How Often Should Shared Office Equipment and Surfaces Be Cleaned by Professionals?

Jul 14, 2025

In a shared office environment, everything from keyboards and desks to door handles and copy machines is touched by multiple people every day. These shared surfaces and equipment can easily become breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and allergens—impacting employee health, productivity, and overall office hygiene.

While daily tidying may reduce visible mess, professional cleaning is essential for thorough sanitation and long-term cleanliness. So how often should you bring in the pros to clean shared office spaces and equipment? Let’s break it down by surface, frequency, and why it matters.



1. Daily: High-Touch Surfaces and Common Areas

Some surfaces in the office are handled dozens—or even hundreds—of times per day. These areas require professional daily cleaning, especially in busier workspaces.

  • Doorknobs, elevator buttons, and light switches

  • Breakroom counters, tables, and sink handles

  • Restroom faucets, dispensers, and flush handles

  • Reception desks and lobby seating areas

These areas collect invisible germs that can spread illness quickly. A daily professional clean ensures that disinfectants are used properly and consistently, reducing the risk of contagion.


2. 2–3 Times a Week: Shared Office Equipment

Shared equipment in workspaces should be cleaned at least two to three times per week by professionals, depending on how frequently it's used.

  • Printers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines

  • Shared keyboards, mice, and phones in hot desk setups

  • Touchscreens and conference room AV equipment

Even if employees wipe down devices occasionally, professional cleaning ensures deep disinfection—especially in hard-to-reach crevices where grime and bacteria collect.


3. Weekly: Desks, Chairs, and Personal Workspaces

While personal desks may be the responsibility of individual employees, in shared or rotating workstations, weekly professional cleaning is a must.

  • Wipe down desks, drawer handles, and chair armrests

  • Sanitize under-desk storage, keyboard trays, and mousepads

  • Vacuum fabric chairs and clean rolling casters

Weekly cleaning keeps allergens and dust under control while preventing cross-contamination between users of shared workstations.


4. Monthly: Floors, Vents, and Upholstery

Some surfaces may not seem dirty to the naked eye but can still harbor dust, debris, and allergens. These should be cleaned monthly to support a healthier indoor environment.

  • Carpet steam cleaning and hard floor polishing

  • Dusting air vents, ceiling fans, and baseboards

  • Deep cleaning of fabric upholstery and office dividers

Monthly cleaning improves air quality and overall office comfort, especially in buildings with minimal ventilation or high foot traffic.


5. Seasonally: Full Office Sanitization

Every three to six months, it’s wise to schedule a comprehensive deep clean of the entire office space. This helps tackle buildup in overlooked areas and preps your office for flu season or allergy spikes.

  • Complete floor-to-ceiling sanitation of all shared spaces

  • Inside and underneath furniture, filing cabinets, and appliances

  • Disinfection of electronics, including inside microwave handles and coffee machines

  • Review and reset of cleaning supply stations (wipes, sanitizers, etc.)

A seasonal clean is also a great time to review office hygiene protocols and ensure your workplace is meeting the latest cleanliness standards.


Why Professional Cleaning Matters

Even when employees do their part to maintain cleanliness, only professionals have the tools and training to sanitize deeply and consistently. Hiring a commercial cleaning team helps:

  • Reduce employee sick days by limiting germ spread

  • Improve office morale by creating a cleaner, more organized environment

  • Extend the life of office furniture and equipment through proper maintenance

  • Present a professional image to clients and visitors

A regular schedule with a trusted cleaning partner ensures your shared workspaces stay healthy, presentable, and productive.

 

Conclusion

Shared office equipment and surfaces may not always look dirty—but they’re among the most germ-prone parts of the workplace. Establishing a routine schedule with professional cleaners not only protects your employees but also elevates your office environment as a whole.

Ready to build a customized cleaning schedule for your workplace? Contact Sweep Cleaning Services Burnaby today to request a quote and ensure your office stays clean, healthy, and ready for business.

 

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