When you think of a clean office, what comes to mind?

A freshly vacuumed floor? Neatly organized desks? Streak-free windows?

While all of those things matter for creating a professional and pleasant space, true cleanliness goes beyond appearances. A truly clean office doesn’t just look good — it supports better health, increased productivity, and stronger impressions with both employees and visitors.

And yet, even in the most organized workspaces, we see the same issue over and over: key high-touch areas get overlooked.

At Skyline, we’ve worked with a wide range of commercial spaces — from startups to corporate suites — and we’ve learned that cleaning the right areas makes all the difference. Below, we’re spotlighting four of the most commonly forgotten (but most important) areas in every office, plus one bonus tip to keep your workspace in peak condition.

1. Keyboards & Mice — The Germ Hub You Can’t See

Your desk might be spotless. Your floor freshly vacuumed. But when was the last time you cleaned… your keyboard?

Keyboards and computer mice are among the dirtiest items in the office.
Why? Because we touch them constantly — while eating, sneezing, multitasking, or simply going through our day — and rarely clean them. In fact, studies have shown that the average keyboard can host more bacteria than a toilet seat. 😬

What builds up here:

• Food crumbs and sticky residue

• Natural skin oils and sweat

• Dust and lint from the environment

• Bacteria and viruses from coughs, sneezes, and unwashed hands

Pro tip:

Use disinfectant wipes or compressed air weekly. Make sure your equipment is turned off before wiping, and use cotton swabs to clean around keys or tight corners. If your office is shared, increase frequency to 2–3 times per week.

2. Door Handles & Light Switches — Everyone Touches, No One Cleans

It doesn’t matter if you work in a solo office or a collaborative space — door handles and light switches are some of the most frequently touched surfaces, and often some of the least cleaned.

They’re usually not part of a regular cleaning routine because they don’t look dirty. But here’s the catch: bacteria doesn’t need to be visible to be dangerous.

Common problem areas:

• Bathroom and kitchen door handles

• Entry and exit points to offices or meeting rooms

• Breakroom refrigerator handles

• Light switches near restrooms or conference rooms

How to stay ahead:

Include these areas in your daily or weekly disinfection checklist. Alcohol-based wipes or a microfiber cloth with disinfectant spray will do the trick. And don’t forget less obvious buttons — like elevator panels, thermostat dials, or shared equipment controls.

3. Chair Backs & Armrests — A Quiet Collector of Grime

Think about how many hours a day people sit in their office chairs. Now think about how rarely those chairs are wiped down.

Chair backs, seats, and armrests collect a surprising amount of oil, dust, and bacteria. The fabric or surface might look clean, but over time, it becomes a breeding ground for germs and even allergens — especially in shared or high-traffic workspaces.

Hidden buildup includes:

• Natural body oils and sweat

• Dust and pollen from the air

• Residue from hand lotions or sanitizers

• Food particles from desk-side lunches or snacks

What you can do:

• Vacuum or dust chair fabric weekly to remove particles

• Wipe down leather or plastic surfaces with a mild cleaner

• Include chairs in your monthly deep-cleaning plan

If you want to go the extra mile, consider steam cleaning upholstered chairs quarterly to keep them looking and smelling fresh.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Hidden Zones

Even offices that clean regularly often miss a few key areas that fall just out of sight — and those places can be hiding a lot more than dust.

Here are the usual suspects:

• Under desks: Crumbs, wrappers, dust bunnies, and wires that collect debris

• Behind monitors or computers: Heat + dust = major buildup over time

• Shared coffee stations or snack areas: Sugar spills, coffee rings, sticky handles, and neglected appliances

These hidden messes may not be on display — but they absolutely affect air quality, pest control, and general hygiene.

Solution:

• Ask your cleaning crew to move lightweight furniture periodically

• Schedule monthly cleanouts of shared kitchenettes and breakroom appliances

• Set up a rotating reminder system for teams to declutter their individual work areas

Why These Areas Matter: It’s About More Than Just Cleanliness

Keeping these high-touch, easy-to-forget areas clean isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about creating a healthier, more productive work environment for everyone.

Here’s what a truly clean office improves:

🩺 Employee Health

By reducing germs and allergens, you decrease sick days and increase overall wellness. In shared environments, that’s a big win.

💼 First Impressions

Whether it’s a new hire or a visiting client, a clean, fresh-smelling office sends a clear message: we care about our people and our space.

💡 Productivity & Morale

A tidy, sanitized environment helps teams focus better, feel more energized, and take pride in their workspace.

🛠️ Equipment Longevity

Less dust = less damage to electronics and office equipment. That’s savings in the long run.

Want Help Keeping It Pristine?

Cleaning a workspace isn’t just about vacuuming and taking out the trash. It’s about knowing what to clean, how often, and with what products — and having a team that actually follows through with care.

That’s where we come in.

At Skyline, our commercial cleaning teams are trained to go beyond surface-level shine. We focus on high-touch, high-risk, and high-impact areas, using professional techniques that keep your office healthier, safer, and more inviting — without disrupting your workday.

✨ Let your team focus on what they do best — we’ll take care of the rest.
📞 Reach out to Skyline today and let us customize a cleaning plan for your workspace.