When you think of germ hotspots in your workplace, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, door handles are probably at the top of your list. And you’re not wrong—those high-touch surfaces are full of bacteria. But if you’re only focusing on door handles, you’re missing some of the biggest breeding grounds for germs in your facility.
From restroom surfaces to shared electronics and breakroom appliances, countless spots in your workplace can harbor harmful bacteria and viruses. Overlooking these areas can put employees, visitors, and clients at risk of illness, leading to decreased productivity and increased sick days.
Let’s take a deep dive into the germiest places in your facility beyond the door handles—and what you can do to keep them clean.
Restroom Surfaces: More Than Just Toilet Seats
Most people associate restrooms with germs, but many don’t realize that some of the dirtiest spots in the bathroom aren’t the ones you’d expect. Sure, toilet seats can be gross, but they aren’t even close to the germiest places in the restroom.
Faucet Handles: A Major Overlooked Germ Haven
Think about the sequence of events when using a public restroom. Before washing their hands, everyone touches the faucet handle with dirty fingers. This makes it one of the most bacteria-ridden surfaces in any facility. Studies have found that faucet handles can carry more microbes than a toilet seat, with pathogens like E. coli and norovirus lurking on the surface.
Regularly disinfecting faucet handles is essential to preventing the spread of illnesses in your workplace. A simple daily wipe-down with disinfectant can significantly reduce bacteria levels and keep your restroom safer for everyone.
Toilet Flush Buttons: A Bacteria Hotspot
Most people don’t wash their hands before they flush the toilet. That means whatever germs are on their hands get transferred directly to the flush button or handle. Research has shown that these surfaces often contain high levels of bacteria, including those that cause gastrointestinal illnesses.
To combat this issue, implement a cleaning routine that includes disinfecting toilet flush buttons multiple times a day, especially in high-traffic restrooms.
The Breakroom: A Hidden Danger Zone
Your breakroom might be a place of relaxation and conversation, but it’s also one of the dirtiest areas in your facility. The combination of shared food storage, frequent hand contact, and inconsistent cleaning makes it a breeding ground for bacteria.
Coffee Machine Buttons: The Overlooked Germ Magnet
Most employees rely on coffee to get through the workday, which means the coffee machine buttons are pressed dozens—if not hundreds—of times daily. Studies have shown that these buttons can harbor more bacteria than some restroom surfaces.
To reduce contamination, clean coffee machine buttons at least once a day with disinfecting wipes or sprays. Encourage employees to sanitize their hands before using shared appliances.
Refrigerator Handles: A Cross-Contamination Nightmare
Everyone stores their lunch in the office fridge, but few people consider how dirty the handle gets. Since employees touch the refrigerator before and after handling food, the risk of cross-contamination is high.
Regularly wiping down refrigerator handles with disinfectant can significantly cut down on the spread of harmful bacteria in the workplace.
Shared Electronics: Germs on Every Keystroke
With so many employees using shared computers, tablets, and other devices, electronics are prime real estate for bacteria.
Keyboards and Mice: The Office’s Dirty Little Secret
Studies have found that keyboards and mice can contain more bacteria than a toilet seat. These devices are touched constantly but rarely cleaned, allowing bacteria to thrive. Germs like Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli can survive on these surfaces for days, increasing the risk of infections.
Encourage employees to regularly wipe down their keyboards and mice with disinfecting wipes, and implement scheduled deep cleans for shared workstations.
Touchscreens and Tablets: A Constantly Touched Contaminant
From sign-in tablets at the front desk to shared tablets in meeting rooms, touchscreens are a common feature in modern workplaces. Unfortunately, they’re also one of the germiest surfaces.
To prevent the spread of bacteria, make it a habit to disinfect all shared touchscreens at least once per day. Placing hand sanitizer near high-touch electronics can also encourage employees to clean their hands before use.
High-Touch Fixtures: The Everyday Items We Forget to Clean
Beyond breakrooms and electronics, some of the most frequently touched surfaces in your facility are also the most commonly overlooked during cleaning routines.
Elevator Buttons: Bacteria at Every Floor
Elevator buttons are touched by countless hands throughout the day, making them a prime spot for germs to accumulate. A study found that elevator buttons can have more bacteria than a public toilet seat.
To reduce contamination, facility managers should ensure elevator buttons are cleaned and disinfected multiple times a day.
Light Switches: A Hidden Germ Reservoir
Light switches are another often-forgotten hotspot for bacteria. Since they’re used by nearly everyone in the office, they accumulate germs quickly.
Regular disinfection of light switches—especially in common areas like breakrooms, restrooms, and conference rooms—can help keep germs at bay.
Keeping Your Facility Clean and Safe: Cleaning Door Handles and More
Now that you know about these often-missed germ hotspots, it’s time to take action. Maintaining a clean facility isn’t just about making it look nice—it’s about protecting the health and well-being of everyone who walks through your doors.
Here are some steps you can take to ensure a healthier environment:
- Implement a strict cleaning schedule for high-touch surfaces.
- Provide disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizers in key locations.
- Encourage employees to take responsibility for cleaning shared workspaces.
- Hire professional facility cleaning services to ensure thorough and consistent sanitation.
At North Hills Facility Services, we specialize in deep cleaning and sanitization services to keep your workplace safe, healthy, and compliant with hygiene standards. Let us take the burden off your shoulders—contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help protect your facility from hidden germs. Contact NHFS today!
Scott Kaplan, Executive Vice President at North Hills Facility Services (NHFS), and Brett Kaplan, Director of Business Development, bring a strategic blend of operational expertise and financial insight to their family business. With Scott’s leadership in driving growth and innovation, and Brett’s background in investment banking enhancing NHFS’s client-focused expansion, the Kaplan brothers work together to ensure high-quality, proactive solutions in facility services. Their combined vision keeps NHFS at the forefront of industry standards and client satisfaction.
