With workplace sickness levels at a decade high, maintaining a hygienic office environment has never been more important. Many businesses rely on daily cleaning, but some areas still collect far more bacteria than people realise—often significantly more than a toilet seat.
At Aston Commercial Cleaning, we specialise in identifying and sanitising the germ hotspots that are most often overlooked. Below, we reveal the seven dirtiest places in UK offices and share expert advice to keep your workspace healthier and more productive.
1. Door Handles – 30x Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat
Door handles are touched by dozens of people throughout the day, making them one of the biggest carriers of bacteria.
Cleaning guidance: Disinfect handles at least twice a week, and daily in high-traffic areas. Encourage staff to sanitise their hands regularly to help prevent the spread of germs.
2. Office Sink – A Major Bacteria Hotspot
Sinks collect food residue, moisture and constant use—creating perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive.
Cleaning guidance: Even with scheduled cleaning services, sinks need wiping and disinfecting throughout the day. Providing wipes and sprays helps reinforce good hygiene habits.
3. Microwave Door – Used Daily, Cleaned Rarely
The office microwave is frequently used but often forgotten during cleaning, especially the handle.
Cleaning guidance: Wipe the exterior daily and deep clean the interior weekly. Heating a bowl of lemon water for two minutes makes removing built-up grime much easier.
4. Mobile Phones – 16x Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat
Phones travel everywhere—desks, meeting rooms, kitchens—collecting bacteria from every surface.
Cleaning guidance: Clean phones daily with alcohol wipes to reduce contamination and improve workplace hygiene.
5. Office Chairs – Germs Hidden in Fabric and Creases
Chairs accumulate dust, sweat and bacteria, particularly on armrests and adjustment levers.
Cleaning guidance: Wipe down your chair weekly and schedule deeper fabric or mesh cleaning periodically to maintain cleanliness and extend furniture lifespan.
6. Kitchen Fridge – Forgotten Food, Hidden Bacteria
Office fridges often become overcrowded, with expired items and spills creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
Cleaning guidance: Empty and clean the fridge weekly. Every three months, carry out a full deep clean to maintain freshness and hygiene.
7. Keyboards – One of the Most Contaminated Desk Items
Crumbs, dust and everyday bacteria become trapped between keys, making keyboards a major area of concern.
Cleaning guidance: Wipe keyboards weekly and use compressed air to remove debris. Encourage team members to avoid eating over their desks.
8. Office Carpets – A Hidden Mix of Bacteria, Dust & Allergens
Carpets trap everything: bacteria, food crumbs, dead skin, mould spores and deeply ground-in dirt from foot traffic. This buildup affects air quality and can even contribute to staff illness if left uncleaned.
Cleaning guidance: Vacuum daily in high-traffic areas and schedule professional deep cleaning every quarter. Encourage staff to report spills immediately to prevent mould and odour.
Why Partner With Aston Commercial Cleaning?
A clean office means fewer sick days, happier staff and a more professional working environment. Aston Commercial Cleaning provides tailored daily or weekly cleaning plans, high-touch point sanitisation, and specialist washroom and kitchen deep cleans to keep workplaces safe and healthy.
Office Cleaning Services Across Buckinghamshire & Surrounding Areas
We provide professional office cleaning across a wide range of locations, including:
Office Cleaning Aylesbury
Office Cleaning Milton Keynes
Office Cleaning Harpenden
Office Cleaning Thame
Book a Free Workplace Hygiene Assessment
If you’re ready to improve the cleanliness and wellbeing of your workspace, contact Aston Commercial Cleaning today for a free site visit and personalised quote.
