The annual spring clean is the perfect time to build awareness of the benefits of having a tidy workplace and to encourage a collective effort to keep workspaces safe. We spoke to Fiona Mcguiness, Health, Hygiene and Safety Specialist, to share a few helpful cleaning tips just in time for your annual workplace spring clean.
What are the benefits of spring cleaning?
“There are so many – improving efficiency and organisation, creating a healthier and safer place to work for all employees, increasing productivity and even lowering absenteeism,” says Fiona.
Tip 1: Know the difference between cleaning and disinfecting
“Cleaning and disinfecting are often interchangeably used but they are two separate steps in the cleaning process. Knowing the difference between the two is very important,” says Fiona.
“To disinfect a surface, you have to thoroughly clean it first because the presence of dirt and grime can reduce the effectiveness of disinfectants and alter their ability to kill germs,” informs Fiona.
“Keep in mind, disinfectants won’t have any effect if they are sprayed and immediately wiped away. You need to let them rest and activate on the surface before you wipe, otherwise you’re just removing the product and not actually coating the surface. Hospital-grade disinfectants are ideal to safeguard from bacteria and viruses, ensuring germ protection. Each product has a different resting time so make sure you check labels for instructions.
“Always remember to wear the correct PPE when cleaning and ensure that the Safety Data Sheet is readily available for all chemicals that are on site,” says Fiona.
Tip 2: Use the right products and techniques for different surfaces
“There’s a huge variety of products made for different surfaces and purposes. Always read product labels and follow instructions to get the best results out of your product.
“For general office cleaning, surface wipes are ideal because they’re accessible, easy to store and can be disposed of after use to prevent cross-contamination. Pine O Cleen Biodegradable Disinfectant Wipes are perfect for workplaces with multiple workstations. The wipes contain a plant-based active ingredient and are biodegradable,” says Fiona.
“For hard surfaces such as desks, floors and kitchen countertops, remove dirt and grime using a detergent-based product first. Start from the cleanest section and move towards the dirtiest section. When cleaning the floor, always use a wet floor sign to reduce the risk of slips and falls. You can then disinfect with a surface wipe or spray.
“In terms of soft surfaces, items that can’t be wiped clean or washed in a washing machine should be steam cleaned using hot water extraction. This method involves injecting a combination of water and cleaning agents into the surface and removing soil with a vacuum. A spot cleaner can be used for smaller areas that require cleaning. There are specialised spot cleaners and chemicals specifically designed for cleaning carpets and soft furnishings. Disinfectants in aerosol-type spray are great for sanitising the surface.
“When it comes to electronics, not all disinfectant wipes are suitable. This is because they generally contain alcohol-based ingredients which can be quite harsh on your screens. You want to look for cleaning products specifically made for electronics, which are often ammonia-free or alcohol-free, so they don’t damage your tech,” advises Fiona.
Tip 3: Declutter your workspace
“Remove any unnecessary items and clutter from your workstation. Get rid of any old sticky notes and pens and file away any papers you no longer need. Organise any messy cords and pack away personal items that have been lying around on your workspace.
“Dust accumulates on our desks throughout the year. To ensure a clean foundation, use surface wipes to eliminate any bacteria and dust build-up. Tackling both dust and clutter will create a refreshing and healthier workspace that is conducive to productivity,” says Fiona.
Tip 4: Keep pests out of the workplace
“The best advice is to keep all workspaces clean and tidy. Ensure that all areas are free of any food waste that could attract pests like cockroaches and ants. Encourage employees to keep workstations free from clutter and establish hygiene guidelines to encourage proper hygiene practices.
Provide cleaning products near kitchens to make it easier for employees to access convenient and easy pest eradication products. Pest control items like the Mortein Powergard Multi Insects Killer are ideal for preventing and protecting against unwanted cockroach visitors in the workplace, and it eliminates cockroaches by breaking the breeding cycle. Take a step further and stock up on insect repellent products to ensure that your workplace is pest-free for the new season,” recommends Fiona.
Tip 5: Reach out to the professionals
If you have any questions or need advice about health, hygiene or safety at work, reach out to an expert*. Winc’s dedicated Health Hygiene and Safety team can conduct site surveys to identify areas for improvement in your workplace and provide recommendations to ensure the correct cleaning and disinfecting products and procedures are being implemented.
“Our team collaborates with trusted global suppliers to products and services suited for areas of the workplace. Our team can also provide training to ensure that cleaning products are used correctly and safely,” says Fiona.
To support your business during the annual spring clean and day to day, view our Spring Cleaning deals online.
Disclaimer: *Health, Hygiene and Safety Surveys are currently only available to existing Winc customers located within metropolitan areas. Applications for a survey will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
