More than ever we are aware of the importance of proper hygiene, cleaning and sanitsation, especially in workplaces where we share the space with many other people. Even if you hire a cleaner for your office, it’s important to be fully stocked with the right cleaning supplies to address cleaning and health issues as they arise.
Here are the most important cleaning supplies for the office, plus some tips about how to make sure your office stays clean and healthy for everyone.
Cleaning equipment
Most cleaning equipment is a one-time purchase, so investing in higher quality items that do the job well is recommended.
Vacuum cleaner
If you have a large area to cover, look for an efficient vacuum cleaner with a sizable bin capacity. Vacuum cleaners that can work on both carpeted and hard floors are preferable, especially if they come with other attachments for cleaning upholstery too.
In addition to a capable, heavy duty vacuum cleaner, you may wish to invest in a separate, more convenient choice for day to day clean-up of spills. A portable battery operated vacuum cleaner is often a good option.
Broom, dustpan and brush
A simple broom and dustpan and brush will do the job, but if you want something more capable, there are plenty of options on the market.
Look for options with bristles that will be kind to your floor. For large areas with hardwood or concrete floors, consider a wide dust control broom.
Mop
Mops are essential for any hard floors. If it’s just your office kitchen and bathroom with tiles, you may get away with a small steam or microfibre mop. However, larger areas will need something more capable. A mop and bucket system or heavy duty dust mop may be more appropriate.
All purpose cleaner
All purpose cleaners are designed to be used on many different surface types including desktops, floors and windows. You can buy them as liquid solutions, sprays or wet wipes. Having a combination of different types is useful in an office setting.
Look for all purpose cleaners that are tough on grease, but gentle on human skin. Where possible, opt for an organic, natural cleaner to protect the health of office occupants.
All purpose cleaners should be used throughout the office, but there are some places which will also require disinfecting with a disinfectant.
Disinfectants
Disinfectants are products which are designed to kill 99.999% of germs on a surface. People using disinfectants should wear disposable Nitrile gloves for protection because disinfectants contain potent chemicals that can damage the skin and kill any good bacteria present.
Disinfectants should be used in places of high traffic or surfaces that different people frequently touch with their hands. For example, light switches, bathroom and kitchen taps, flush buttons on the toilet should all be disinfected at least once a day.
Disinfectants come in liquid solutions and disposable wipes. Look for options that are hospital grade and have a low contact time for the most effectiveness.
Food-safe cleaning products
Kitchen items that are used for eating or drinking should be cleaned and sanitised with methods that are safe for humans. For example, choose a dishwashing liquid that doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals.
Hot water is a good sanitiser as it kills off a high proportion of the bacteria present. Make sure the dishwasher is set to a temperature above 60 degrees to ensure plates, cups and cutlery are properly sanitised.
Cloths and scrubbers
It’s important to have a range of cleaning cloths and scrubbers on hand. Microfibre cloths are a good choice because they are effective at picking up dirt and dust without water. They’re also reusable which means less waste in the office.
Ensure you have cloths ready for effectively cleaning computer screens and keyboards, as well as cloths that are safe to use on glass surfaces without scratching or leaving streaks. Polishing cloths are a nice addition if you have lots of metal surfaces, taps and sinks in the office.
Habits for a clean and healthy office
Even with all the best cleaning equipment and chemicals, you won’t have a healthy office unless you have good habits in place. Here are 10 tips for keeping your office cleaner and healthier:
- Set expectations with your team and make sure everyone is on the same page.
- Make it easy for team members to keep things clean. Make sure all cleaning equipment is accessible for everyone.
- Take out the rubbish every day.
- Clean up spills as soon as they happen.
- Deep clean the kitchen and bathroom weekly as they are key sources of germ build up.
- Clean and disinfect telephones or other equipment that is used by multiple people.
- Wipe down switches, door handles and door frames to remove fingerprints.
- Keep the entryway clean and free of clutter, including the outside area.
- Keep your cleaning supplies fully stocked at all times.
- Don’t forget about buying wholesale medical supplies for your first aid kit to deal with any health emergencies that arise too.
The bottom line
Everyone has the right to work in a safe and healthy environment. Ensuring your office has the right cleaning supplies is a good start, but it’s also important to make sure everyone in the office is on the same page when it comes to health and hygiene. When the whole team is working together to create a safer and healthier workplace, it benefits everyone and it’s good for business.
