06 Mar Reducing Allergens at the Office Through Targeted Cleaning
Allergens, from dust mites and pollen to mold spores, are silent productivity killers. They’re the real reason behind those afternoon sneezes and watery eyes that leave your team feeling miserable.
With some targeted cleaning, you can kick these allergens to the curb. If you’re ready to start reducing allergens at the office through targeted cleaning, we’ve got you covered!
Wiping Down Surfaces
Surface allergens, the silent troublemakers of any office, gather on desks, countertops, keyboards, and nearly all surfaces in the office. A quick wipe down of these surfaces a few times a week can help employees’ health.
Use Microfiber Cloths
Forget old-fashioned dusters that push particles from one spot to another. Microfiber cloths are the secret weapon for truly cleaning surfaces. Unlike traditional dusters, microfiber cloths effectively trap dust, dirt, and allergens within their fibers rather than spreading them around. They are durable, reusable, and efficient, making them a game changer for anyone serious about keeping office surfaces clean.
Prioritize Areas Where Dust Accumulates
Cubicle corners, monitors, blinds, and bookshelves are prime suspects for dust. Most cleaning crews overlook these areas, but they are essential spots to clean in the office. Taking a quick 5 minutes to wipe down these neglected hotspots can significantly reduce allergens in the office and prevent hours of allergy misery throughout the day.
Disinfect With the Right Products
Look for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free disinfectants to effectively eliminate dust mites, pollen, and germs while catering to the needs of sensitive employees. Using the right products ensures that cleaning efforts reduce allergens and create a more comfortable, healthier office for everyone.
Cleaning Carpets and Upholstery
That comfy couch in the breakroom is a treasure chest for allergens. Those wall-to-wall carpets that dampen sounds and brighten the look of the office are a five-star hotel for allergens. These areas harbor dust and dander in ways smooth surfaces can’t match. It is essential to clean the areas regularly to prevent an allergen retreat in the office.
Vacuum With HEPA Filters
Your vacuum should have High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to maximize allergen removal. These specialized filters capture even the tiniest particles, including microscopic allergens like dust mites, pollen, and mold spores, instead of recirculating them back into the office air.
Frequently vacuuming with a HEPA-equipped vacuum helps maintain a cleaner, healthier office. This reduces the risk of allergy triggers for employees and visitors. Don’t forget to vacuum upholstered furniture regularly. These pieces of furniture can collect just as much sneeze-inducing dust as your carpets but rarely get the cleaning attention they deserve.
Steam Clean
Even the most thorough vacuuming can’t capture everything. Those pesky allergens settle deep within carpet and upholstery fibers, beyond the reach of your regular vacuum.
Steam cleaning brings the heat and provides a deeper clean than vacuuming. The high-temperature steam not only loosens dirt but also kills dust mites, mold, bacteria, and other allergens lurking in the depths of your carpet and office furniture.
As a bonus, steam cleaning removes those mysterious office odors and leaves carpets and furniture looking and feeling brand-new. Scheduling a professional steam cleaning quarterly can significantly reduce allergens in the office, creating a healthier, more productive workspace for employees.
Removing Allergens From the Air
Airborne allergens are the invisible enemy that waft freely through office spaces. When someone opens a filing cabinet or shuffles papers, these microscopic troublemakers go airborne again. Winning the war against allergens requires purifying the office air.
Clean Air Vents
Over time, air vents collect dust, debris, and other microscopic particles. Each time the system kicks on these particles are blown directly into employees’ breathing spaces. Regularly cleaning air vents prevents a buildup of dust, debris, and other particles and improves overall air circulation. This ensures that the air circulating in the office is as clean and allergen-free as possible.
Maintain HVAC Systems
Neglected HVAC systems can harbor allergens like mold spores, dust mites, and pollen. Schedule routine maintenance, replace filters regularly, and consider upgrading to high-efficiency filters to make the air in the office as clean as possible. This investment pays off in fewer sick days and happier employees.
Use Air Purifiers
Air purifiers improve air quality by capturing tiny particles invisible to the naked eye. Invest in purifiers equipped with HEPA filtration and allergen-targeting capabilities for the best results. Strategically place the air purifiers throughout the office to create a healthier and more comfortable workspace for everyone.
Keep Plants in the Workplace
Plants are nature’s natural air purifier and can help purify the air in your office. Plants naturally filter harmful toxins from the air and bring life and color to your office. Studies have shown that offices with plants have happier, more productive teams that take fewer sick days.
Spider plants, peace lilies, or snake plants are low-maintenance options that actively remove pollutants while adding a vibrant, calming aesthetic to the office. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, plenty of plants need minimal care and will forgive your neglect while you’re focusing on work.
Implementing Practices To Avoid Allergen Accumulation
Creating an office environment where cleaning is part of the daily routine takes a dedicated team effort.
Use Entryway Mats
Your allergen battle plan should start before anyone enters the office. Place quality entrance mats at every office entryway to catch dirt, debris, and outdoor particles before they invade your office.
To keep the entryway mats working effectively, vacuum and clean both sides every week. Your first line of defense against allergens can quickly become a primary source of allergens entering the office, so don’t forget to clean the mats.
Add Cleaning To Work Routines
Maintaining a clean office is not just the janitorial team’s responsibility; it’s a team effort from everyone in the office. When employees keep their individual spaces clean, they contribute to a healthier shared workspace. Empower employees to join the battle against allergens by dusting their desks with microfiber cloths and regularly wiping their computers and other supplies in their area. These simple habits can prevent allergens from building up and spreading throughout the office. When everyone pitches in, everyone breathes easier.
Schedule Professional Services
Even with the best daily cleaning habits, offices periodically need professional deep cleaning. These professionals use specialized techniques and commercial-grade equipment to thoroughly clean carpets, vents, and hard-to-reach corners that are typically overlooked. A professional cleaning crew can be a difference maker in reducing allergens in the office. After a professional deep clean, everyone will immediately notice the difference from smelling the fresh air to no longer seeing the stains on furniture in the break room.
Reduce Allergens in Your Workplace
Reducing allergens at the office through targeted cleaning is necessary for a productive workspace. With a clean office, you will have a healthier and happier team. So, start putting these tips to use today.
Feeling overwhelmed by all these cleaning recommendations? Our team here at Master Clean is here to help! Contact us now for the best office cleaning service in San Antonio, and let’s make those workplace allergens a thing of the past.