A Good Spring Clean for Your Office: Why It Matters

Spring is here, and so is your opportunity to clear out the winter cobwebs, sort through the shelves, toss out unnecessary items, and organize what’s left over. Reducing clutter and organizing what remains is only part of the spring cleaning process, however. There are the equally important steps of scrubbing, sweeping, mopping, and disinfecting your workplace to ensure that every surface, nook, and cranny has been properly cleaned and sanitized. You need to go through the entire process to reap the benefits that a thorough spring cleaning can offer.

Read on to see why a good spring cleaning matters for your business and learn how to implement an effective cleaning protocol in your workplace.

The Connection Between Cleanliness and Physical Health

Beyond aesthetic appeal, cleaning and workplace wellness go hand in hand. Having a clean workplace is an integral first step in facility safety and employee wellness. It helps rid your spaces of pathogens, dirt, debris, and other potential hazards while also enhancing overall productivity and well-being.

Both the well-being and safety of all workers within an organization, whether they be those on the factory floor or those seated in the executive suite, fall under the responsibility of the organization itself. Keeping your facility clean means ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of everyone who walks through your doors.

It’s no secret that a dirty workspace is the perfect breeding ground for germs and other pathogens, which leads to increased illnesses and infections in your workplace. It’s also common knowledge that having a messy workplace can lead to more cases of workplace injury through slip and falls. No one wants a lawsuit on their hands, nor do they want sick employees. Therefore, a clean and organized workplace is a crucial piece in improving mental health, morale, and focus among employees.

The Connection Between Clutter, Health, and Productivity

Mental health and cleaning are inextricably connected. Studies show clutter and messes correlate to negative mental health, eliciting emotions such as confusion, tension, and irritability. On the other hand, a well-organized workspace has been linked to positive emotions, including calmness and a sense of well-being.

Clutter also affects a person’s productivity. According to researchers at Princeton University’s Neuroscience Institute, clutter can hinder a person’s ability to concentrate on a task at hand, which then leads to difficulty completing projects efficiently. Since mental focus is essential to success, every opportunity should be made to keep distractions to a minimum. And that means taking stock of what you really need, finding a proper place for it, and getting rid of anything that doesn’t serve a useful purpose.

If you’re ready to kick your workplace cleaning into high gear, Guernsey’s got you covered. We have all the products and tools you need to bid adieu to any dirt, dust, and grime that may have accumulated in your space.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Practices for the Workplace

When it comes to cleaning, it’s hard to avoid dealing with chemicals and other potentially hazardous items. The good news is that there are alternative eco-friendly cleaning supplies that are better for both your team and the planet.

To be greener when you are cleaning, practice the following tips:

1. Swap out conventional cleaners loaded with harsh chemicals for plant-based alternatives made with ingredients like citrus extracts, vinegar, and baking soda. These have proven just as effective at cutting through grease and grime without releasing toxic fumes or leaving harmful residues on surfaces.
2. Choose products certified by recognized eco-labels such as Green Seal or EPA Safer Choice, which verify that formulas meet strict environmental and health standards.
3. Use microfiber cloths, which trap dust and bacteria using just water, dramatically reducing the need for chemical sprays and cutting down on paper towel waste.
4. Purchase concentrated cleaners and dilute rather than buying single-use spray bottles to minimize plastic packaging and maximize your budget and storage space.

Of course, being more eco-friendly goes beyond the products you use. It also includes revisiting our habits and behaviors and changing the ones that don’t promote sustainability. For example, encouraging staff to clean as they go rather than waiting for a weekly deep clean reduces the buildup of dirt and the heavy-duty products needed to tackle it.

Small, intentional swaps across your office––both in products and cleaning habits––can add up to a meaningfully greener footprint.

Best Practices for Effective Cleaning

When cleaning your workplace, we recommend the following 5-step method. It is both efficient and effective in achieving the deepest and most comprehensive cleanup of your space.

Start at the Top

Always start by cleaning the spots that are highest up. When you start cleaning the fan, its accumulated dust will fall right onto the floor. So why bother cleaning the surfaces beneath the fan first? All the freshly cleaned spots will get dirty again as soon as you turn the fan on or begin cleaning the fan itself, so you should start with cleaning the fans first and foremost.

In addition, clearing out high, hard-to-reach spaces contributes to better indoor air quality and helps eliminate allergens. Not to mention, by starting at the top, you don’t have to go over the same spots repeatedly.

Clean Dry Spots Before Wet Spots

Prior to applying any chemicals or sprays, you should dust or mop to ensure there is a pristine surface without debris. This prevents streaking during the application of any cleaning solutions. Microfiber is an exceptional option for dusting and dust mopping, as it captures and retains dust, effectively extracting it from surfaces.

Clean Back to Front

You know the expression ‘painted into a corner?’ This is especially applicable when it comes to cleaning. To avoid this predicament, start from the farthest spot from your entrance point and work backwards towards that entrance. This allows you to exit the room without leaving footprints or making a mess.

Use the Proper Equipment and Cleaning Products

Effective cleaning requires the use of the proper tools as well as the proper chemicals and products. Using the right products saves you time by ensuring you do a thorough cleaning on the first attempt. In contrast, using the wrong tools and products can damage surfaces or pose a risk to your employees.

Ever heard of mustard gas? Mix the wrong chemical compounds and your routine bathroom scrub could become a biohazard! Also, don’t forget the gloves and masks! You should never be mixing and applying any chemicals without taking precautions to cover your hands and face.

Properly Clean and Store Your Equipment

Now that you’ve gotten every surface to shine and given every germ the boot, it’s time to tackle storing your equipment. If you want to ensure that your cleaning equipment lasts longer, it’s important to clean and store it properly after use. Avoid cross-contamination by cleaning microfiber cloths, mops, and other tools after each use and use a new or freshly cleaned cloth or mop each time you start cleaning.

Closing Notes

By implementing these tips, you’ll save time and energy during your spring cleaning tasks, while also ensuring your employees have a safer, healthier, happier environment to work in.

Need a helping hand? In addition to supplies, we also offer equipment rentals, repairs (at a low cost to you), on-site demos, and training programs. Learn more about our janitorial and facility cleaning program and services.

Ready to get your hands dirty and dive into a good spring clean? Make sure you’re stocked up on everything you need.

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