microwave buttons, and fridges, are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses.
  • Restrooms: The most obvious germ-infested area in any office. Although restrooms are regularly cleaned, they are still prone to contamination due to high traffic.

When employees interact with these germ-ridden surfaces, they inadvertently transfer bacteria and viruses to their hands, faces, and other areas of the body. This contributes to the rapid spread of illness and leads to increased sick days in the workplace.

Commercial Cleaning: The Solution to Workplace Germs

A commercial cleaning service is the best way to keep your office clean and germ-free. Regular cleaning by professionals ensures that every surface is properly disinfected, and harmful bacteria are eliminated before they can spread. Here’s how commercial cleaning reduces the spread of germs in workplaces:

1. Thorough Cleaning of High-Touch Surfaces 🧴

Commercial cleaning services focus on high-touch surfaces like desks, phones, doorknobs, elevator buttons, and shared appliances. These are the areas where germs accumulate the fastest. A professional cleaning crew will use hospital-grade disinfectants to sanitize these surfaces and eliminate bacteria and viruses. This prevents the spread of harmful germs and keeps the office environment safer for employees.

2. Use of Advanced Cleaning Equipment 🚀

Commercial cleaning companies use specialized equipment that provides a deeper clean than standard cleaning tools. Commercial steam cleaner are particularly effective in removing bacteria from floors, carpets, and upholstery. The heat from the steam kills germs, dust mites, and other pathogens that regular cleaning might miss. These steam cleaners not only provide a thorough clean but also sanitize surfaces, making them more hygienic.

Vacuum cleaner used by commercial cleaning services are also designed to remove dust, dirt, and bacteria from office carpets. They are equipped with HEPA filters that trap allergens and tiny particles, which can otherwise trigger respiratory issues or allergies. Professional vacuums are more powerful and efficient than household models, ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for your employees.

3. Preventing the Spread of Illnesses 🦠

By eliminating germs on high-touch surfaces, cleaning crews help reduce the risk of illness outbreaks in the workplace. The use of disinfectants and steam cleaning can kill up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses (source: CDC). Regular professional cleaning can significantly reduce the likelihood of contagious illnesses like the flu, colds, and even COVID-19 from spreading within your office.

4. Maintaining Clean Air Quality 🌬️

Commercial cleaning doesn’t just focus on surfaces; it also improves the overall air quality in your office. Airborne germs and allergens can circulate throughout the workplace, making it difficult to breathe, especially for those with respiratory issues. Commercial cleaning services use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in their vacuum cleaners, ensuring that dust, mold spores, and other allergens are trapped, improving the air quality and reducing the spread of germs.

5. Regular Cleaning Schedules ⏰

Consistency is key when it comes to commercial cleaning. A professional cleaning team will adhere to a set schedule, ensuring that all areas are cleaned and sanitized regularly. The more often high-touch surfaces and common areas are disinfected, the less likely germs are to spread. Commercial cleaners offer flexibility, ensuring your office stays clean and hygienic at all times, whether it’s a one-time deep clean or a routine cleaning service.

Benefits of Commercial Cleaning for Employees and Businesses

1. Healthier Workforce 🌱

A clean workspace is directly linked to better health for employees. Fewer germs in the office means fewer sick days and improved well-being. According to a Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine study, businesses with clean offices see up to a 30% reduction in employee sick days.

2. Improved Productivity 📈

When employees are not worried about germs or illnesses, they can focus better on their work. A healthy office environment leads to fewer distractions and higher engagement. A study by The National Center for Biotechnology Information found that a cleaner workspace boosts productivity by 5-10%.

3. Better First Impressions 🏢

A clean office gives a positive impression to clients and visitors. When they walk into a spotless, germ-free environment, they’re more likely to view your company as professional, responsible, and trustworthy. Commercial cleaning helps businesses maintain a pristine image and a positive reputation.

4. Reduced Risk of Illness Outbreaks ⚠️

Illness outbreaks can have serious consequences, both for your workforce and your bottom line. A single employee’s illness can cause a ripple effect that impacts several others. Commercial cleaning services help prevent this by eliminating the germs that cause illnesses from spreading.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Cleaning Service

When selecting a commercial cleaning service for your workplace, consider these factors:

  • Experience and Reputation: Look for a company with a proven track record in providing high-quality cleaning services.
  • Eco-Friendly Products: Ensure that the cleaning service uses non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products to promote a healthy workplace environment.
  • Comprehensive Services: Choose a company that offers a wide range of services, from basic office cleaning to deep cleaning using commercial steam cleaners and vacuum cleaners.
  • Customizable Schedules: Ensure that the cleaning schedule is flexible and can be tailored to your office’s needs.

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean and hygienic workplace is essential for the health and productivity of employees. Commercial cleaning services, equipped with advanced tools like commercial steam cleaners and vacuum cleaners, play a critical role in reducing the spread of germs in offices. By investing in professional cleaning, businesses can create a healthier, more productive environment that reduces sick days, enhances employee well-being, and improves the overall workplace atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking to implement a regular cleaning schedule or a one-time deep clean, hiring a commercial cleaning service is a smart choice for any business. Stay proactive, keep your workspace germ-free, and watch your employees thrive.