South Africa has a relatively mild climate, but winters can be bitterly cold. Most buildings and office spaces are built to keep us cool throughout the summer, which makes for poor winter planning. This may result in a build-up of germs and bacteria. This is why it is important to perform routine office cleaning at the start of the cold season. Here are five tips for cleaning your office at the start of winter.
Disinfect on a daily basis
The winter season is characterized by a high prevalence of colds and flu cases. Germs and bacteria thrive in warm office environments, so clean all desks, phones, keyboards and countertops. Places where a large number of people congregate, such as the reception, should be sanitised and washed on a daily basis. This includes door handles, desks, staircase railings, water coolers and other high-touch surfaces.
Improve air quality
When the weather is cold, people are less likely to open windows. During the winter, the air inside an office can become stuffy and stale. Uncirculated air is not only bad for focus and productivity, but it can also lead to the build-up of allergens and toxins. Investing in office plants or air purifiers is a good way to combat poor air quality, even when the windows are closed.
Dust at least once a week
Indoor dust particles circulate in the air with no means of escape during winter. They settle on flat surfaces, such as tables and keyboards. Over the winter, be sure to dust and wipe all of these surfaces on a regular basis. Carpets must be cleaned regularly as they can trap dirt, dust and bacteria, causing allergies and enabling the transfer of illnesses from the office to the home.
Sanitise thoroughly
The Winter months also mark the beginning of the flu season. As a company, you should do everything possible to keep your employees healthy. Usually, everyone in an office works in close quarters to one another. Mild illnesses can quickly spread from shared equipment and residual germs. Placing sanitising stations around the office, especially in communal areas, can help to minimise the spread of germs amongst employees.
Deep clean at the start and end of winter
Getting a professional to clean your office at the start of winter will contribute to a hygienic and healthy environment. However, a deep clean should also be conducted at the end of winter too. This way, you can be certain that all of the germs that linger in your office during the winter months will be eradicated.
When it comes to keeping your office clean, fresh and inviting, the winter months present unique challenges. It is important to clean the workplace, purify the air, dust once a week, and encourage workers to sanitise on a regular basis. Having a professional cleaning company attend to your office will improve the workplace and protect the health of your employees.
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IWESCO offers specialised cleaning and waste control services to industrial and commercial customers in South Africa. These services are aimed at minimising our customers’ impact on the environment. Our services also include pest control, garden maintenance, fogging and disinfecting. Our staff are highly trained to offer the most professional services. IWESCO is a Level 2 B-BBEE supplier with ISO 14001 certification for environmental management.
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