How do you keep the workplace clean?

Wash hands, hand gel, face masks and gloves. We are completely filled with it because of the coronavirus. Everyone has now learned to live hygienically, or to slow down the virus. People often only think about keeping their hands clean, but what is the point of washing hands if you never clean the (communal) workplace?

Once a week everyone (hopefully) does a deep cleaning to keep their office space organized and clean. But how clean is our workplace if we just wipe the desk with a cloth?

We list the most important tips on how you can ensure that you have a clean workplace for yourself but also for others.

This will come as a shock to many, but did you know that a keyboard contains 20,000 more bacteria than a toilet seat? Don't worry, because fortunately this problem can be solved!

First turn off the computer/laptop to prevent you from accidentally pressing certain keys or clicking away important documents. Hold the keyboard upside down and shake it slightly so that any loose food or dust particles will fall out. Take a cotton swab (lightly dipped in disinfectant) and gently rub around the keys. Then wipe the larger parts of the keyboard with a disinfectant cloth.

If you have not cleaned the keyboard in years, you can choose to loosen the keys and thoroughly clean under the keys. Another important tip before you start: Take a photo of the keyboard so that you can easily put everything back in place. However, we do not recommend doing this too often: like other electronic devices, it is not designed to be taken apart every time.

A desk full of loose A4 sheets or empty snack paper? Try to keep the workplace clean at all times. But did you know that a clean, tidy desk not only looks neat, but also promotes productivity?

Some people find it difficult to keep an organized desk. Buy the right desk items and make sure unnecessary items are not lying around on the desk. Keep drawers neatly separated to make it easier to sort papers and keep the desk clear.

When the desk is empty, it is easier to wipe it with a cloth. Do this every day or every two days. Use a hot cloth with all-purpose cleaner for the entire desk surface. This ensures a fresh scent and a clean workplace. Don't forget to take the desk drawers with you. When the desk drawers have been emptied for cleaning, this is the optimal opportunity to empty the drawers and see if all items are still relevant. You can throw away a 2020 diary by now!

Good news! A computer mouse is a lot less susceptible to pathogens. You probably didn't expect that, since the hand is constantly clinging to the mouse. However, it is important to pay attention to this as well. Clean the mouse with a cloth of all-purpose cleaner by going over the surfaces.

You probably use the phone for emailing, WhatsApp, scheduling or other work-related matters. No fewer than 34% of Dutch people even take their phone to the toilet.

Research has shown that there are on average 17,000 bacteria on a phone. It is therefore important to clean your (work) telephone. There are special alcohol-free sprays available that make it easy to clean the phone. Always use a microfiber cloth to prevent scratches. A glasses cloth will also suffice.

Do not try to clean your phone with the usual alcohol hand gel as this is of no use. The hand gel is specially made to prevent hands from drying out during use. This causes a certain layer of grease to form: when the phone is cleaned with hand gel, this layer of grease will also form on the phone and it will therefore not be cleaned correctly. Looking for a budget smartphone for work? See our previous blog about our favorite smartphones of 2020.

There are many common areas in the office. This means that several people sit in a room and use the same items, which means that bacteria and bacilli can easily be transferred. It is therefore important to pay attention to the following points:

Empty the trash can regularly to prevent unpleasant odors. What is often skipped is actually cleaning the trash can. Mold quickly grows in a trash can because it is an enclosed space.

Fortunately, there is an effective way to solve this: occasionally fill the trash can with boiling hot water and add a drop of dishwashing liquid. Then let it soak for half an hour. After soaking, rinse the trash can. For really stubborn stains, use a disposable sponge to wipe away the remaining spots.

A place that is quickly forgotten, but this is a place that everyone has their hands on. Therefore, during major cleaning, do not forget to wipe the handles with a cloth of all-purpose cleaner.

It is important to air the office regularly. This ensures fresh air circulation in the room. Good ventilation is important, especially at this time.

Vacuuming and mopping are essential when it comes to cleaning. This is of course common knowledge. But did you also know that, in addition to removing dirt and musty odors, there are also several other benefits to vacuuming and mopping? How about a good dose of exercise. Mopping and vacuuming quickly burns around 130 calories. Win win situation!

In addition to these cleaning tips for a clean workplace, it is also important to observe the general government rules:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap (20 seconds)
• Cough and sneeze into the inside of the elbow
• Use paper tissues to blow your nose and throw them away afterwards
• Don't shake hands
• Keep a distance of 1.5 meters
• Avoid busy places
• Stay home as much as possible
• Wear a face mask