The Forgotten Spots: Office Locations You Don’t Clean Often Enough

Even the cleanest-looking offices often hide dirt and germs in places you wouldn’t expect. You may have sparkling desks and polished floors, but what about the areas that are out of sight, and unfortunately, out of mind?

Ignoring these places could lead to an unhygienic work environment, unpleasant odors, and even potential health risks that affect employee well-being.

This post will highlight those often-overlooked spots in your office and offer practical tips to keep them clean and fresh. Whether you manage a corporate office, medical practice, or busy restaurant, these insights can improve your cleaning routine and maintain a spotless space.

Office Locations You Don’t Clean Often Enough

1. Under and Behind Furniture

Dust and debris tend to gather under desks, chairs, and sofas—places we rarely think about when cleaning. Over time, these areas can become breeding grounds for dust mites, allergens, and even pests.

Hidden under furniture, you may also find lost items or hidden trash, like wrappers or crumbs, contributing to poor air quality in your office. Use this as a good excuse to move furniture periodically—either by rearranging spaces or scheduling deep cleaning days. A professional vacuum with crevice tools can make this task far easier than it sounds.

2. Light Fixtures, Ceiling Fans, and Vents

High-up areas like light fixtures, ceiling fans, and HVAC vents collect dust surprisingly fast. This not only worsens air quality but also diminishes the brightness of your lights and the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Consider using extendable dusters or professional tools to clean these areas. For vents, it’s crucial to open and clean the grates and replace filters regularly. You’ll improve air circulation while reducing allergens in your workspace.

3. Office Appliances and Breakroom Nooks

Breakroom appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee machines see daily use but often get a subpar cleaning treatment. Sticky spills, crumbs, and stubborn residues accumulate in these places, creating breeding grounds for bacteria and even pests.

Don’t forget handles and buttons—they’re hotspots for germs! Set a regular schedule for a deep clean, involving sanitizing every surface and emptying appliances like refrigerators once a month to remove expired items.

4. High-Traffic Touchpoints

Shared touchpoints like door handles, elevator buttons, shared keyboards, and copy machine screens are often cleaned sporadically but touched frequently. These are prime culprits for spreading germs that can lead to sickness in the office.

Create a checklist of high-touch areas that need daily sanitizing. Don’t overlook details like restroom stall locks, light switches, and water fountain buttons. Stock every department with sanitizing wipes to make daily cleaning easier and more regular.

5. Baseboards, Corners, and Skirting Boards

The baseboards and corners throughout your office might be low-profile, but they can accumulate dust, dirt, and scuff marks. These areas are frequently ignored in routine vacuuming or mopping, compromising your office’s overall appearance.

Use microfiber cloths and special vacuum attachments to thoroughly clean baseboards and corners. A clean baseboard can make the entire room seem fresher and pulled-together.

6. Window Tracks and Blinds

It’s easy to clean windows without paying attention to the tracks they slide along. Unfortunately, these tracks collect dust, debris, and even small insects. Meanwhile, blinds and shades gather dust that can blow into the air every time they’re adjusted.

For window tracks, start by vacuuming the area before wiping it down with a damp cloth. Blinds can be tackled with microfiber gloves or a dusting tool designed for slats.

7. Office Storage Areas and Supply Closets

Office storage spaces and supply closets are magnets for clutter and disorganization. Over time, dust accumulates, and forgotten food snacks or cardboard boxes may even invite pests.

Dedicate time to declutter these areas regularly. Organize shelves with labeled bins and vacuum or dust all surfaces to keep these spaces clean and functional.

8. Restroom Dispensers and Stall Corners

While restroom counters and mirrors may look spotless, soap dispensers, paper towel holders, and stall corners are often neglected. These areas can harbor bacteria, especially if spills or leaks occur around dispensers.

Encourage routine deep-cleaning sessions focused on these areas to ensure restrooms remain hygienic. Use germicidal sprays for dispensers and thoroughly scrub stall corners where buildup tends to accumulate.

9. Upholstery and Office Chairs

Your office chairs likely see eight or more hours of use daily. Over time, dust, crumbs, and stains lurk in the crevices of office upholstery. Left untouched, these fabrics trap allergens and odors.

For fabric chairs, vacuum them weekly and address stains with spot cleaners. Leather or synthetic materials require regular wiping with appropriate cleaners. For a super-thorough cleanse, consider professional upholstery cleaning for chairs and sofas.

Tips for Keeping These Areas Clean

Now that you know the commonly overlooked areas, how can you maintain them regularly?

1. Create a Checklist: Incorporate these spots into your regular cleaning schedule to ensure nothing is missed.
2. Delegate Tasks: Rotate cleaning responsibilities among staff or hire professional cleaners for routine deep cleanings.
3. Use the Right Tools: Invest in extendable dusters, vacuum attachments, and cleaning solutions designed for tricky areas like window tracks or upholstery.
4. Clean as You Go: Encourage staff to clean breakroom messes or sanitize personal shared spaces during the day.

By staying proactive and organized, your office can stay cleaner even during peak business hours.

Trust ZIA Building Maintenance to Get it Done

At ZIA Building Maintenance, we know how easy it is to overlook these sneaky, grimey areas—because we specialize in finding and cleaning them for you. From breakroom nooks to hard-to-reach light fixtures, our professional team ensures every corner of your office is spotless, creating a clean and welcoming workspace for everyone. 

Don’t leave your office cleaning to chance. Schedule a consultation with ZIA to explore how our high-quality, tailored cleaning services can help your team thrive in a cleaner, healthier environment.