When it comes to keeping your office spick and span, no one does a better job than commercial office cleaners. They not only have the experience, but they also have the right equipment and supplies to give you the best results.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should leave everything in your cleaner’s capable hands. There are plenty of things you can do in the meantime to keep your workplace neat, tidy, and smelling fresh. What’s more, there are a lot of alternative cleaning supplies that you can use that are not only effective but also quite eco-friendly. Here are some of them:
Sticky Notes
Most if not all offices in New Zealand and indeed, all over the world, have a regular supply of sticky notes. They’re excellent for taking down quick notes and reminders, and the little flag-type ones are perfect for marking pages.
Sticky notes are also handy for picking up food crumbs, dust, and other particles from your desk. Just use the adhesive end to do some quick clean-ups.
What’s even better is that because it’s literally paper-thin, you can use it to get into slim nooks and crannies. The spaces in between the keys of your keyboards, for example, are notorious for gathering dust and you can use sticky notes to clean them up.
Microfibre Cloths
Microfibre cloths aren’t really “alternative” per se, but you can use it to wipe off practically everything. From dirty pantry tables to dusty computer screens, microfibre cloths can keep all sorts of things free from grime and smudges.
Another thing you can keep gleaming and pristine using microfibre? Whiteboards! With only a bit of water or some rubbing alcohol, you can keep whiteboards, well, white.
What’s even better is that you can also use microfibre cloths for either dry or wet cleaning. Wet cleaning is ideal for stubborn stains or sticky grime that’s been left to stand for a little too long.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is often used to clean wounds, which makes it only logical to also use it to sanitise various materials in the office. The best candidates are fabrics, such as carpets and curtains.
Peroxide is also useful for cleaning dusty, dirty office chairs. Just mix a few teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with a dishwashing detergent solution and scrub the fabric. Once it dries, you’ll be surprised at the results.
The great thing about hydrogen peroxide is that it’s not harmful to the environment. Moreover, the instances of allergic reactions to this substance is quite rare.
Dolly Blue or Laundry Blue
Does your office pantry’s sink look a little dull? Are the tiles in the office bathroom caked with grime? You can restore their condition with a trusty household product: dolly blue!
Dolly blue or laundry blue, for those unfamiliar, is a laundry agent used to whiten and brighten fabrics. It’s non-toxic, biodegradable, and only has to be mixed with water in order to achieve its effects. Use it to scrub or wipe a yellowing surface to sanitise and restore its appearance.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a popular eco-friendly cleaning alternative. In fact, your commercial cleaner probably has a container or two of this baking ingredient in the cleaning carts—it’s just that versatile!
One of the best uses of baking soda is for scrubbing off grease. It’s also a great cleaning agent for tile grout and sinks.
Baking soda is also an awesome deodoriser. It has the capability to absorb even the foulest of odours, so just sprinkle some of it in your office trash bins to prevent bad smells from building up. You can also put bowls of baking soda mixed with a few drops of essential oils in strategic locations in your office for a cheap yet effective air freshener.
Lemon Juice and White Vinegar
Lemon juice and white vinegar are both acids, which means that they can be useful for breaking down stains. If your office’s tile surfaces are looking a little yellowed or dull, simply mix a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar with your preferred cleaning solution. Scrub as usual, rinse, and marvel at the results!
You can also use lemon juice or white vinegar to disinfect surfaces and even combat foul odours. Don’t worry about things smelling a bit sour or vinegary. After a few minutes, the smell will fade and leave things fresher. What’s even better is that you can use lemon juice and white vinegar for a variety of materials, including fabrics or even wood!
Keeping your office clean serves various purposes. For one, it helps you comply with sanitation laws. For another, it keeps your employees safe and healthy. This can have a direct effect on workplace productivity. A clean office also makes a good impression on guests and potential clients.
In short, it’s in your best interest to maintain cleanliness in the workplace even in your own little ways. While it's still best to hire a commercial cleaner to do the big job, you can also enjoin everyone in your office to adopt a culture of cleanliness. With these alternative cleaning supplies, that won’t be too hard to do!