Top 8 High Touch Office Areas That Need Regular Cleaning

You would never reuse the same coffee cup unless it was washed; then, why would you keep touching the same unclean doorknob that has come into contact with the touch of many? Offices nowadays are full of modern technology and ergonomic furniture, but they also contain invisible grime that clings to the most frequently touched surfaces. From lift buttons to shared phones and break room equipment, these high contact spots serve as stealthy carriers of germs, bacteria and viruses that can endanger employee health and productivity. Despite routine cleaning, these areas are often disregarded.

To create a healthier, safer cleaning environment, it is vital to concentrate on these often overlooked surfaces. This article focuses on the top 8 high touch office spaces that must be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid the spread of illness, and maintain a sanitary work environment. Whether you’re performing routine maintenance or preparing for a commercial handover, expert assistance from organisations such as skilled End of Lease Cleaning Newcastle can ensure that every high traffic area is clean. Let us start.

1. Clean All Door Handles and Entry Points

One of the most obvious yet frequently neglected high touch areas is the door handle. Every day, handles see innumerable hands, be it the main entrance, office doors, meeting rooms or even supply closets. While they may not appear to be dirty at all times, they are an ideal environment for germs and bacteria to grow. Regular disinfection is essential, not just during flu season but all year round.

Automatic doors may decrease interaction but not all organisations have this option. For firms that rely on manual access, using a disinfectant spray or sanitising wipes several times each day can help reduce the risk of sickness spreading through this common point of contact.

2. Clean the Shared Office Equipment

Office equipment like printers, scanners, copiers and shredders are used by multiple employees, yet they are rarely ever cleaned between uses. These machines are essential to the daily operations of the company and are commonly located in communal areas, increasing chances of cross contamination.

Touch screens, buttons and paper trays should be wiped down frequently with suitable disinfectants that won’t damage electronic components. For offices using shared tools or machinery, especially in design or technical roles, these surfaces deserve just as much attention as desks and floors.

3. Clean all Workstations and Desks

Although employees may feel a sense of ownership over their personal workspace, desks are still a major high touch zone. Keyboards, computer mice, phones and desk surfaces are used constantly throughout the day, and not just by the primary user. Think IT support, cleaners or colleagues dropping by for a quick task.

Crumbs, fingerprints and bacteria can quickly build up if left unchecked. Encourage staff to clean their own stations regularly, but also include desk areas in the routine cleaning schedule. For offices preparing to vacate premises, services offering detailed end of lease cleaning Newcastle can ensure all workstation surfaces are sanitised thoroughly, meeting both hygiene and lease agreement standards.

4. Clean the Kitchen and Break room Appliances

Microwaves, refrigerators, kettles, coffee machines and even cupboard handles in staff kitchens are some of the dirtiest places in the office. These areas are shared by everyone, but the responsibility for cleaning them often falls through the cracks.

Food residue, spills and frequent hand contact create a breeding ground for germs. Daily cleaning of handles, buttons and surfaces, along with a weekly deep clean of all appliances, can greatly reduce the risks. Proper signage and reminders, too, can help keep employees accountable, but professional cleaners should step in periodically to maintain hygiene.

5. Disinfect Lift Buttons and Handrails

Lifts are utilised regularly in a multi level office buildings. Every person entering or exiting must press a button, often without thinking about who came before them. Likewise, handrails in stairwells or hallways are another high contact surface that gets overlooked.

These areas should be sanitised several times a day, especially during peak hours. Installing hand sanitiser dispensers nearby can also reduce the transmission of germs. When relocating from an office space, engaging professional lease cleaning services can help ensure all such communal areas meet exit standards and hygiene expectations.

6. Clean Meeting Room Tables and Equipment

Conference rooms are high traffic areas where employees and visitors gather. Shared tables, remote controls, speakerphones, whiteboard markers and presentation clickers all get handled frequently; yet they are rarely sanitised between meetings.

Because these rooms are often booked back to back, germs can spread rapidly from one group to the next. After each meeting, the room should be aired out and disinfected, particularly the tabletop and shared tools. Including this as part of your cleaning routine helps promote a healthier environment for everyone.

7. Reception and Visitor Touchpoints Sanitation

First impressions matter and the reception area is the face of your business. Unfortunately, it’s also a hotbed for bacteria. Pens, sign in tablets, brochures and countertops see frequent use by staff, clients and delivery personnel alike.

Maintaining a clean reception not only boosts your professional image but also ensures a hygienic entry point for everyone. Regular disinfection of shared items and surfaces is essential, and it helps to provide hand sanitiser for guests to use upon arrival.

8. Light Switches and Thermostat Panels

Things like light switches and thermostat controls are touched daily by multiple people but are rarely cleaned. These small, high use surfaces can be difficult to disinfect without regular planning, yet they can harbour significant amounts of bacteria.

Including them in your daily or weekly cleaning schedule ensures no area is left unchecked. For businesses undergoing an office transition, even these subtle details are important to address, especially when fulfilling lease end requirements.

High Touch Office Areas Needing Regular Sanitation

Wrapping Up

High touch surfaces in the office are easy to ignore but play a major role in the spread of germs. Regularly cleaning these eight key areas helps protect employees, reduce sick days and present a professional, hygienic workspace. Whether you’re maintaining a busy workplace or preparing to hand over a commercial lease, professional cleaning services can help ensure that every surface is thoroughly cleaned and ready for whatever is next.