Every year, workplaces lose thousands of hours to sickness – and much of it spreads through contaminated surfaces and shared office spaces. While routine cleaning helps, it’s the deep cleaning that tackles hidden bacteria, neglected areas, and the high-touch surfaces that contribute most to staff illness.
If you want a healthier team, fewer sick days, and a cleaner workplace overall, understanding where germs accumulate is the first step – and taking action is the second.
Below is your essential guide to the key areas every office should deep clean to stop the spread of germs.
1. High-Touch Communal Areas
High-touch areas are the fastest way for germs to spread in the workplace. These surfaces are touched by dozens – if not hundreds – of hands every day, making them top priority for daily cleaning and regular deep disinfection.
Key high-touch areas include:
- Door handles (interior, exterior, cubicle, cabinet) and push plates
- Light switches
- Elevator/lift buttons
- Stair and hallway handrails
- Bathroom fixtures (tap handles, toilet flush handles, soap dispensers)
- Breakroom/kitchen appliances (microwaves, fridges, coffee machines, water coolers)
- Shared items such as pens, clipboards, and remote controls
- Shared office equipment: printers, copiers, vending machines
These areas should never be overlooked – they represent the biggest risk for cross-contamination in any workplace.
2. Workstations and Desk
Did you know? A typical office desk can harbour hundreds of times more bacteria than a toilet seat if not cleaned regularly.
Workstations are personal spaces, but they’re still germ hotspots – especially when staff eat at their desks or share equipment.
Workstation deep cleaning should include:
- Desktops and all work surfaces
- Keyboards and computer mice
- Telephones and headsets (particularly shared ones)
- Chair arms and fabric upholstery
A professional deep clean ensures these high-use areas are thoroughly disinfected, reducing germs where staff spend most of their time.
3. Other Often-Missed but Critical Areas
For a truly hygienic office, periodic deep cleaning should target additional areas that tend to be forgotten during daily routines:
- Air vents and HVAC systems: Cleaning vents and replacing filters improves air quality and reduces airborne germs.
- Carpets and upholstery: These should be professionally deep-cleaned or steam-cleaned to remove trapped dirt, bacteria, and allergens.
These tasks require specialist equipment and expertise – and they make a significant difference to workplace health.
4. Best Practices for Maintaining a Hygienic Workplace
Deep cleaning is essential, but ongoing habits keep your office healthier for longer. Here are best practices every business should follow:
Clean and Disinfect
Cleaning removes dirt; disinfecting kills germs. Always use approved disinfectants and allow proper dwell time for maximum effectiveness.
Provide Supplies
Make disinfectant wipes and hand sanitiser readily available so staff can clean surfaces before and after use.
Promote Hand Hygiene
Encourage frequent, proper handwashing – it remains one of the most effective ways to prevent illness.
Use the Proper Tools
Microfibre cloths are highly effective at trapping microbes. Use colour-coded cloths for different areas to prevent cross-contamination.
Your Cleaning Contractor should follow a recognised Colour Coding System – however, if your staff are cleaning during the day, then they should adopt the following British Institute of Cleaning Science Colour Coding System to help prevent cross contamination:
The following table below is a guide to What/Where/How your staff, should they wish to clean throughout the day (before your cleaners arrive), should apply a colour coding system, and what PPE should be used:
Want Fewer Sick Days and a Healthier Workplace? We Can Help
A professional deep clean is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness outbreaks in your office – and ensure your team stays healthy, productive, and protected.
At NJ Cleaning, we specialise in:
- Deep Cleaning Services
- Electrostatic Disinfection
- Routine Daily Cleaning
- Temporary or Permanent Cleaning Support
If you’re ready to reduce the spread of germs and create a safer, cleaner environment for your staff, get in touch today and experience The NJ Way.
Contact us now to book your office deep clean or request a free consultation.