Even when an office looks clean, it may not be safe. Many surfaces collect germs and bacteria throughout the day, especially in busy environments. Whether it’s a desk, a shared device, or a breakroom appliance, office spaces are full of high-touch areas that don’t always get the attention they need during daily cleaning. Over time, these neglected areas can become a source of illness and low productivity.
Now that more employees are returning to the office, cleanliness matters more than ever. Employees expect their workspaces to be both comfortable and hygienic. And with cold and flu season always around the corner, it’s smart to be proactive. Let’s take a closer look at five of the most contaminated spots in the workplace—and how regular, professional cleaning can keep your team healthier and your office running smoothly.
Shared Tech: Keyboards, Mouse, and Conference Screens
Office tech is one of the workplace’s most-used and least cleaned parts. Keyboards and computer mouse devices are touched constantly throughout the day, yet they’re rarely sanitized. On top of that, shared screens and control pads in conference rooms are often used by multiple people without being wiped down between meetings.
As people return to hybrid work schedules, shared devices are being used more than ever. That means germs can easily pass from one user to the next. Crumbs, oil, and dust can build up inside and on top of these tools, creating an ideal place for bacteria to grow.
Regular disinfecting of all shared tech, especially with the help of office business cleaning services, can reduce the spread of germs and keep workstations clean and safe.
Personal Desks: Where Comfort Meets Contamination
Personal desks might seem like the cleanest area in the office, but they’re often among the dirtiest. That’s because many people eat at their desks, sneeze or cough nearby, or touch their face and mouth while working, then return to touching their desk and mouse. Germs and bacteria stay behind and build up over time.
Even though personal desks feel private, they are not immune to germs. Several commonly used items on or around the desk can collect bacteria throughout the day, including:
- Phones – especially if held up to the face or shared with coworkers.
- Computer mouse and keyboards – touched continuously, rarely disinfected.
- Pens and office supplies – passed between hands without being cleaned.
- Notebooks and paper documents – exposed to open air and hands regularly.
- Drawer handles and cabinet knobs – touched multiple times each day without notice.
- Headphones or headsets – in constant contact with ears and hair.
- Reusable water bottles and coffee cups – often placed directly on the desk surface.
These everyday items can become hotspots for germs and viruses without frequent cleaning.
A reliable commercial cleaning company in Los Angeles can ensure that personal workstations are sanitized regularly and thoroughly. This helps reduce health risks, especially during cold and flu seasons.
Office Kitchen Touchpoints: The Hidden Bacteria Buffet
The breakroom or office kitchen might seem harmless, but it’s often one of the most contaminated areas in the entire building. Many people touch appliances like microwave buttons, coffee machine handles, and refrigerator doors daily. And since most employees don’t clean these surfaces after using them, bacteria quickly spread.
Leftover food spills, sticky surfaces, and warm temperatures create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Since people often visit these places before and after meals, it’s easy for germs to make their way to desks and devices afterward.
Cleaning these high-traffic kitchen touchpoints requires more than just a casual wipe-down. Consistent, professional sanitization provided by commercial cleaning services in Los Angeles is essential to keep shared kitchens safe and hygienic.
Restroom Fixtures: Beyond the Obvious
Everyone expects restrooms to be cleaned, but that doesn’t mean they’re cleaned properly. While toilets and sinks may be cleaned regularly, other high-touch areas are often overlooked. These include faucet handles, soap dispensers, paper towel levers, and stall locks.
These parts of the restroom are touched by nearly everyone who walks in. They can carry germs for hours or even days if not disinfected properly. Post-pandemic, employees are more aware of the importance of thorough restroom cleaning.
Professional cleaning teams know where germs hide. With the right products and protocols, office business cleaning services can ensure every part of the restroom is cleaned to a higher standard, not just the visible surfaces.
Doors and Elevators: The First Touch of Every Day
From the moment someone walks into the building, they touch surfaces like door handles, elevator buttons, and security panels. These are used constantly by employees, guests, delivery drivers, and vendors—often back-to-back, without a break.
These entry and exit points are some of the most touched spots in the office, yet they are commonly forgotten during routine cleaning. Germs can survive on these surfaces for extended periods, making them a silent threat to workplace health.
Adding these high-touch areas to your regular cleaning checklist is vital. Partnering with a trusted commercial cleaning company in Los Angeles ensures that even small surfaces are cleaned consistently and thoroughly.
Why These Spots Can’t Be Ignored in 2025
In today’s workplace, cleanliness isn’t just a visual concern—it’s a health priority. Employees want to feel confident that their environment is safe. When key areas like desks, tech, restrooms, and kitchens are ignored, germs spread quickly. That leads to more sick days, lower morale, and reduced productivity.
Ignoring these hidden hotspots can result in real business costs. Companies that invest in proper cleaning protect their team and create a space where employees feel respected and cared for.
Let’s Help You Keep Your Workplace Safe and Clean
At Mya Cleaning Services, we understand how important it is to maintain a healthy office. As a trusted commercial cleaning company in Los Angeles, we don’t just clean—we sanitize, disinfect, and focus on the areas that matter most. Our experienced team provides reliable commercial cleaning services in Los Angeles that are designed for today’s workplace.
Whether you manage a small business or a large office, we’re here to help create a cleaner, safer environment for your team.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can support your workplace hygiene goals.