Picture this: As you walk through the entryway of your office, you can’t help but notice the shoe prints on the floor and the dust bunnies lurking in the corners. Not exactly the warm welcome you want, right? 

High-traffic areas in your office, like the reception, hallways, breakrooms, and conference rooms, are the spaces everyone passes through or gathers in daily. These spaces can quickly become hotspots for dirt and clutter, impacting not just the appearance but the overall vibe of your workplace. Cleaning them might seem like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning, tools, and techniques, you can transform your office into a clean, inviting environment. 

Here are some practical ways to keep these busy spots looking great and ready for action.

8 Tips to Clean High-Traffic Areas in Your Office

Establish a Cleaning Schedule

Establish a regular cleaning schedule for high-traffic areas and stick to it.  Identify the busiest areas of your office and how frequently they’re used. For instance, the front lobby where clients enter might need more frequent cleaning than the file room used by a handful of people.

A cleaning plan should cover:

• Frequency of cleaning: Some areas need daily attention, while others may require weekly care.
• Cleaning schedule: Will the cleaning take place during office hours, after hours, or both? Early morning or late evening is usually best for high-traffic zones.
• Type of cleaning: Basic sweeping and mopping might be sufficient for some days, but periodic deep cleaning is necessary to tackle built-up grime and germs.

Use the Right Tools and Supplies

Having the right cleaning supplies can make a world of difference. Here’s a checklist of essentials you’ll need:

• Microfiber cloths: These are great for dusting and wiping surfaces as they capture dust and dirt rather than spreading it around.
• High-quality vacuum: For carpets, a strong vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can help eliminate dirt, dust, and allergens trapped in the fibers.
• Mop and bucket: For hard floors, use a mop with a wringer and a bucket for water mixed with a disinfectant cleaner.
• Disinfectants and cleaning solutions: Ensure you’re using cleaners suitable for the specific surfaces in your office, whether it’s glass, wood, or metal.
• Protective gloves and masks: High-traffic areas can contain bacteria and germs, so protective gear helps ensure that cleaning is done safely.

Always Tackle the Floors First

Floors are the first and most obvious places where dirt and grime build up in high-traffic zones. The strategy of cleaning floors depends on the type of flooring in your office.

If your office’s high-traffic areas have carpeted floors, vacuum them at least once a day, particularly in entryways and corridors. Carpet floors may also benefit from periodic deep cleaning using a steam cleaner to lift stubborn dirt and refresh the fibers. Use the spot-cleaning approach to address any spills or stains immediately to prevent long-term damage.

For hard floors, sweep or vacuum daily and mop with a suitable cleaner to remove dirt. For areas that endure extra wear, like the front entrance, consider using floor polish or wax to protect the surface.

Focus on High-Touch Surfaces

High-touch surfaces are breeding grounds for germs. Pay special attention to doorknobs and handles, light switches, and elevator buttons. These are some surfaces that are touched frequently and can become a hotspot for germs. Make sure to disinfect and clean them daily.

Shared equipment like printers, coffee makers, copiers, and water dispensers also see a lot of action, so include them in your cleaning rotation.

Implement a “Clean as You Go” Policy

Place trash bins and recycling containers in convenient locations to encourage proper disposal of waste. Empty bins daily, especially in places like breakrooms and near workstations where trash accumulates faster. Encourage employees to use recycling bins for paper and plastics to reduce the volume of waste. In break rooms, remind staff to wipe down tables after use. 

Organize and Declutter

Clutter can make high-traffic areas feel chaotic and dirty. Take some time to organize these spaces. Using storage solutions like storage shelves, bins, and cabinets can help store items neatly. It also makes sense to clearly label everything so that everyone knows where things belong, making it easier to keep areas organized. Schedule monthly decluttering sessions to remove unnecessary items and maintain organization.

Regular Deep Cleaning and Maintenance 

While daily and weekly cleaning routines keep things under control, high-traffic areas need deep cleaning to remove built-up dirt and grime that regular cleaning misses. So, it’s recommended to schedule deep cleaning at least once every quarter, depending upon the traffic. This could include shampooing carpets, scrubbing hard floors with a machine buffer, washing windows and walls, and steam cleaning furniture. 

Hire a Professional Cleaner

Hiring professionals for deep cleaning high-traffic areas can help maintain a healthy and productive environment. According to Compass Cleaning Solutions, a renowned commercial cleaning company in Phoenix, professional cleaners tailor cleaning plans to fit your unique requirements, ensuring a more hygienic office. It’s recommended to schedule a professional deep cleaning every 3 to 6 months, depending on your office’s foot traffic and specific needs.

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