Is Your Office Space Clean? 5 Warning Signs that You Need a Professional Cleaning Team

office space clean

Just because your employees keep things tidy doesn’t automatically make your office space clean. While an orderly office can give the appearance of a clean workspace, a closer inspection could reveal hidden dirt, dust, and germ hot spots. If you are worried your office isn’t as clean as it appears, there are typical signs that you can look for.

Here are five big warning signs that it is time for help from a professional cleaner.

1. Unexplained Smells

With so many different people working every day in the same space, there are bound to be a lot of smells. But if you start noticing bad smells beyond re-heated seafood in the breakroom, you could be dealing with a bigger sanitation problem. Persistent, unpleasant smells can be a sign there are bacteria in your office. Not only do bacteria make your space smelly, but they can also lead to illnesses and allergies. Improperly stored food or poorly managed waste can be significant sources of bad smells and bacteria. A professional cleaner can help you devise a plan to manage waste and keep bacteria-prone areas clean.

2. Pests

If you see any pests—cockroaches, rodents, flies, spiders, etc—that is a major sign you must take steps to clean your workspace. A random fly coming in from outside is one thing. But if you notice bugs so often they feel like co-workers, you must make some changes. If food is not adequately stored and waste is not disposed of correctly, pests won’t be far behind. Spiders and other creepy crawlies thrive best in dusty, infrequently cleaned corners. Frequent dusting and garbage disposal can limit your exposure to pests.

3. Sticky Surfaces

Sticky surfaces can result from a recent spill but can also be a sign of built-up dirt, dust, and grime. Accumulated dirt, over time, can become tacky and eventually damage the surfaces of your office. Sticky floors can also be a safety hazard causing slips, trips, and falls. A professional cleaner will wipe down surfaces and scrub away grime to ensure the safety and longevity of your surfaces.

4. Dust

Dust makes things look dirty and can also increase allergies and aggravate respiratory issues. If you frequently find yourself sneezing, coughing, or short of breath at work, there could be an excess dust build-up in the area. Dust accumulates on shelves, desks, and cabinets, but it can also imbed itself in carpeting. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can remove dust and decrease the respiratory issues dust build-up can cause.

5. Frequent Illnesses

Frequent employee illness is a massive sign that your space isn’t clean. When illnesses run through your office like wildfire every few weeks, you need to take steps to protect your health and the well-being of your employees and visitors. Especially in a post-pandemic world, people are more aware of how our environments can impact our health. Frequent cleanings of high-touch areas can limit exposure to illnesses in your office. A healthy workforce is a productive workforce.

It is easy to become blind to uncleanliness in your everyday environment. If you notice any of these big warning signs, PFM can help. We can help you develop a plan that keeps your workspace safe, healthy, and clean.