6 Common Office Cleaning Mistakes Businesses Should Avoid
Cleaning may seem like a simple enough task. You just spray a surface, wipe it down, and then move on. If this sounds like you, then think again. Cleaning can be simple, but using the wrong tools or products can make it more of a chore than it needs to be.
All too often, it is easy to get swept away by the commercials for the best cleaning solutions on the market, when really you simply want to sweep the floor. Don’t fall into the marketer’s dream of purchasing every cleaning product.
In this blog, we will examine six common office cleaning errors that businesses and other organizations should avoid.
1. Buying too many cleaning products
When it comes down to it, many cleaners contain the same chemical breakdown, and, therefore, essentially do the same thing. They might contain various ingredients or smell differently, but you really do not need to have more than one surface cleaner in order to do the job.
Of course, this will be different for businesses that make specialty equipment, and thus require another level of commercial cleaning. For example, the average degreaser will work well in the staff microwave, but not necessarily for an engineering plant that uses various types of oil and grease.
Single-use products seem like a fantastic idea for doing a quick clean. However, they run out fast, dry up if not used for a long period of time, and are a costly alternative to a multi-purpose cleaner.
If the environment is a concern for you, then there are safe products that you can purchase. These products will deliver the same clean with fewer chemicals, and are not hazardous to the water system or soil. Such environmentally safe items are also a good alternative for people with allergies to the usual cleaning products.
2. Not focusing on all high-traffic areas
In most office spaces, there are two types of high-traffic areas. One of them gets the most attention during the cleaning process, while the other one suffers, but in fact, it should be more of a priority.
The first is the front reception or waiting area. This is the place that sees the most people, and, therefore, needs a lot of attention. This includes cleaning everything from the floors to the tables and desks.
The second is the communal areas for both staff and customers, including the bathrooms. These spaces are sometimes overlooked during the busy season and can be the ground zero for colds, the flu, and even COVID-19.
Using a germ-busting cleaner and wiping down the faucets and door handles more frequently is a game-changer. Do not assume that everyone washes their hands after using the restroom. Thus, take extra care when cleaning the bathrooms during the cold and flu season, including applying more toilet bowl cleaner and using the products correctly.
3. Ignoring light switches and door handles
On an average day, how many door handles do you touch? How many light switches have you turned on or off, and how many phones have you picked up?
These might seem like small items on the cleaning scale, but they actually see the most interaction with the most people. Not every cleaner will look after the small details such as door handles and light switches, and so they can become breeding gourds for germs and bacteria.
A dedicated and knowledgeable commercial cleaning service never ignores a light switch or door handle, knowing the dangers to your health if they are missed.
4. Leaving streaky windows and dusty floors
Spraying glass or window cleaner onto a reflective surface, such as windows or mirrors, and then just giving it a quick wipe will often leave unsightly streaks.
Using the right tools for the job will make commercial cleaning more efficient and provide you with a professional, streak-free look for both windows and mirrors. Squeegees and micro-fibre cloths make this type of task so much easier and faster, with the end result looking like the experts came in and did it all for you.
Think of purchasing the right cleaning tools as an investment. You want to be able to have a clean and safe working environment that is inviting to staff and customers alike.
Vacuum cleaners are one of the investments that you should consider. However, the vacuum needs to be portable, strong enough to handle the volume of work in one go, and easy to empty and clean. It should also have the power to get deep into the carpet fibres to keep your rugs and floors looking newer for longer.
5. Using dirty cleaning tools
Trying to clean something with a tool that is dirty is a waste of time. Take a few moments to ensure your equipment is clean before trying to use it.
A full vacuum won’t function properly, and a dirty cloth will spread the grime and not clean it. If a cleaning tool is really dirty and falling apart, then it should be replaced. There is no harm in purchasing newer tools to do the job right.
Even water buckets for the mops should be cleaned after every use. The water should be changed frequently. Standing water will breed bacteria and spread the dirt instead of washing it away.
6. Forgetting about clutter
You should declutter your workspaces and common areas often. This makes commercial cleaning easier and faster, and it also helps to provide a better working environment. It might seem like a small detail, but when things pile up, then cleaning becomes harder and the work morale drops. A clear desk policy will ensure a most efficient and thorough clean.
Frequently tossing out used tupperware and old fridge items, as well as removing paper stacks from your desk, instantly has a positive effect on our mental health, and we start to feel better.
Contact the Commercial Cleaning Professionals
RBC Clean has been the commercial cleaner of choice for Toronto and the GTA for many decades. This means that we have seen it all when it comes to common cleaning mistakes.
Partnering with such an experienced company takes away the probability of these common mistakes happening, and a better cleaning experience for everyone.
You can call us at 1-855-493-9259 or go online for a free quote and see how RBC Clean can eliminate the grime and cleaning mistakes all at once.