Keeping the workplace clean is no longer just a good habit; it’s a business necessity. Office managers today must ensure that employees and visitors are protected from exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses. In busy commercial settings, basic cleaning is not enough.
From reducing employee sick days to meeting federal health guidelines, regular sanitization plays a crucial role in maintaining business continuity. That’s why investing in professional sanitizing services is one of the most effective strategies to maintain a safe, healthy work environment. Here’s what office managers need to know to stay ahead of health risks and ensure their cleaning protocols are up to par.
Commercial office buildings differ significantly from residential environments. They’re larger, busier, and filled with high-touch surfaces, from elevators to shared workstations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), viruses like influenza and coronavirus can survive on some surfaces for up to 48 hours.
This means that without proper disinfecting, office surfaces can become major points of transmission. Regular cleaning that focuses on surface-level cleaning may not always meet the standards needed to kill harmful pathogens. Janitorial services that include sanitizing services and follow CDC and EPA guidelines offer deeper, more targeted cleaning that reduces risk across the board.
Office managers should prioritize sanitizing services as part of their regular maintenance schedule. This includes daily sanitization of high-touch areas and periodic deep cleaning of less obvious zones like HVAC vents, upholstery, and storage rooms. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using EPA-approved disinfectants and following a structured plan for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces.
To ensure your sanitizing efforts are truly effective, follow these industry-supported best practices:
A well-structured cleaning plan should define which areas get sanitized and how often. High-touch areas, such as doorknobs, copier buttons, and light switches, require daily attention. Common areas like kitchens and bathrooms need cleaning multiple times per day during high-use periods. Indeed, routine cleaning schedules play a key role in infection prevention strategies in commercial settings.
Ensure that all cleaning agents used are listed on the EPA’s “List N” and are proven effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Office managers should also avoid mixing chemicals, and they should follow proper dilution ratios.
While professionals handle the deep cleaning, employees should be educated and empowered to maintain hygiene throughout the day. This includes frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizer, and disinfecting shared equipment after use. Providing sanitation stations throughout the workplace and placing reminders near high-traffic zones is recommended.
Modern sanitizing services often use electrostatic sprayers, foggers, or UV-C light devices to reach hidden or hard-to-clean areas. These technologies help ensure even coverage, especially in offices with open layouts, shared desks, or cubicles.
Partnering with a commercial cleaning company ensures the highest standards of disinfection. These professionals trained to handle different types of surfaces, follow government guidelines, and use the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize cross-contamination.
Professional sanitizing services often begin with a site assessment to identify high-risk areas. They then create a customized plan and provide documentation to support OSHA or state health inspections. For these reasons, outsourced cleaning supports better compliance, operational efficiency, and workplace wellness.
Academic research likewise backs up the value of professional cleaning. A University of Arizona study found that viruses can spread to over 50% of surfaces and employees within just four hours of a single contaminated surface being touched. Professional sanitization dramatically reduces this risk.
Choosing the right sanitizing services provider is critical. Office managers should vet companies based on:
In today’s work environment, cleanliness equals confidence. Employees expect their workplaces to be safe and disinfected at the very least, and businesses must deliver on that expectation to maintain productivity and trust. Office managers play a central role in achieving that goal.
Proper cleaning and sanitizing require knowledge of surface types, soil composition, and chemical safety, areas where trained professionals excel. Office managers benefit from outsourcing sanitizing services to experts who stay updated on evolving guidelines and best practices.
By establishing structured protocols, using the right tools, and working with certified professionals, businesses can create a cleaner, safer workplace. Professional sanitizing services is an investment in your company’s well-being, reputation, and long-term success. Call us at Prestige Property Services to get a head start in making sure your offices get the proper cleaning outcomes.
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