We know that the workplace contains multiple high-touch surfaces that could harbor germs and bacteria, such as desks, staplers, pens, and more. Naturally, these things accumulate dirt and grime very easily. As such, it is no surprise that regular cleaning and disinfecting is essential.
A clean office environment can help your workers avoid catching illnesses, and it encourages productivity. Office equipment are no exemption.
To be able to keep a healthy office space, you must learn how to effectively disinfect office equipment too. But first, what is disinfecting?
Disinfecting vs. Cleaning
According to Medline Plus, disinfecting is a process that uses chemicals to get rid of bacteria and germs on surfaces. Chemical disinfectants are left on surfaces of objects to kill remaining germs after cleaning. This is an essential step as it lowers the risk of infections and exposure to disease-carrying bacteria.
Cleaning, on the other hand, is the act of physically removing dirt from surfaces. It removes dust and grime, but it does not kill bacteria and germs. Cleaning only reduces or removes them. Still, it is an essential part of the disinfecting routine. Disinfecting a dirty and dusty surface is definitely not advisable.
It is important that you clean and disinfect office equipment as part of maintenance.
When Should You Disinfect Office Machinery?
Office equipment requires regular cleaning. Dust and debris should be wiped off often to prevent them from building up. Dirt build-up could cause performance issues in the long run, which is why daily and weekly routine cleanings are needed.
Aside from regular clean-ups, disinfecting office machinery at least once a month is a must. Monthly equipment inspections are necessary to reassess cleaning and disinfecting schedules.
In special cases (e.g., pandemics, flu season, other contamination events, etc.), disinfecting could be done as often as required. However, frequently touched and used objects and surfaces need disinfecting daily.
How to Disinfect Office Equipment
To correctly and effectively disinfect office machinery, you must do the following:
1. Determine what kind of disinfectant is best suited for the material of the machinery.
According to the EPA, there is a difference between disinfectants for porous and non-porous material. Using the wrong disinfectant may damage the machinery or prove ineffective. You can also consult the EPA’s list of approved disinfectants for this.
2. Read the instructions.
Do not skip this step. To be able to use a chemical disinfectant effectively, you must know how to use it. Reading the instructions not only tells you how something is used but also what not to do with it. It could also contain information on what other chemicals not to use the substance with.
3. Consult the maintenance manual of the machinery.
To avoid damaging machine components, you must look into the manual. Manuals and equipment guides can show you how to best clean your equipment. It could also shed light on what disinfectants to use.
4. Clean before disinfecting.
Make sure to get the dirt off of the office machinery before applying your chosen disinfectant. Wiping down surfaces reduces the presence of germs and bacteria, which will make your disinfecting routine more effective.
5. Use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when disinfecting.
Some chemicals could cause harm to the body without proper protection. So, use PPEs (e.g., gloves, masks, goggles, etc.) when disinfecting, depending on which chemicals you are using. At the very least, use gloves. Of course, you can always check the labels or instructions for this.
6. Leave it to the professionals.
Not many people have the time to do their research, clean up, and disinfect equipment. It can be a very demanding task that could go wrong in so many ways. If you need to, play safe and call the professionals. Not only will the best products on the markets be used on your machinery, but the best cleaning methods will be utilized too. You can also get an assessment to figure out a better cleaning schedule for your workspace and your office equipment.
Hire Office Cleaners for the Job
A healthy work environment is a plus for employees, employers, and clients alike. As such, daily workspace cleaning and sanitation routines are definitely a must.
Effective office cleaning does not end with carpets and desks but includes the office machinery too. It ensures that all gears of the workplace are in place and are working flawlessly and safely. Plus, cleanliness gives off an air of professionalism that no one could just imitate.
We at Prestige Property Services can provide you with outstanding Orange County cleaning services honed through years of experience. We can assure you that your facility will be safe and spotless after we finish.
Give us a call today at 714-224-0301 or email info@prestigepropertyservices.com for inquiries.
