Essential High-Touch Office Areas Businesses Often Neglect in Cleaning

Door handle showing fingerprints, a common neglected high-touch area

Maintaining a clean office is crucial for health and productivity, yet many businesses overlook some of the most frequently touched areas.

These spots can harbor germs and bacteria, increasing the risk of illness spreading among employees.

Identifying and regularly cleaning these high-touch areas can make a significant difference in workplace hygiene and employee well-being.

Door Handles and Push Plates

Door handles are among the most touched surfaces in any office. Every person entering or leaving a room touches them, making these handles a hotspot for germs. Despite this, they often receive minimal attention during routine cleaning.

• Use disinfectant wipes or sprays daily on all door handles.

• Pay special attention to push plates on doors without handles.

• Consider installing hands-free door openers to reduce contact.

  
  

Light Switches and Elevator Buttons

Light switches and elevator buttons are small but critical touchpoints. People often forget to clean these because they are out of direct sight and not part of daily cleaning checklists.

• Clean light switches at least once a day, especially in shared spaces.

• Disinfect elevator buttons multiple times daily in busy buildings.

• Use antimicrobial covers or coatings where possible.

  
  

Shared Office Equipment

Items like printers, copiers, and fax machines are used by many employees throughout the day. These devices have buttons, touchscreens, and handles that collect germs quickly.

• Wipe down control panels and handles after each use.

• Provide disinfectant wipes nearby for employees to clean before and after use.

• Encourage hand hygiene before and after using shared equipment.

  
  

Printer control panel with smudges from frequent use

Kitchen and Break Room Surfaces

Break rooms are social hubs but also places where germs spread easily. High-touch areas include refrigerator handles, microwave buttons, coffee machine controls, and sink faucets.

• Clean and disinfect refrigerator and microwave handles daily.

• Wipe coffee machine buttons and levers regularly.

• Sanitize sink faucets and soap dispensers multiple times a day.

  
  

Desk Accessories and Office Supplies

While desks themselves may be cleaned, smaller items like phone receivers, keyboards, mice, and staplers often get overlooked. These items are touched repeatedly and can harbor bacteria.

• Encourage employees to clean their own desk accessories regularly.

• Provide disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer at each workstation.

• Consider replacing shared supplies with personal items where possible.

  
  

Computer keyboard showing dust and fingerprints.

Conference Room Equipment

Conference rooms see many visitors and shared use. Items like remote controls, whiteboard markers, and conference phones are touched by multiple people.

• Clean remote controls and conference phones after each meeting.

• Replace or disinfect whiteboard markers regularly.

• Wipe down tables and chairs between meetings.

  
  

Restroom Fixtures

Restrooms are naturally high-touch areas, but some fixtures get less attention than others. Door locks, hand dryers, and soap dispensers are often missed.

• Disinfect door locks and handles frequently.

• Clean hand dryers and soap dispensers daily.

• Ensure paper towel dispensers are stocked and clean.

  
  

Why These Areas Matter

Neglecting these high-touch areas can lead to the spread of colds, flu, and other infections. Regular cleaning reduces the risk of outbreaks and keeps employees healthier. It also shows a commitment to workplace safety and can boost morale.

Practical Tips for Better Cleaning

• Create a cleaning checklist that includes all high-touch areas.

• Train cleaning staff on the importance of these spots.

• Encourage employees to practice good hand hygiene.

• Use EPA-approved disinfectants for effective germ control.

• Schedule cleaning during and after office hours to minimize disruption.

Final Thoughts

Focusing on these often-forgotten high-touch areas can transform your office hygiene. Regular attention to these spots helps create a safer, healthier workplace where employees can focus on their work without worry. Start by identifying these areas in your office and updating your cleaning routines today.