Busted: The Office Cleaning Myths You Still Believe
- Ethan Jorssen
- May 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 9
Walk into any office and it might look spotless, shiny floors, wiped-down desks, maybe even a sad little cactus by the window. But surface-level clean doesn’t equal a healthy workplace.
The real threats: dust, bacteria, allergens—don’t show up in glossy photos, but they impact everything from sick days to productivity.
In this post, we’re breaking down the biggest office cleaning myths still floating around Vancouver workplaces and what actually keeps your space healthy, safe, and worth showing off.
If you like this blog, you would like our blog about, "Effective Odor Control: Banishing Unpleasant Smells!"
Myth #1: “More cleaning products = a cleaner office”
The reality: Using more chemicals doesn’t mean your space is any cleaner. In fact, it often backfires.
Harsh disinfectants can cause skin irritation, worsen indoor air quality, and leave behind residue that builds up over time. Instead of flooding your office with sprays, take a smarter approach.
What to do:
Stick to EPA-approved, low-VOC products that match the surface type.
Follow product directions so you’re not weakening the effectiveness.
Rotate your disinfectants occasionally to avoid chemical fatigue and resistance.
A clean office isn’t about quantity—it’s about control.
Myth #2: “Desks and floors are the dirtiest spots”
The reality: Desks may look messy, but they’re not the worst offenders.
Shared surfaces like elevator buttons, doorknobs, fridge handles, and keyboards are loaded with bacteria. A single office doorknob can carry millions of germs.
How to handle it:
Map out shared touchpoints around the office.
Keep disinfectant wipes in break rooms, meeting areas, and near high-traffic equipment.
Remind staff casually in newsletters or Slack—simple habits go a long way.
Check out our other blog, "Floor Care 101: Maintaining Clean and Polished Surfaces" on the best floor cleaning practices!
Myth #3: “Daily cleaning is enough”
The reality: A once-over with a cloth isn’t enough to keep a commercial building healthy.
Germs don’t take nights off. Surface-level cleaning handles the obvious stuff, but real hygiene comes from scheduled deep cleans that get into the spots daily routines miss.
What to include:
Weekly: Steam-clean carpets, sanitize shared upholstery, and detail keyboards.
Monthly: Replace HVAC filters and clean coils to boost airflow and cut allergens.
Quarterly: Run an ATP swab test to catch bacteria hotspots before they become a problem.
Cleaning every day is good. Deep cleaning on a schedule is better.
Myth #4: “Green cleaning is less effective”
The reality: That used to be true—but not anymore.
Modern green cleaning products are more than just scented vinegar in a spray bottle. Many plant-based disinfectants meet or exceed the same standards as their chemical-heavy counterparts.
What to look for:
Certifications like Green Seal or EcoLogo. If it’s certified, it’s been tested.
Support tools like microfiber cloths and HEPA vacuums. These trap dirt instead of pushing it around.
Proper dwell time. Even the best formula needs a few minutes to work. Rushing the process cancels the effect.
Eco-friendly doesn’t mean weaker. It just means smarter—and safer for everyone in the building.
We have a blog all about this! Check out our blog, "Green Cleaning Solutions for Homes and Offices" and find out how effective green cleaning truly is!
Myth #5: “Office carpets don’t need frequent cleaning”
The reality: Carpets are basically giant filters. They trap dust, allergens, and bacteria—even when they look clean.
Every step grinds those particles deeper into the fibers. That buildup messes with air quality, affects employee comfort, and shortens the life of your flooring.
Here’s what works:
Vacuum daily with HEPA-filtered equipment in high-traffic zones.
Book deep cleaning (like hot-water extraction) twice a year.
Treat spills immediately to avoid stains, odor, or mold growth.
Carpets that look clean might still be loaded. Routine upkeep keeps them fresh, functional, and safe.
Best Practices for a Truly Clean Office
Want a building that’s actually clean—not just tidy? Here’s what that looks like:
Layer your cleaning strategy: Combine daily touchpoint disinfection with weekly detail work and scheduled deep cleans.
Get staff involved: Provide quick training on how to properly wipe surfaces, keep desk sanitizers stocked, and turn "Clean Desk Fridays" into a regular thing.
Work with real pros: A qualified team brings tools like electrostatic sprayers, commercial vacuums, and ATP surface testing to take hygiene seriously.
Track the results: Use checklists and occasional spot testing to see what’s working—and what isn’t.
Be transparent: Post your cleaning schedule. Share before/after photos. Include cleaning updates in your team newsletter to show you’re invested.
Our Janitorial team is built to make any building new again! Check out our Janitorial Services and see our devotion to cleanliness for yourself!
Final Thoughts
Office hygiene isn’t a checklist, it’s an ongoing strategy. The right cleaning approach protects your team’s health, boosts productivity, and shows that your business pays attention to the details.
Forget the myths. Focus on the actual problem areas. And if you’re ready to raise the bar, partner with a team that does more than wipe down surfaces.
Secured Property Group provides professional janitorial and maintenance services across the Lower Mainland.Let’s talk about what your building actually needs.
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