Cleanliness in the office is more than just keeping your desk/workspace organised, it’s about true cleanliness. Keeping your office, or any work environment, clean should be a priority for any business, and it requires more than consumer cleaning products and elbow grease.
In this blog, we will explore the importance and best methods available when it comes to how to keep your office clean.
Sentrex Services stands as a leading provider of comprehensive cleaning and hygiene solutions, serving a vast region from the Northwest to the Southeast of England. With a dedicated team of over 600 professionals, we deliver bespoke cleaning services tailored to the unique needs of each commercial client.
The importance of a professional cleaning: Under a microscope
The importance of a professional cleaning service extends far beyond the visible removal of dirt and debris. It’s about creating a truly hygienic environment, particularly concerning microscopic sanitation, which significantly impacts health and well-being.
Office spaces, and other workspaces for a variety of businesses require sanitisation as neglecting this can result in a proliferation of bacteria, this is especially true for spaces with heavy traffic.
Here’s a deeper look into how professional cleaning services deal with the invisible threats of an unclean environment:
Pathogen proliferation:
- Every surface, even seemingly clean ones, harbours microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Without professional intervention, these pathogens multiply rapidly, creating a breeding ground for infections.
- Common office surfaces like keyboards, phones, and door handles become hotspots for the transmission of bacteria.
Biofilm formation:
- Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces, forming a protective layer that makes them resistant to standard cleaning methods.
- Professional cleaning services utilise specialised cleaning agents and techniques to disrupt and remove biofilms, preventing their harmful effects.
Allergen reduction:
- Dust mites, pollen, and other allergens accumulate in carpets, upholstery, and ventilation systems.
- Professional cleaning, including deep carpet cleaning and air duct sanitation, effectively removes these allergens, improving indoor air quality and reducing allergic reactions.
The limitations of non-professional cleaning: Why you need a professional service
For certain environments, there is a deeper level of cleaning required, therefore, a casual approach to office cleaning, and indeed commercial cleaning in general needs a thorough approach.
Here’s the difference between the outcomes of non-professional & professional cleaning:
Surface cleaning vs. deep sanitation:
- Basic cleaning often focuses on visible dirt, leaving behind microscopic contaminants.
- Professional services employ techniques like electrostatic spraying, fogging, and high-temperature steam cleaning to achieve deep sanitation.
Inadequate product selection:
- Consumer cleaning products may not be effective against all pathogens or may leave behind harmful residues.
- Professional cleaners use commercial-grade disinfectants and sanitisers that are rigorously tested and proven to eliminate a wide range of microorganisms.
Lack of training and expertise:
- Non-professional cleaners may lack the knowledge to properly disinfect high-touch areas or handle hazardous materials.
- Professional cleaners are trained in infection control protocols and understand the importance of proper dwell times for disinfectants.
Cross-contamination risks:
- Without proper cleaning protocols, there’s a risk of spreading contaminants from one area to another.
- Professional cleaners follow strict procedures to prevent cross-contamination, using specific colour-coded cloths and separate cleaning tools for different areas.
Equipment deficiencies:
- Consumer vacuums, and other consumer cleaning equipment, is not designed for heavy, commercial use. They lack the power to properly remove deep dirt and pathogens.
- Professional services use commercial grade equipment that is far more effective.
How is using a cleaning service cost-effective?
Professional cleaning services like Sentrex provide long-term cost-effective benefits for any clients that utilise our superior services. Below are a multitude of factors professional cleaning services provide, that result in a cost-effective investment.
Direct financial benefits:
- Professional cleaning services often provide their own supplies, reducing your company’s expenditure on cleaning products and equipment.
- Regular, professional maintenance extends the lifespan of flooring, furniture, and fixtures, preventing premature replacements.
Lowered utility bills (potentially):
- Clean HVAC systems and windows can improve energy efficiency, potentially reducing utility costs.
Decreased waste disposal fees (potentially):
- Efficient waste management by professional cleaners can optimise waste disposal, potentially reducing associated fees.
Indirect financial benefits (productivity & health):
- A sanitised environment reduces the spread of illness, leading to fewer employee absences.
- A clean, organised workspace improves employee morale and focus, leading to increased productivity and reduced stress-related issues.
- A positive and healthy work environment can improve employee satisfaction and reduce turnover, saving on recruitment and training costs.
- Professional cleaning minimises clutter and hazards, reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Business image & client relations:
- A clean and professional office space enhances your company’s image, building trust and confidence among clients and partners.
- A well-maintained environment reinforces a positive brand image, contributing to business growth and customer loyalty.
- A clean and welcoming office creates a positive first impression for visitors, potentially leading to new business opportunities.
What does a professional cleaning service do for you?
In terms of literal tasks, a professional cleaning service encompasses a wide range of cleaning, tailored to the specific needs of the client and the type of space being cleaned.
General cleaning
Dusting:
- Thorough dusting of all surfaces, including desks, shelves, furniture, and fixtures.
- High dusting of hard-to-reach areas.
Vacuuming:
- Vacuuming of carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
- Edge cleaning and attention to high-traffic areas.
Mopping:
- Mopping of hard floors, including tile, laminate, and hardwood.
- Proper use of cleaning solutions to prevent damage and ensure sanitisation.
Rubbish removal:
- Emptying and sanitising bins on site.
- Proper disposal of waste.
Bathroom cleaning:
- Cleaning and sanitising toilets, sinks, and urinals.
- Replenishing paper products and soap.
- Disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
Kitchen/break room cleaning:
- Cleaning and sanitising worktops, sinks, and appliances.
- Wiping down cabinets and tables.
- Cleaning and sanitising microwaves and refrigerators.
Specialised cleaning tasks
Deep cleaning:
- Deep cleaning of carpets using hot water extraction or other appropriate methods.
- Stain removal and spot treatment.
- Interior and exterior window cleaning.
- Cleaning of window frames and sills.
- Floor buffing, waxing, and polishing.
- Stripping and refinishing of hard floors.
Upholstery cleaning:
- Cleaning and sanitising upholstered furniture.
- Stain removal and fabric protection.
Deep cleaning/sanitisation:
- Disinfection of other high-touch surfaces to prevent the spread of germs.
- Use of specialised cleaning agents and equipment for thorough sanitisation.
Post-construction cleaning:
- Removal of construction debris and dust.
- Thorough cleaning of all surfaces.
Event cleaning:
- Cleaning before, during, or after events.
HVAC/Air Duct Cleaning:
- Removal of dust, allergens, and other contaminants from HVAC systems and air ducts.
Depending on the cleaning service you opt for, you can experience further specialised services, which can be helpful for specific businesses or spaces that require industrial, commercial or large-scale cleaning. Examples of this can include hazardous waste cleaning, cladding cleaning, flood cleaning, and much more.
Where to book office cleaning services
At Sentrex, we prioritise commercial, industrial, and specialist cleaning services. Our services aren’t just a standard once-over, we ensure a comprehensive and individually tailored approach perfect for any site.
In this blog, we’ve provided the key information you need to know when it comes to how to keep your office clean, whilst providing supplementary information about the benefits of our professional services.
Our commitment to fair pricing, environmental sustainability, and personalised service sets us apart. We prioritise quality through rigorous control measures, including monthly audits with advanced software, real-time management via iPads, and an automated time and attendance system.
As members of esteemed trade bodies, we adhere to the highest industry standards. Beyond core cleaning, we offer a full suite of soft and hard FM services, ensuring comprehensive building maintenance. Want to know if our services apply to your business or site? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to secure a superior clean.
