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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