Top 7 Dirtiest Places in Your Office ( And How We Clean Them )

Keeping your office clean isn’t just about looking professional; it’s also about protecting your staff and clients from hidden germs and bacteria. 

While your workspace may appear clean and tidy on the surface, some of the dirtiest spots in your office are the ones you’d least expect. From shared appliances in the kitchen to everyday desk equipment, these high-touch points often become breeding grounds for harmful germs if not cleaned properly. 

In this blog, we’ll highlight the top 7 dirtiest places in your office and explain how our professional team at ACS Office Cleaning tackles each one to help you maintain a safe, hygienic and spotless workplace.

Top 7 Dirtiest Places in the Office 

1. Keyboards and mice 

Office keyboard and mice are used constantly, often while eating, coughing or sneezing, meaning crumbs, skin oils and moisture are left, which can create the perfect environments for bacteria to thrive. 

Studies have shown that some keyboards can contain up to 400 times more bacteria than an average toilet seat. These germs can include harmful bacteria such as E. coli, which can contribute to the spread of illness and increase staff sick days. 

Our team uses alcohol-based sprays and specialist cloths that are safe for electronics. We thoroughly clean each keyboard and mouse, including the space between the keys, to remove dirt and kill bacteria effectively. 

2. Desk phones 

Desk phones come into close contact with hands, mouths and faces. Yet they are rarely cleaned, especially in shared workspaces. This makes them ideal for the transfer of bacteria and viruses. 

Unclean phone handsets can spread cold and flu viruses quickly, particularly in offices where phones are passed between employees. 

Our team will disinfect phone receivers, buttons and cradles with antibacterial cleaning products, paying extra attention to shared handsets in meeting rooms and communal spaces.

3. Shared technology (ie, printers and photocopiers) 

Shared office equipment such as printers, photocopiers and scanners are touched by multiple employees throughout the day. From button panels to touchscreens, these surfaces quickly become breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, especially in busy office environments. 

Our team understands the importance of keeping shared technology clean. We use non-abrasive antibacterial products that are safe on plastic and touchscreen surfaces. Each device is wiped thoroughly to reduce germ spread, without causing damage.

4. Office kitchens and microwaves 

Communal kitchens see frequent use, especially during lunch hours. Spills include microwaves, sticky fridge handles and crumbs on worktops often go unnoticed. 

Food contamination and poor hygiene in shared kitchens can lead to the spread of harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria, increasing the risk of illness among staff. 

Our team will thoroughly clean all kitchen surfaces, including inside microwaves, fridge doors, countertops and sink areas. We use food-safe disinfectants that kill germs without leaving harmful residues.

5. Chair armrests and desks 

Desks and chair armrests come into contact with hands, forearms, phones and food every day. Over time, they can collect dust, sweat, bacteria and skin oil. 

This bacteria can contribute to skin irritation, respiratory issues and general workplace illness, especially in shared setups. 

Here at ACS, we wipe down desks and chair armrests using antibacterial solutions and microfibre cloths, reducing the contamination. 

6. Lift Buttons 

Lift buttons are touched by almost every person in the building. As a result, they are one of the most bacteria-prone surfaces in an office building. 

A US study from 2014 actually revealed that out of 120 elevators swabbed, over 60% were found to carry bacteria. 

Due to the constant use of lifts, no matter the size of the office, the buttons can easily spread cold and flu viruses, contributing to office-wide illness if not disinfectant regularly. 

Our team will sanitise all lift buttons and surrounding panels using fast-acting antibacterial wipes. 

7. Door handles and light switches 

These are some of the most frequently touched surfaces in any office, yet they are often missed during routine cleans. Germs can survive on door handles and switches for hours and even days. 

Bacteria and viruses spread quickly from these surfaces, especially during flu season. This can lead to increased staff absences and lower morale. 

Our team will pay special attention to high-touch areas, sanitising door handles and light switches with hospital-grade disinfectant. Focusing particularly on entrances, meeting rooms, bathrooms and kitchen areas.

How Often Should These Areas Be Cleaned? 

While our team ensures a consistent and thorough cleaning routine, here is a general guide on how often each of these high-touch areas should ideally be cleaned to keep your office hygienic and germ-free. 

Daily

• Keyboards and mice 
• Desk phones
• Shared technology 
• Kitchen surfaces 
• Door handles and light switches 
• Lift buttons 

Weekly 

• Chair armrests and desks 
• Inside kitchen appliances 

Monthly 

• Less frequently used shared equipment 
• Detailed cleaning of less-used areas and hard-to-reach spots 

How Our Team Keeps Your Office Germ Free