When you think about cleaning an office space, many people just clean and neglect to disinfect. In fact, many office managers and workers aren’t aware that disinfecting and cleaning are two different things. The last couple of years navigating a global pandemic has taught us that disinfecting is of utmost importance for the health of everyone and to limit the spread of harmful viruses.
As people are getting back into the office, we must keep high standards of cleaning and be diligent about disinfecting high-touch surfaces. To ensure your office space is being disinfected and cleaned properly, here is a checklist that you can print, laminate, and go through daily, weekly, and monthly.
But first, let’s go over some important points.
The difference between disinfecting and cleaning
Disinfecting is the use of germicidal agents or processes to kill microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, and prions. Look for a disinfectant that kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. We recommend having a disinfectant spray as well as disinfectant wipes for cleaning. If you’re going to use an aerosol, be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area.
Cleaning removes particles from the surface being cleaned. While cleaning is important, it won’t reduce the number of microorganisms on a surface. Simply put – cleaning agents are formulated to remove dirt and grime, lift stains, and polish up an area while disinfecting removes the harmful pathogens.
Download the Free Cleaning and Disinfection Checklist
When and where to disinfect
In an office environment, the rule of thumb is to disinfect high-touch surfaces daily. For items and machines that are shared or are used by customers, such as computers, keyboards, mouse, and payment machines, we recommend wiping them down with disinfectant in between uses.
Here is a list of surfaces to disinfect, which we include in our disinfection and cleaning checklist:
- Desks and computer chairs
- Common area furniture
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Reception desk
- Telephones
- Handles to cabinets, refrigerator, dishwasher, faucets, etc
- Elevator buttons
- Shared touch screens
- Cash registers
As you go through each room, use our printable checklist below to make sure all high-touch surfaces are disinfected.
Reception Area / Individual Offices
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Desks
- Chairs
- Tables
- Drawer handles
- Telephones
- Computers
- Keyboards
- Mouse
- Trash and Recycling bins
- Shared office equipment
- Electronic devices
- Cash registers
- Debit/credit machines
- ATM machines
- Vending machines
- TV remotes / Projector remote
- Temperature Controls
Entryway
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Trash and recycling bins
- Elevator buttons
- Stair railings
- Chairs
- Countertops
- Tables
Bathrooms
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Countertops
- Soap dispenser
- Towel dispenser
- Faucet taps and fixtures
- Stall door handles and latches
- Stall walls
- Toilet seats
- Toilet handles
- Changing stations
- Trash and recycling bins
Kitchen
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Countertops
- Soap dispenser
- Kitchen sink and fixtures
- Refrigerator handle
- Dishwasher handle
- Cupboard and drawer handles
- Countertops
- Tables
- Chairs
- Coffee pots
- Kettles
- Trash & recycling bins
