Why Summer is a difficult time for workplace hygiene (and how to stay ahead of the smells!)

As the mercury goes up and workplaces get busier, some businesses are caught on the back foot when it comes to the realisation that summer can be a difficult season for keeping the environment fresh, hygienic and odour free. From sweaty hands on high touch surfaces, increased footfall and summer “colds” doing the rounds. Warmer summer months can bring unique challenges that require a more targeted and proactive cleaning approach.

Heat makes odours stronger, and faster.

Higher temperatures can make smells intensify, something anyone who’s been on the tube in July will understand. Common culprits for summertime workplace whiffs are; bins and food waste, toilets, washrooms and hygiene bins, and carpets holding onto moisture and bacteria like their life depends on it. Stay ahead of the stink by emptying the rubbish and recycling bins more often, schedule an extra clean of the washroom facilities and give carpets some extra love with a deep clean.

Open windows brings added extras.

We love an open window, who doesn’t? But allowing fresh air in also brings in its fair share of pollen (Cue the summertime sneezes), dust, traffic pollution and insects. If open windows are a must in your workplace, schedule more frequent dusting and vacuuming and don’t forget the window sills and any trickle vents.

Footfall goes up when school’s out

This is especially true for retail and hospitality spaces, with people moving constantly between indoor and outdoor areas. Stay one step ahead by keeping entrance mats clean, additional cleaning of high touch areas like door handles and till areas and schedule extra floor cleaning where possible.

More holidays = more workspace and equipment sharing.

With team members enjoying their well deserved holidays, items such as desk phones, mice, keyboards and desks become a hot spot for germ congregation. To mitigate this, provide “hot desk hygiene” reminders, have antibacterial wipes accessible and ensure desks and equipment are sanitised daily.

3Way can help you stay head of summer hygiene challenges. If you’re ready for a cleaner, cooler and fresher workplace this summer, you can find us at 3Way.

Comment your favourite thing about summer below.