In our 18+ years serving Portland businesses, we've seen countless facilities struggle with cleaning challenges that could easily be avoided. Today, we're sharing the five most common office cleaning mistakes we encounter and how to fix them.
1. Neglecting High-Touch Surfaces
Door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, and shared equipment harbor more germs than a toilet seat. Yet many cleaning programs focus primarily on visible areas like floors and desks while ignoring these critical touchpoints.
The Fix: Implement a high-touch surface protocol that includes disinfecting these areas multiple times daily, not just during nightly cleaning.
2. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Not all cleaning products are created equal. Using harsh chemicals on sensitive surfaces can cause permanent damage, while using weak solutions on high-traffic areas won't provide adequate sanitation.
The Fix: Work with your cleaning provider to create a customized product protocol for each surface type in your facility. At TBM, we maintain a database of over 50 cleaning formulations matched to specific materials and use cases.
3. Inconsistent Cleaning Schedules
Sporadic deep cleans followed by weeks of minimal maintenance create a boom-and-bust cycle that's neither cost-effective nor healthy. Bacteria and dust accumulate faster than you'd expect.
The Fix: Establish a consistent cleaning schedule with daily, weekly, and monthly tasks clearly defined. Consistency is more valuable than occasional intensive cleaning.
4. Ignoring Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can reduce productivity by up to 10% and increase sick days. Many offices focus on surface cleaning while ignoring HVAC vents, air returns, and dust accumulation in hidden areas.
The Fix: Include air quality considerations in your cleaning program. This means regular vent cleaning, proper dusting techniques that don't just redistribute particles, and using HEPA-filtered vacuums.
5. Skipping Floor Maintenance
Floors are your facility's largest surface area, yet many businesses only react to visible damage. By the time you notice floor wear, you've already lost years of potential lifespan.
The Fix: Implement a preventive floor care program that includes regular stripping, waxing, and buffing. This can extend floor life by 10+ years and save thousands in replacement costs.
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Schedule Free AssessmentThe Bottom Line
Effective commercial cleaning isn't about working harder; it's about working smarter. By addressing these five common mistakes, you can create a healthier, more productive workspace while actually saving money in the long run.
At TBM, we've been helping Portland businesses optimize their cleaning programs since 2007. If you're ready to stop making these costly mistakes, we'd love to help.
