The Best Ways to Keep Your Commercial Space Clean and Sanitized

A clean office is critical to keeping employees healthy and happy. A clean space prevents allergic reactions to dust and/or mould and improves indoor air quality. Maintaining a clean workplace reduces the possibility of catching a common cold or flu by up to 80%. A clean environment makes employees feel engaged, happier, more enthusiastic and creative. It boosts morale. Working in a clean, tidy environment relieves stress, clears the mind and increases efficiency. Clean work environments are safer and less likely to cause injury, illness or other dangers. A clean office is also essential for attracting clients and customers. It provides a good impression of your business, creating a favourable public image for your company. A clean, tidy, fresh-smelling office leaves clients/visitors with confidence in your business. So, what are the best ways to keep your commercial space clean and sanitary?

• Provide hand sanitizer at every workstation: A bottle of high-quality hand sanitizer at each desk goes a long way to curbing the spread of germs. Most hand sanitizers kill up to 99.9% of bacteria. Choose one enriched with Aloe so it isn’t harsh on the hands. 

• Use disinfectant wipes: Think of your desks and workspaces like you do your kitchen counter. Wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes once a day. This includes door handles, computer monitors, keyboards, mice, kitchenettes, copiers and water dispensers. Look for wipes that are biodegradable.

• Encourage sick employees to stay home: Though sick days can be expensive, it’s not a good idea to compel employees to come to work while sick. They’ll underperform and spread germs to others. Staying home when sick speeds healing and stops the spread of germs in the workplace. 

• Use a steam humidifier: Controlling temperature, air quality and relative humidity helps create a healthy work environment. A steam humidifier with evaporative cooler technology reduces indoor temperatures (like air conditioning) while filtering bacteria and toxins and introducing hydrated air. This technology saves on energy bills while reducing the spread of germs and infectious microbes; reducing absenteeism and keeping employees healthier. 

• Educate your employees: Educating workers about the spread of bacteria and germs has a significant impact on office well-being and health. Lead by example, utilizing hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes and staying home when you’re ill. 

  • put up signs and engage in regular conversations to ensure correct hygiene procedures

  • distribute information about best health and safety practices

  • ensure the office is stocked with supplies of tissues, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and garbage bins that don’t require to be touched by hand

  • provide resources/education for employees who may be at high risk for serious complications (pregnant women, those with a chronic medical condition such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes)

  • encourage respiratory etiquette by providing education and reminders about covering coughs and sneezes with tissues and washing hands with running water and soap or alcohol-based hand rubs.

• Hire a professional office cleaning service: As your workers are not employed to be cleaning staff, you need the services of a professional cleaning company. Professional office cleaners work with you to set a schedule that suits your premises and can provide daily and/or weekly cleaning to suit your needs. A professionally cleaned and sanitized office boosts productivity and morale and reduces illness. These companies have the knowledge, experience, equipment and expertise to help keep bacteria and germs under control. They use specialized equipment to ensure cleanliness and sanitation.

  • Commercial Vacuum Cleaners are designed for heavy use and high performance. They offer advanced suction power, increased cleaning capacity and energy efficiency. Many have high-performance filtration systems (HEPA) that reduce viruses, bacteria and allergens, alleviating respiratory allergies and reducing difficulties with asthma. Some versions combine a pressure washer and vacuum cleaner in a single device. Some appliances can be modified to suit certain types of floors (non-carpeted or abrasive surfaces) and to deal with explosive or dangerous dust and/or large debris.

  • Steam Cleaning Tools are now common cleaning equipment for keeping workplaces safe and are used by many commercial cleaners. They provide superior sanitization results; eliminating 99.9% of harmful microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, pathogens), sterilizing office equipment (phones, keyboards, computer screens) and sanitizing surfaces (floors, fabrics, doors, walls, desks). Dry steam cleaners are available in situations where too much water might cause problems.

  • Spray Extractors: Commercial cleaners sometimes use wand-operated spray extraction machines for deep cleaning textiles (carpets, upholstery, window coverings). 

  • Floor Sweepers are designed for preparing floors for sanitation. They use rotating brushes to collect dirt and debris with speed and precision. They come in a range of sizes and applications and can be ride-on or push-along.

  • Floor Scrubbers are suitable for large areas. They are compact, efficient and easy to use. Cylinder or roller brushes, a water system and cleaning solutions are utilized to quickly and efficiently remove dirt. A squeegee assembly then dries the surface quickly. 

  • Floor buffers and Polishers make floors shine! These high-speed floor care machines are great for hardwood, tiles, linoleum and marble surfaces. They’re quick and efficient, buffing floors with rotating discs to achieve a high shine. Some are equipped with wire brushes for concrete industrial floors.

  • Pressure Washers use pressurized water jets to blast away dirt, grime, mould and other contaminants. Commercial cleaners use this equipment to clean building entrances, brickwork and sidewalks. Sometimes cleaning fluid is added to aid the cleaning process. Cold pressure washers break up dirt and impurities to leave surfaces spotless while hot pressure washers are ideal for tackling oil and grease stains.

  • Handheld Scrubbers take the work out of scrubbing and are used to remove scuff marks and dirt from tiled walls and floors, baseboards, windows, glass doors and washroom sinks. They do this through the use of brushes, polishing pads and polishing cloths. A handheld scrubber is lightweight, portable and versatile.

  • Fogging Machines are used to sanitize and disinfect all the surfaces of a room quickly and effectively.

You may be unaware of the number of bacteria and germs that can be found in a workplace! Enlist your employees in an effort to keep the work environment clean and sanitary. Invest in technology to promote a hygienic workspace. Involve a reputable cleaning company in your office cleaning strategy. Decrease the spread of germs and bacteria, reduce illness and ensure a clean, sanitary space with proper education and cleanliness in the workplace.

Want help keeping your workplace clean and sanitary? Looking for a commercial cleaning company that will meet your business’ specific needs? Call Strathcona Cleaners Ltd at 403-237-8355 or email us at info@strathconacleaners.com. Our Calgary-based business provides janitorial services to an array of industries. We custom-tailor our cleaning and maintenance plans to suit your specific needs. You can even choose non-toxic products and eco-friendly equipment. Depend on us for quality janitorial, office cleaning and post-construction services. Contact us today!