How to Keep Your Office Safe: Cleaning Tips to Prevent COVID-19

Cleaning your office is no longer a simple routine. It’s now one of the most critical steps in ensuring health and safety in the workplace.

Shared surfaces can harbor invisible threats, including viruses like COVID-19, which can remain viable for hours or even days on objects like keyboards, elevator buttons, and desks. With numerous people working in close proximity, maintaining a clean and sanitary office environment has never been more important.

To help you protect your employees, clients, and visitors, we’ve compiled practical and proven office cleaning tips. These strategies will reduce the risk of spreading viruses and create a healthier working environment.

Office Cleaning Tips to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

1. Focus on High-Touch Surfaces 

High-touch surfaces are hotspots for germs, as they’re used by multiple individuals throughout the day. To effectively target these areas:

Checklist of high-touch surfaces to prioritize:

• Doorknobs and handles 
• Light switches 
• Elevator buttons 
• Desktops and keyboards 
• Shared phones and coffee makers 

Disinfect high-touch surfaces at least twice daily using EPA-approved disinfectants. The CDC emphasizes the need for cleaning agents that are highly effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19.

Allow disinfectant wipes or spray to remain on surfaces for the recommended contact time (usually 3-5 minutes) to effectively neutralize germs.

Bonus Tip: Keep disinfecting wipes in easily accessible locations to encourage employees to keep personal and shared spaces clean.

2. Prioritize Restrooms and Breakrooms 

Restrooms and breakrooms are among the most frequently used spaces and are prone to being hotspots for bacteria and viruses.

Clean faucets, sinks, and countertops, along with frequently-touched areas like microwave buttons and refrigerator handles. Don’t forget to wipe down soap dispensers and towel holders as well.

Here are some best practices to follow:

• Conduct hourly checks to ensure soap, hand sanitizer, and disposable towels are always stocked. 
• Empty trash bins regularly to prevent contamination buildup. 
• Sanitize these areas multiple times a day, particularly during high-traffic hours.

A little extra effort here can significantly limit the transmission of germs in communal zones.

3. Improve Air Quality and Ventilation 

Reducing airborne particles in your office is just as important as cleaning surfaces, especially in areas with poor ventilation. COVID-19 is known to spread via respiratory droplets that linger in enclosed spaces.

Here’s how you can enhance air quality:

• Upgrade HVAC filters to HEPA-grade filters, which trap 99.97% of particles, including viruses. 
• Use portable air purifiers in tightly packed or high-traffic areas. 
• Keep windows open where feasible to increase airflow and dilute potential viral particles.

By improving ventilation, you create a safer and more breathable workspace for everyone.

4. Encourage Personal Workspace Hygiene 

Empower employees to take charge of their personal spaces as part of your defense strategy.

Here’s what employees should do:

• Disinfect personal items such as keyboards, mice, and phones daily. 
• Use eco-friendly sprays and wipes designed for electronics and desks. 
• Dispose of tissues, cups, and used masks immediately. 

To support a clean and safe environment, facilities should: 

• Provide hand sanitizing stations at entryways, breakrooms, and other communal areas. 
• Supply cleaning kits with wipes, sprays, and small trash bags for individual workspaces.

Encouraging personal accountability reduces the strain on cleaning teams while fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

5. Use Proper Cleaning Products and Techniques 

Your choice of cleaning products and application methods can have a major impact on hygiene outcomes in your office.

Here are some key tips to keep in mind:  

• Use EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19, such as those containing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium hypochlorite. Ensure you choose eco-friendly options if you want to prioritize sustainability. 
• Understand the difference between cleaning (removing dirt), sanitizing (reducing bacteria), and disinfecting (killing viruses). All three may be necessary on different surfaces.

Replace cleaning tools (such as mop heads or sponges) frequently to prevent spreading germs between rooms.

6. Set Up a Daily Cleaning Routine 

A consistent and organized cleaning schedule ensures no corner of your office is overlooked.

Make sure to complete these daily tasks:   

• Disinfect shared spaces like meeting rooms, restrooms, and elevators. 
• Wipe down high-touch areas multiple times daily.

Some tasks should be done on a weekly or monthly basis: 

• Deep clean carpets, furniture, and ventilation systems periodically. 
• Polish floors and sanitize less commonly used spaces, such as storage rooms.

Assign responsibility for these tasks either to designated staff or a professional cleaning service to keep operations consistent.

7. Promote a Culture of Cleanliness 

Cleaning efforts are most effective when everyone in the office contributes. Establish a strong culture of cleanliness to make hygiene a part of your workplace values.

Engaging employees in workplace hygiene is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment: 

• Educate your team on handwashing best practices and proper disposal methods for used supplies. Provide posters as reminders in visible areas like restrooms and breakrooms. 
• Encourage employees to report low stocks of soap, tissue, or sanitizer immediately. 
• Reward teams or individuals who actively support hygiene initiatives to incentivize participation.

When hygiene becomes a shared effort, your workspace becomes more resilient to health challenges.

Partner with ZIA Building Maintenance for a Safer Workplace

While implementing these strategies can make a significant difference, partnering with professionals can provide added assurance.

At ZIA Building Maintenance, we specialize in providing comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting services tailored to fit your office’s unique needs. Using cutting-edge tools and eco-friendly products, we help create a spotless, healthy workplace for your team. Our services meet and exceed CDC and EPA standards for effective cleaning.

Don’t leave your office’s health to chance! Schedule a customized cleaning consultation with ZIA today.