High traffic carpets in offices and front of house areas require regular vacuuming to sustain their cleanliness and appearance – but regular vacuuming is also important for the general health and well-being of your employees.
A clean office is not just aesthetically pleasing, but it can also hamper the spread of viruses and germs, prevent, or reduce seasonal allergies, and enhance the overall indoor air quality.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of regular (and preferably daily for high use areas) office vacuuming and how it contributes to a healthier and cleaner workplace.
1. Dust
Dust is a common problem in all indoor spaces where large numbers of humans congregate. Throughout the day, skin and hair cells are naturally replenished, with old organic material shedding as dust on desks, phone handsets, door handles, and carpets. Accumulated dust can cause various health issues, especially for individuals who suffer from allergies and respiratory problems, and makes the office look dirty and uncared for. Regular vacuuming helps to remove dust from surfaces and carpets, thus reducing the amount of airborne dust, which is a common irritant – and minimising the build-up of dust mites. A clean workspace also means that employees will have fewer sick days, leading to overall productivity benefits.
2. Allergies
Allergies are a common problem that can affect anyone, even those who have never had an allergic reaction before. People can develop an allergic reaction to almost anything, from the hair of someone’s dog bought in on their coat, to their colleague’s perfume, or even some cleaning products. Add to this the annual misery that sufferers of hay fever experience each summer, and you have a potent healthcare issue waiting to happen.
Furthermore, when dust, pollen, and other allergens accumulate in carpets, computer fans, and furniture, they create a perfect breeding ground for mites and other pests. Regular office vacuuming can combat the build-up of allergens that can trigger allergies, leading to a happier and healthier workforce.
3. Mud
Carpets around doors and entrance ways can quickly get muddy in winter and when it’s been raining, with dirt tracked in on boots and shoes. Mud and dirt can quickly accumulate in carpets and rugs, making the space not only unclean but also unsightly. Canine waste and gum bought in on shoes also creates a health hazard for your employees. Vacuuming at the start of each shift after your staff go home helps prevent mud and dirt building up on your carpet, thus reducing stains and making it easier to clean, and helping your office look pristine and tidy.
4. Appearance
A clean workspace is an attractive workspace. Vacuuming your office spaces every day contributes to the overall appearance of the workspace, giving a positive first impression on visitors and sustaining employee morale. Vacuuming can also remove coffee stains, spills, and other unsightly marks, thus creating a cleaner and neater working environment.
5. Bugs and fleas
You don’t need an office moggy for your carpet to get infested with fleas, lice, mites, and other bugs. Fleas are often inadvertently given a lift into work on the shoes or clothing of employees after being picked up from pets at home. These can quickly infest carpets and furniture, leading to irritation and inconvenience for employees, as well as a lousy (literally) impression on customers and visitors. Carpet moths can also be a problem, especially in humid or warm areas, where they can cause significant damage to some types of carpet. Regular vacuuming removes these insects and their eggs before they have a chance to breed, and thus prevents a full-blown infestation.
Find out more
At Power Hygiene, we offer a comprehensive selection of cleaning supplies for professional use in schools, shops, workplaces, and public spaces. To find out more, please call 0800 802 1590 today, or click here to register for a free trade account.
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