Germs. Germs. Germs.
It seems like no matter where you go, you can’t get away from germs! Like it or not, germs have been around for a long time and have no plans of going away anytime soon. So, the best thing we can do is educate ourselves, especially when it comes to where germs are found the most.
In today’s blog, let’s talk about germs. More specifically, where the most germs can be found, especially in your workplace. And what you can do to protect yourself from the most harmful germs.
Desktops
That’s right. The place where you spend the most time at work is one of the germiest! According to WebMD, there are about 400 times more germs on your desk than on a toilet seat. However, there is a simple explanation for this. Throughout the day, you travel to and from your desk. As you do, you’re transporting germs from everything that you touch. So be sure to clean your desk area regularly (including your keyboard!).
Cafeteria/Breakroom Vending Machines
Having a snack attack? There’s not much more convenient than hitting the cafeteria or break room vending machine. All you have to do is toss in a dollar, hit a few buttons, and voilà, a tasty snack right at your hands. However, you might want to wash your hands before consuming your yummy salty or sweet treat. WebMD also reports that 1 in 5 vending machines were likely to pass along illness-causing germs! When in doubt, vending machines should be treated as food prep areas.
Elevators
Or more specifically, elevator buttons. Pushing the “up” or “down” button isn’t really something we often think twice about. However, these buttons are a melting pot community for all the germs, viruses, and bacteria living throughout your office building. If everyone in the building uses the elevator throughout the day, they are carrying their own set of germs on their hands whenever they touch the elevator buttons. So maybe consider covering your hands or using your elbows when pushing the elevator button. You can also sanitize immediately after taking the elevator. Or, maybe it’s best to just take the stairs.
Bathrooms
It probably doesn’t surprise you that bathrooms tend to be one of the germiest places in the office. WebMD explains that “germs like E.coli bacteria can cover the office bathroom. Even getting your hands clean can be hard because the faucet handles may be especially dirty.” Unfortunately, as a high-trafficked area. This makes total sense. So make sure you wash and sanitize thoroughly – even if you’re late to your next meeting.
What Are Some Solutions?
Okay. We get it. The world is a germy place, especially our office spaces. But what can we do? Well, the reality is that germs are everywhere. And, many germs and other forms of bacteria are important pieces of our environment.
But germs can certainly get you sick. There are a few simple solutions that you can take to prevent illness or germ spread. The simple act of washing your hands is one of the best ways to keep germs out of your body. Make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer also provides additional protection.
For more intensive company-wide solutions, it’s important to trust professional cleaning services. An expert professional cleaning company, such as SJ Services, can help stop germs from spreading throughout your office via proven cleaning solutions using the best equipment and practices. This way, you can keep your office as clean and germ-free(ish) for the long run.