When we’re at home, we have more control over our exposure to viruses, colds, germs, and general dirt. We can easily grab the vacuum cleaner from the closet to clean the carpet, dust and polish the living room and bedrooms, and mop the kitchen floors. While cleaning might not be anyone’s favorite activity, we do it to keep our environment clean.
Recent studies highlight a surprising fact: several household items are dirtier than your toilet. For example, a keyboard can harbor five times more bacteria than a toilet seat, which is alarming considering how much we use computers daily.
Keyboards aren’t the only germ magnets. Items like mobile phones, kitchen sponges, and remote controls also house millions of bacteria. Despite this, we manage to live with these germs at home thanks to advanced cleaning products and regular cleaning. However, in a work environment like an office, our exposure to germs is even more intense.
At work, we often don’t have the time or the means to clean as thoroughly as we do at home. This increased exposure during working hours leads many to hire professional cleaners to keep the office clean. Professional cleaners can save time and get the job done efficiently. You can find case studies on cleaning company websites to understand the services they offer.
So, what should we watch out for at work, and how can we reduce our daily exposure to germs?
**Microwaves:** Microwave door handles are teeming with germs and bacteria, especially since they are frequently used in kitchens around food. To reduce bacteria, use a paper towel when touching the handle or, even better, wipe it with a hot, damp cloth regularly.
**Toilet Sink Handles:** These can be tricky germ spreaders. After washing your hands, you touch the faucets again to turn them off, potentially re-contaminating your hands. Washing your hands thoroughly helps, but using sanitizer gel afterward offers better protection.
**Vending Machine Buttons:** Vending machine buttons are major germ spreaders because they’re rarely, if ever, cleaned. To minimize the risk, use a pen to press the buttons or wash your hands after using the machine.
**Keyboards:** As one of the most used items at a desk (right alongside the mouse), keyboards accumulate germs from frequent touching, eating, drinking, and even sneezing. Even those who regularly use hand sanitizer can’t completely avoid contaminating their keyboards. To combat this, clean your keyboard and surrounding equipment daily or every other day with a cleaning spray.
**Monitors:** Although not typically touched often unless using a touchscreen, monitors attract airborne bacteria and germs from people pointing at the screen. Kindly ask colleagues not to touch your screen or use alcohol-free monitor wipes to clean it, as they won’t damage the screen. These wipes work well for TVs and mobile devices too.
**Drinking Fountains:** The buttons and fountain areas can be hotbeds for germs, with many people using them throughout the day. Drinking fountains aren’t very hygienic, so opting to fill up and drink from a glass instead is a safer option.
While these are some of the most common germ spreaders in the office, there are many more, including pencils, telephones, books, and desk fans. Total prevention isn’t possible, but using sanitizer gels throughout the day and regularly cleaning your workspace can help reduce the risk of bacteria-related illnesses.