Dust. An element that keeps our cleaning schedules continually busy, and if we’re honest, just keeps on coming back!
Unfortunately, and especially in office environments, dust build-up can cause a deterioration in air quality, creating an unhealthy atmosphere for you and your staff.
Regular cleaning and dusting processes and procedures should be carried out routinely, as these methods are the best way to get rid of dust, germs, and more, from everyday surfaces that people use.
This post takes a look at how to clean dust and keep it at bay—helping to keep your office environment hygienically clean and your employees happy.
What is dust?
Dust. The particles that glisten even more when the sun shines, making us either run for our dusters or sneeze at the very sight!
Dust is a build-up of many things. Some we just don’t want to think about, and others….let’s just say we want to get rid of dust and keep on top of it as best as possible.
Interestingly, most indoor dust comes from outdoors with airborne particles blown in from the outside.
However, dust is made up of pollen, food debris, fibres from carpets and clothing, human skin, soil, dust mites and other insects, pet skin cells, pet hair, and much much more!
Dust and your health
As we’ve mentioned, dust can negatively affect your health, leading to people experiencing headaches, bronchitis, and long-lasting colds.
Dust can also cause an allergic reaction to those who suffer from sensitive skin.
And, dust can also carry, and so transmit infections such as the common cold and influenza.
Office cleaning, therefore, is essential!
It’s estimated that in the UK alone, over 4,000 people die each year as a result of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) – exposure to excessive dust in the workplace.
This is where the use of PPE should also be accounted for. Items such as face masks, eye protection, ventilators, gloves, etc.
How to get rid of dust once and for all
Have the right tools for the job – such as hoovers, sweeping attachments, compressed air for keyboards, etc. Damp microfiber cloths will work wonders – much better than your average feather duster, as the weight of the moisture in the microfibre cloth helps stop the dust from lingering in the air as it captures it, and it sticks!
Don’t forget about the vents – vents are where we typically find the biggest build-up of dust in offices, so it’s important to ensure these areas remain on your office cleaning company’s regular maintenance regime.
Consider a clear desk policy – dust likes to collect and build up when things begin to pile up. A clear desk policy helps employees to keep things tidy, in order, and above all else…. clean! Clearing the clutter and focusing on a minimalistic approach helps make desks and surfaces easier to clean and wipe down. It also makes dust more visible for people to see and clean!
Blinds and radiators can be dust traps, make sure to clean inside radiators and, where possible, use a special blind cleaning brush for all window blinds. Hard surface blinds are easier to clean and attract the least amount of dust, and when cleaning blinds, you should always start at the top and work your way down.
Keep a check on your welcome/entrance mats, as most dust comes from being dragged in off people’s shoes. Mats can be a primary source of dust and mite build-up, so they must be cleaned regularly.
Make use of air purifiers – air purifiers help to limit dust before it settles on a surface. It’s not just about wiping down surfaces to rid them of dust; it’s also about removing dust from the air. Placing these strategically around the office in some of the busiest areas will help with overall air quality.
Think of your HVAC system and the air which is filtering back out into the building. You must replace filters regularly to stop dust building up and becoming trapped, rendering the system useless or worse, it could push the dust particles back out into the office again!
Inevitably dust is part of our lives, and we’ll never escape it completely, but we can help keep it to a healthy minimum.
Office Cleaning Service Bradford
Clear Choice offers expert office cleaning services in Bradford, all at competitive prices.
A professional team who can carry out routine cleans as well as deep cleans when required.
If you want your office to get clean and stay clean and germ-free – let us work with you and your workplace requirements; call 01132 711 432
