Office cleaning during flu season isn’t just a matter of appearance — it’s a critical component of protecting your employees’ health and maintaining productivity. Offices are high-traffic environments where viruses like influenza can easily spread via shared surfaces. With a thoughtful cleaning strategy, you can minimize risk and create a healthier workspace.
Why Flu Season Calls for More Than Routine Cleaning
The flu virus can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours, making “high-touch” office areas particularly risky. Door handles, light switches, keyboards, phones, conference-room tables, and shared equipment like printers or coffee machines see constant contact — and that turns them into potential hotspots.
Not every cleaning product is effective against influenza. During flu season, it’s vital to use EPA-registered disinfectants that are proven to kill flu viruses. Cleaning isn’t enough — it’s important to disinfect too, and make sure the disinfectant stays on the surface long enough to work.
Key Tips for Effective Office Cleaning During Flu Season
- Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces Frequently. Make a list of surfaces that get the most traffic — door handles, light switches, desk phones, keyboards, and so on — and establish a daily (or more frequent) disinfection routine.
- Use the Right Disinfectants. Choose products approved for influenza. These should be effective against viruses, not just bacteria. Alcohol-based sprays (70% or more) or quaternary ammonium compounds are good choices, but make sure to follow application instructions and dwell time.
- Elevate Your Cleaning Protocols with Professional Techniques. Consider advanced disinfection methods. For instance, electrostatic spraying can take your cleaning to another level. It applies a fine mist that adheres to complex and hard-to-reach surfaces. Also, schedule regular deep-cleanings to reset the environment: carpet, upholstery, vents, and other less obvious areas need more than just a quick wipe.
- Encourage Good Hygiene Habits Among Staff. Cleaning alone won’t stop the flu if people don’t do their part. Encourage handwashing (20 seconds with soap), provide hand sanitizer stations (at least 60% alcohol), and promote cough etiquette (cover your mouth, dispose of tissues properly). You can also post gentle reminders around the office.
- Stay Prepared. Stock up on cleaning supplies early, before flu season peaks. Also, make sure break-room items (cups, utensils, sponges) are replaced with disposable versions or handled safely — reusable items can amplify the risk.
Partner with Experts to Maximize Protection
Bringing in a professional cleaning company during flu season isn’t just a convenience — it’s a smart investment in the health of your workforce. Expert teams use hospital-grade, EPA-registered disinfectants, apply proven cleaning protocols, and can provide flexible, off-hours service to minimize disruption.
If your office is located in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut or Pennsylvania, Integrated Maintenance Solutions has your back. Our team has the experience and tools to help you flu-proof your office. Our trained cleaning staff, advanced disinfection techniques, and reliable scheduling make it easy to stay on top of hygiene when it matters most.
Interested in cleaning solutions for your place of business?
Call us at (800) 526-2445 today, or click here to request a consultation.
