Author: Tracey Donegan

You may be surprised to learn that your desk probably harbours more germs than a toilet seat! In fact, studies have shown that the average desk is home to 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. A study at the University of Arizona in the U.S. also found that phones, water fountain handles, microwave door handles and keyboards are among the top five most germ-contaminated spots in an office. And even more astonishing is the fact that the area where you rest your hand on the desk has around 10,000,000 bacteria.

If you care about your health and wellbeing, now is the perfect time to develop a routine of regularly cleaning your workspace. Here are ten top tips to help you keep germs at bay and maintain a clean, hygienic desk.

1. Regularly clean your keyboard

Your keyboard can accumulate dust, crumbs and germs over time so a deep clean every few weeks will keep it in good working order. To start, switch off your computer and unplug your keyboard if it’s wired. Gently shake it upside down over a bin to dislodge any loose debris. Compressed air, available from most office supply shops, is great for blowing out trapped dust that’s lodged between the keys. Then, use cotton buds and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to clean the keys, taking care not to use too much liquid, as this could damage your keyboard.

2. Clean your screen

Monitors can easily gather dust, so it’s essential to clean them periodically. First, turn off your monitor and wipe the surface it rests on. Use a microfibre cloth slightly dampened with water to clean the screen (make sure there’s no excess moisture that can damage the equipment). Avoid spraying water directly onto the screen, as this can cause damage, and never use harsh cleaning chemicals or waxes.

3. Maintain your mouse

If you’ve noticed your mouse has been a bit erratic or unresponsive, it could be simply that it needs a good clean. Disconnect your mouse, remove the mouse ball cover and clean it with a dry lint-free cloth. You can also use specialist cleaning fluid to clean the rollers, before replacing the mouse ball and cover. For an optical mouse, disconnect and clean with a lightly dampened cotton ball. Make sure it’s fully dry before reconnecting.

4. Dust your desk

Dust accumulates quickly on desks, especially in open-plan offices. Regularly dust your desk using a dry, lint-free cloth, and be sure to hoover the carpet or mop the hard floors underneath. Removing dust regularly not only keeps your workspace tidy but also helps reduce allergens in the air.

5. De-grime your telephone

Your office phone can be one of the dirtiest items on your desk—and it’s no wonder when you consider how many times you use it over the course of the day. To keep it clean, wipe the entire unit, including the ear and mouthpiece, and the keypad, with antibacterial wipes. Phones are used frequently and not always just by one person, so it’s important to sanitise them often. Aim to get in the habit of wiping the phone at the end of each workday so it’s clean and ready for your next shift.

6. Disinfect your bin

Even if you use a bin liner, an under-desk bin can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure you empty it frequently, and give it a good clean regularly using disinfectant and warm water. Once it’s clean, dry the bin thoroughly before adding a new liner.

7. Reduce clutter

A cluttered desk not only makes it harder to focus but also creates a haven for dust and bacteria to accumulate. In fast-paced work environments, clutter can build up quickly, so aim for a minimalist setup by clearing away unnecessary items and keeping surfaces tidy, which will make cleaning much easier.

8. Invest in desk cleaning products

Make it easier to keep your desk germ-free by stocking up on essential cleaning products. Items such as antibacterial wipes, microfibre cloths, and compressed air cans can be easily purchased from office supply stores  and will ensure that you can tackle dirt and germs quickly and efficiently.

9. Get a deep clean by a professional cleaner

If you find it difficult to maintain a regular cleaning routine around your work schedule, you might consider scheduling regular deep cleans with a professional cleaning service. Professional cleaning services that include disinfecting workstations and targeting high-germ areas, and skilled cleaners will have the expertise and equipment to ensure your workspace remains hygienic without any risk of damage to your office equipment.

10. Eat food away from your desk

If you really want to minimise the mess on your desk, eat snacks and lunch elsewhere. Food crumbs and spills can easily build up without you noticing. As an added bonus, taking a lunch break away from your workstation is actually good for your productivity, so it’s a win-win.

If you need help getting your office spick and span and free from dust and germs, our professional team of cleaners are on hand to help with regular contract cleaning and commercial deep cleans. Give our friendly efficient team a call on 01322 384500 (Kent), 0203 092 4777 (London) or 07774 606171 (mobile).

Wooden floors add timeless beauty and elegance to any home or office space. When first installed, the rich, glossy finish of a hardwood floor can transform a room, making it feel more inviting and polished. However, to maintain that lustre, wooden floors require regular care and proper cleaning. Without attention, they can easily become scratched, dull and covered with grime, which can make even the finest floors lose their appeal.

The good news? With the right cleaning routine and a few preventative measures, you can keep your hardwood floors looking their best for years to come. Here’s a detailed guide to help you care for, deep clean, and preserve your wooden floors.

Basic care regime for hardwood floors

Establishing a regular cleaning schedule is key to maintaining the natural beauty of your hardwood floors. Dust, dirt and even hair can act as abrasive particles that scratch and wear down the surface if not removed frequently.

1. Daily Dusting: Use a microfibre floor duster or dry mop to collect dust and debris. Microfibre is gentle on wood, while effectively trapping dust particles.

2. Weekly Vacuuming: Vacuum your floors at least once a week using a vacuum with a floor brush attachment. 

3. Regular Damp Mopping: Occasionally, a damp mop (making sure it’s not dripping wet) is necessary to lift grime that dusting and vacuuming can’t tackle. Use a microfibre mop, and always wring it out thoroughly to avoid pooling water on the wood, which can cause damage over time.

How to deep clean your hardwood floor

Regular deep cleaning of your hardwood floor should help to preserve its colour and shine. Use a wood-cleaning product diluted according to instructions and lightly mop the floor using the diluted floor cleaner. Make sure you wring the mop thoroughly to avoid dripping too much water on the floor. Mop again with clear water if instructed to do so on wood-cleaning products, then dry the floor immediately with a microfibre cloth.

Regular cleaning should keep your floor in good condition, free from a build-up of dust and grime. If your floor has gone beyond this stage, then it may require a bit more work. It’s quite a DIY job to sand and refinish hardwood floors, so unless you are confident that you know what you are doing, we’d recommend you hire an expert to do the job for you.

Tips for preventing wear and tear

There are a few things you can do to prevent general wear and tear on your hardwood floors.

• Place Mats at Entrances: Mats at exterior doors help trap dirt and moisture before they reach your floors. Use both an exterior mat and an interior one to double the protection.

• Use Rugs and Floor Protectors: High-traffic areas benefit from rugs, and furniture should have felt gliders or protectors to prevent scratches, especially for pieces that are frequently moved like chairs. When moving heavy furniture, remember to lift rather than drag it to avoid gouges. 

• Rugs in Play Areas: Children’s toys can be rough on floors but adding an area rug in play spaces can protect your wooden floors from scratches and dents caused by playtime.

• Avoid Sharp Footwear: Ensure high-heeled shoes are in good condition and free from broken tips, as they can cause deep scratches in the wood.

• Wipe Spills Immediately: Wood is porous, and liquid can seep in if it’s not cleaned up quickly, leading to warping or staining. So, make sure that any spillages are wiped up straight away. 

• Avoid Wax and Oil-based Cleaners: These products may leave a residue that dulls the finish, or worse, damage the protective layer on your hardwood.

When to get your hardwood floor refinished

When your floor begins to look lacklustre and cleaning no longer restores the shine, it could be time you considered having your wood floor sanded, resealed and polished. In areas where there’s a lot of footfall, you’ll likely need to consider doing this every 2-3 years. For those areas that aren’t used as often, simply adopt a care and cleaning regime and you could have a beautifully kept hardwood floor for many years.

At Supreme Cleaning, we offer professional floor cleaning services to restore your floors to their former glory. Get in touch today for a quote. 

First impressions can make or break your business, especially in customer-facing environments. Whether it’s a retail store, office, or service-focused business, the appearance and cleanliness of your facility can significantly impact how customers perceive your brand. A disorganised, unhygienic environment could potentially drive customers and clients away, sending them straight to a competitor.

This is particularly true if you’re selling physical goods—customers want assurance that they’re purchasing from a place that prioritises cleanliness and hygiene. Below are key reasons to maintain your commercial premises in peak condition, along with actionable tips to ensure your space creates a lasting positive impression for both staff and customers.

Creating a healthier environment

A clean and tidy workspace is essential for the health and wellbeing of both employees and visitors, especially in today’s post-pandemic world where hygiene is of utmost importance. Professional cleaning services can be a game-changer here. They’ll ensure that all areas are consistently sanitised to a high standard, which frees up your staff to focus on their core tasks without worrying about cleanliness.

Professional cleaners also bring specialised equipment and expertise for tougher jobs like carpet and upholstery cleaning, ensuring all surfaces remain spotless and germ-free. This not only helps maintain a sanitary environment but also extends the life of your furnishings, offering a cost-effective solution for long-term maintenance.

Adhering to health and safety guidelines

Maintaining a clean and well-organised facility is not only beneficial for customer impressions but also crucial for passing health and safety inspections. Authorities often conduct routine checks, and failure to meet hygiene standards can result in fines or even forced closures.

Regular deep cleaning of restrooms, food preparation areas, and communal spaces ensures you meet regulatory standards while providing a safe environment. Keeping high-traffic areas free from trip hazards, spills, and clutter is equally important in safeguarding your staff and visitors.

Maintaining kerb appeal

When it comes to first impressions, in many cases, you’ll need to consider the exterior of your property just as much as the inside. This could well be the first look a potential customer has of your business and a dilapidated building that doesn’t look like it’s been taken care of could put them off using your services or products. From regular window cleaning to maintaining guttering and repairing any damage to the property, make sure you keep your premises looking inviting and appealing to existing and potential customers and clients.

Top tips for creating a great first impression

Focus on High-Contact Areas

Customers will form an impression the moment they walk into your building, so pay extra attention to the areas they’ll interact with. Reception areas, waiting rooms, and communal spaces should be spotless. This means ensuring that furniture like chairs, sofas, and curtains are free from stains and odours, while carpets are regularly vacuumed and cleaned.

Maintain Clean Restrooms and Kitchen Areas

Restrooms should be frequently sanitised, and any signs of damage or disrepair should be fixed immediately. Kitchens and break areas should also be cleaned on a daily basis—this includes wiping down countertops, emptying bins, and deep cleaning appliances regularly.

Don’t Forget the Exterior

An often-overlooked aspect of facility maintenance is the outside of your building. Removing litter, scheduling routine window cleaning, and maintaining the upkeep of car parks and exterior communal areas are essential to projecting a professional image. Seasonal checks, such as gutter cleaning or repainting, can also enhance the kerb appeal and ensure that customers are greeted with a well-maintained facility year-round.

Key takeaways

Your physical environment plays a vital role in shaping your business reputation. A clean, well-maintained facility not only boosts employee morale but also leaves a positive impression on customers and visitors. From offices and retail stores to public buildings, cleanliness is crucial to creating a welcoming and safe environment that promotes customer loyalty. Staying on top of both interior and exterior upkeep ensures you can ensure your business stands out for all the right reasons—boosting customer satisfaction, staff productivity, and your bottom line.

If investing in professional cleaning services is something you’re considering for your business, why not contact the team at Supreme Cleaning? We offer a range of cleaning services for commercial buildings, from window cleaning and end-of-tenancy services to carpet or upholstery cleaning for businesses across London and the South East.

Commercial premises need to be well-maintained, not only to present the right impression to visitors and staff but to minimise the need for costly repairs in the future. But cleaning can take up valuable time that you could be investing in your business, plus it can often require specialist skills that you might not have. There are many benefits to choosing a professional cleaning company to tackle different tasks when it comes to property maintenance.

Specialist cleaning materials

One of the primary benefits of hiring a professional cleaning company is that you don’t need to worry about having the right materials before you get started. A professional cleaner will know precisely what chemicals can be used on different materials, ensuring no damage is caused, so you’ll benefit from the best results and a great first impression.

Access to professional cleaning equipment

You don’t want to have to purchase specialised cleaning equipment and tools to maintain your property, and when you hire a professional team, you don’t have to. They have access to the right tools for the job to ensure the task is carried out safely and efficiently. When it comes to window cleaning, in particular, accessing windows on taller properties can be a challenge, so it pays to have a professional carry out the work so you can be sure it’s safe.

Less risk in the wrong weather conditions

A professional cleaner knows when they can carry out work safely, especially when it comes to working outside. Adverse weather conditions can be incredibly dangerous, and as an amateur, you might not realise how much risk you’re putting yourself or others at when you attempt a job in the wrong conditions. Health and safety are paramount, and neglecting it can lead to serious injuries, so it’s not a risk worth taking. By hiring a professional cleaning service to carry out the work, you can be confident they’re fully trained and qualified to identify any risks and how best to avoid them. 

Higher quality results

Professional cleaners also know when to carry out a job for the best results. For example, if the weather is too hot, cleaning products will dry too fast and be impossible to rinse thoroughly, which can lead to soapy streaks all over the windows. So, a professional will avoid working in midday sun to achieve the best results – something an amateur might not know to do. A professional cleaning company will also be far more thorough which provides you with the best results.

Get the best results

When it comes to cleaning and property maintenance, whether it’s an end of tenancy clean when you need a thorough job, or it’s an ongoing requirement to keep your business looking its best, hiring a professional company is always the best choice. They have the knowledge, equipment and skill set to complete each job to a high standard, for the best results for you and your business.

At Supreme Cleaning, we’re experts in commercial cleaning and we offer a wide range of services to help you keep your business premises looking their best. Contact us today for a quote or to discuss your requirements with a member of our friendly team.

There are many benefits to taking care of commercial building exteriors, yet many business owners prioritise the interior and often neglect to care for the outside. From providing a better first impression to customers and visitors to ensuring that the building stays in better condition for longer, commercial premises can benefit enormously from regular maintenance in many ways.

A maintenance schedule for the outside of the property will improve kerb appeal and help you maintain a good reputation as a business. You don’t want to be giving off a bad impression about your business purely from the look of your property. A polished exterior shows that you care and makes your business look more professional – an essential element for sectors such as schools and public buildings where a sloppy appearance can be detrimental.

Keeping the exterior of the building clean also slows down the degradation process, especially for materials like glass and aluminium, which can break down and corrode the material over time. By keeping them well-cleaned, you can ensure that corrosive particles like salt will be removed properly to prolong the life of the building structure.

Here are some of the top ways to care for a commercial building exterior to reap these benefits:

Invest in regular inspections

Taking the time to schedule regular inspections can be a worthwhile investment of time, because it gives you the opportunity to spot problems while they’re small and easy to fix, before they develop into larger issues. Even just taking an hour once a month to go around the exterior of the building and check everything from the cladding to making sure the brickwork is undamaged and the windows are well-maintained can save you a considerable amount of money in the long term.

Ensure windows are cleaned

Many modern commercial premises, from offices to schools and galleries, have large windows to let plenty of light in. But this means that regular window cleaning is an essential part of building maintenance.

Dirty windows don’t just affect first impressions of your brand, which is key to the likes of retail premises where reputation is so crucial in attracting customers, but they can also cost business owners money through increased energy consumption from leaving the building poorly lit. Window cleaning helps to remove corrosive salt and rainwater stains to let more light in, as well as removing limescale build-up and mould which can develop in the colder months.

Don’t neglect the surrounding grounds

As with any garden, business grounds also require care and attention. A messy, overgrown outdoor space looks unappealing, and it can ruin the impression you give to visitors, as well as making it more difficult for staff to enjoy the surrounding space. In addition to weed control and removing dead plants, make sure lawns are mowed regularly and litter is picked up.

Clean out guttering

One of the most common causes of irreparable damage to the exteriors of buildings is clogged or damaged guttering. So, it’s a good idea to check the gutters around your commercial property on a regular basis to ensure they’re not blocked. Guttering plays a big role in maintaining the infrastructure of a building, making sure that damp doesn’t develop and preventing dirty rainwater from dripping down the side of the building which can degrade it.

Schedule cladding maintenance

Taking care of the building’s cladding can extend the lifespan of the property and ensures it lasts much longer than it otherwise would. In addition to regular inspections, keeping the various materials of the cladding clean, from glass and concrete to UPVC and steel, will ensure it continues to look great for many years to come, which is important for commercial premises and keeping up kerb appeal.

Final thoughts

Maintaining your building exterior should be a regular part of your business operations. One of the easiest and simplest ways to invest in your commercial premises is to schedule regular window cleaning, and commercial window cleaners can provide a thorough and professional finish that can be hard to achieve yourself.

Supreme Cleaning have extensive experience in window cleaning, using technologically advanced equipment and techniques to achieve the best results for your business. Contact us today for more information or for a no obligation quote.