Now more than ever, keeping workplaces clean and hygienic is of paramount importance to businesses.
The government has encouraged a gradual return to work for the millions of people who were previously told to “stay at home” during the coronavirus pandemic. However, it is urging everyone to remain cautious. By regularly cleaning office premises, employers can help to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
Furthermore, properly dusting surfaces and equipment will help to create a professional and welcoming environment for staff, business associates and customers.
Read on to find out our top tips for dusting office premises effectively:
1. Schedule Regular Times to Dust
Establishing a cleaning routine is the only way to achieve a consistently presentable and hygienic office space. It’s generally easier and more efficient to dust outside of office hours when cleaners can access all areas and equipment without tripping over or disturbing employees.
Dust is made up of all kinds of matter, including fibres from clothing, pollen, dirt from outside, paper particles and dander (flakes of skin). It will accumulate rapidly in a busy office environment, which many people pass through. Therefore dusting should be done at least weekly and ideally at the end of each day.
2. Dust from Top to Bottom
Start by dusting high surfaces, such as cupboard tops and shelves, before gradually working down to lower areas. This will allow you to remove all dust particles rather than moving them from one place to another.
It’s also a good idea to work in one direction — clockwise or anti-clockwise — around a room. This makes it easier to keep track of where you’ve dusted and makes it less likely that you will miss anything.
3. Use the Right Materials to Dust
When it comes to professional commercial cleaning, any old dust rag certainly will not do. Have a range of materials to hand and be careful to select the best one for the job at hand.
Use a dry, microfibre cloth for cleaning computer monitors and television screens. Harsher materials could scratch the delicate glass or leave unsightly streaks. Also, avoid spraying cleaning materials onto such surfaces as these can be too abrasive and cause irreparable damage. In general, microfibre cloths are gentle enough for all surfaces to trap dust rather than just disturbing it. For hard-to-reach areas, a lambswool duster with a telescopic handle is ideal — feather dusters can aggravate allergies and may scratch surfaces as they thin out.
4. Don’t Forget to Clean Ventilation Covers and Fans!
Effective ventilation is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of viruses such as COVID-19. If an office has ventilation fans and ducts to pump fresh air into the workplace, these must be kept clean to prevent dust particles from being released back into the atmosphere.
Vacuuming is the best way to remove the dust. Use a microfibre cloth to remove any traces that remain.
5. Use a Handheld Vacuum to Trap Dust
Some surfaces should only be cleaned with a suitable cloth to prevent unintentional damage. However, a powerful handheld vacuum is an excellent tool for hard-to-reach areas and furniture.
We often think about the dust that settles on surfaces and objects, but it also falls on the floor. So a thorough vacuum of carpets and hard floors is essential for removing dust in an office environment.
Proper dusting is an important part of any office cleaning programme. To achieve the best results, it’s a good idea to invest in a professional cleaning service that can dust your office regularly.
