How to Tackle Office Smells Before They Become a Problem

2

Sep

Posted by: Admin

How many times have you walked into your office, only to be welcomed by an unpleasant odour? Maybe your employees have mentioned a smell that is not going away, or you client mentioned your meeting room had a bad odour. When your office smells bad, it has a negative impact on your reputation, along with your employees morale and productivity. Let's be honest, who wants to work or visit a business that smells bad.

If your office smells, it's time to take action, before it becomes a serious problem.

Office Smells – The Most Common Causes

The most common causes of office smells include:

• Poor ventilation – when air isn't circulating, odours are trapped, creating a musty and stale smell 
• Carpets and upholstery – carpets and fabric furniture absorb smells over time from airborne particles to spills. Elements are trapped in the fibres and require proper cleaning to reduce the risk of these odours lingering
• Wash rooms – wash room odours make up the majority of workplace complaints. Even when they look clean, they can house bacteria and urine buildup, causing unpleasant odours to filter through your office
• Kitchens and break rooms – forgotten leftovers, bins that are not emptied, and spills all create foul smells in kitchens and break rooms, caused by dirty dishes, neglected fridges, and microwave mess
• Rubbish – not emptying the bins regularly or disposing of food waste correctly can result in unpleasant smells. Dairy products, old fruit, and even coffee grounds can quickly create unpleasant odours in the office
• Mould and Mildew – mould and mildew is not uncommon in the UK, often growing in hidden areas, thriving on damp conditions, resulting in a musty odour that is unpleasant, while posing a health risk to your employees and visitors

The Serious Implications of Bad Smells in the Office

If your office has a bad smell, it can seriously impact your business:

• Productivity – unpleasant odours are distracting, leading to a drop in focus, morale, and productivity
• Bad impression – clients walking into a bad smelling office assume your business is unsanitary and unprofessional, creating a bad impression
• Health risk – odours from mould, bacteria, or chemicals contribute to poor indoor air quality, which can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and discomfort

How to Tackle Office Smells

Now that you know what the common causes are of bad smells in the office and their impact, it's time to start tackling the problem:

Professional Cleaning Schedule

Regular professional cleaning is the most effective way to eliminate office smells. A professional cleaning company has the experience and knowledge to ensure that problem areas are effectively tackled, while leaving your office spotless and hygienic.

Cleaning Products

It's important to note that not all cleaning products provide the same high quality clean. Choosing the right cleaning products can make a major difference to how your office smells.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

In addition to daily vacuuming, you should schedule regular carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Steam cleaning, along with deodorising treatments, refresh your upholstery and carpets, improving indoor air quality.

Washrooms

Washrooms should go far beyond simply wiping down the services. Washroom cleaning should be thorough, ensuring all surfaces, toilets, sinks, and high touch surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised, while ensuring that soap dispensers, towels, and toilet paper are stocked. Add air fresheners to improve the overall smell.

Indoor Air Quality

Ensure your offices air conditioner is working properly and the filters are changed regularly. You can also use air purifiers or dehumidifiers to improve air quality, reducing musty odours. We recommend opening the windows on warmer days to allow a natural flow of fresh air.

Waste Management

Ensure you have an effective waste management plan in place that ensures your bins are emptied daily, with special attention placed on food waste. Use scented black bags to help keep bad odours under control.

Mould and Mildew

If your office struggles with moisture and rising damp, chances are you have a mould or mildew problem, maybe both that needs to be addressed immediately. This may involve fixing a leak, or hiring a professional team to clean and remove the mould and mildew.

Conclusion

If your office has a bad smell and you cannot eradicate it, it's time to call in the professionals. Don't leave bad odours to become a problem, tackling them head on as early as possible can effectively eliminate the odour, while ensuring your office sparkles. Sloane Cleaning Services has over forty years experience in office cleaning, helping to eliminate odours, providing a fresh, clean, and hygienic working environment. Contact us now for a free quote and see how we can help you keep your office odour free.