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We like to think that the place we work in is clean and germ-free. But even if your office has janitorial cleaning services, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with germs. In the United States, an average workplace contains an average of 500 different types of bacteria. If you're looking to do a little office cleaning, here are the dirtiest places you will find around your work place.
Most people would assume the bathroom is the top place for germs in the office, but that's not true. In fact, the number one dirtiest place in your office is right in front of you; your computer's mouse and keyboard. Studies have shown that a your office's public toilet can be up to 50 times clean than your mouse or keyboard. If you share a computer with your colleagues, be sure to wipe down the keyboard each time to prevent picking up any germs. In the break room, germs can be found on refrigerator door handles, water fountains, vending machines, and the sink handle. These places are touched by many people in the office all day, and most trips to the break room don't require a hand wash, making it the perfect place for germs to spread.
To avoid the contamination of germs, it's advisable to keep hand sanitizer at your desk, which should be use immediately after every time you come into contact with someone new. Wash your hands as soon as you get to work to avoid the spreading of any germs you may have picked up on the way, especially if you use public transit or share a car. Keeping disinfectant wipes on your desk is a great way to avoid bacteria, and these should be used before you use any of the shared surfaces at the office. If you are concerned about the status of your office's cleanliness, talk to your boss about adding additional cleaning services to make sure everyone can work in a safe, clean environment.
