Office Cleaning Checklist for Flu Season

Protecting Your Workplace During Flu Season

Flu season typically runs from October through March, with peak activity occurring between December and February. During this time, maintaining a rigorous cleaning and disinfection schedule is crucial for protecting employee health and maintaining productivity.

High-Touch Areas That Need Daily Attention

These surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at least once daily, or more frequently in high-traffic facilities:

• Door handles and push plates - Entry doors, office doors, restroom doors
• Light switches - All common areas and individual offices
• Elevator buttons - Both inside and outside the elevator
• Stair railings - Especially in buildings with multiple floors
• Reception desks and counters - Where visitors and employees interact
• Shared equipment - Copiers, printers, coffee makers, microwaves
• Phones and keyboards - In shared workspaces and conference rooms
• Conference room tables and chairs - Before and after meetings
• Restroom fixtures - Faucets, soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers

EPA-Registered Disinfectants: What You Need to Know

Not all cleaning products kill viruses. The CDC recommends using EPA-registered disinfectants that are effective against influenza. Our team uses hospital-grade disinfectants with the following characteristics:

• EPA-registered with specific kill claims for influenza A and B viruses
• Appropriate contact time (typically 1-10 minutes depending on the product)
• Safe for use on the intended surface types
• Compatible with your facility's sustainability goals when possible

Proper Disinfection Technique

Simply spraying disinfectant isn't enough. Proper technique involves:

1. Pre-cleaning - Remove visible dirt and debris first
2. Apply disinfectant - Spray or wipe to thoroughly wet the surface
3. Wait for contact time - Leave the surface wet for the time specified on the label
4. Air dry or wipe - Follow product instructions

Restroom Deep Cleaning During Flu Season

Restrooms are high-risk areas that require extra attention:

• Disinfect all touchpoints multiple times daily
• Ensure soap dispensers are always full
• Check hand dryers and paper towel dispensers frequently
• Empty waste bins more frequently to prevent overflow
• Deep clean floors daily with appropriate disinfectant

Break Room & Kitchen Areas

Shared food areas can be breeding grounds for germs:

• Wipe down refrigerator handles, microwave keypads, and coffee maker buttons
• Sanitize countertops before and after peak usage times
• Clean sink faucets and handles multiple times daily
• Disinfect tables and chairs after lunch periods
• Empty and sanitize trash bins daily

Air Quality Considerations

Good ventilation helps reduce airborne virus transmission:

• Ensure HVAC filters are changed regularly (every 1-3 months)
• Consider upgrading to MERV 13 or higher filters
• Increase fresh air circulation when possible
• Use air purifiers in high-occupancy areas

Employee Workstations

While employees should clean their own desks, cleaning services should:

• Provide disinfecting wipes for individual use
• Empty waste bins daily
• Vacuum or sweep floors regularly
• Wipe down shared surfaces like cubicle walls or partitions

Special Considerations for Medical Offices

If you operate a medical facility, additional protocols apply:

• Use medical-grade disinfectants approved for healthcare settings
• Follow OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards
• Clean exam rooms between each patient
• Maintain detailed cleaning logs
• Use color-coded cleaning supplies to prevent cross-contamination

Monitoring and Documentation

Professional cleaning companies should provide:

• Daily cleaning checklists signed by cleaners
• Temperature checks and product dilution logs
• Restocking reports for supplies
• Quality audit results
• Any issues or concerns noted during cleaning

When to Increase Cleaning Frequency

Consider stepping up your cleaning schedule if:

• Multiple employees call in sick with flu-like symptoms
• Local flu activity is reported as "high" or "very high"
• You host clients or visitors from areas with high flu rates
• Your facility has vulnerable populations (elderly, immunocompromised)