When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it closed down a majority of offices and businesses, leading many people to work from home. As America continues to head back to the office, companies are putting protocols in place to keep employees and customers healthy. 

Cleaning frequently is more important than ever. While some tasks can be performed weekly or every couple of weeks, cleaning should be done in some capacity every day. 

We put together a list of five things you should be cleaning in your office daily to create a safe and healthy work environment. 

Daily office cleaning checklist 

Whether you have returned to the office or are still working from home, having an office space that’s tidy, neat, and germ-free has many benefits. While a few of these tips may apply to a business setting, many can be used in a home office as well!

Declutter your desk at the end of every day

Put items back in their designated spots at the end of each workday—pens in holders, file papers, throw away things no longer needed, and put other items back in drawers or on shelves. 

Clutter can feel chaotic and stressful, leading to lower productivity. Decluttering every day can help shift your mindset and job performance, plus it doesn’t give dust and dirt a place to hang out. 

Wipe down technological equipment

Phones, headsets, laptops, keyboards, and other equipment are necessities in most businesses. We bet you most likely use at least one or more every day. Therefore, it’s essential to be cleaning technical equipment daily.  

Certain items may need to be cleaned a certain way. For example, your tech device may need to be cleaned with an alcohol-free solution or use little to no water. Others may be fine with using disinfecting spray or wipes. We advise following the guidelines recommended by the manufacturer. 

Disinfect desktop and other surfaces

A study done by the University of Arizona found that desks are one of the dirtiest and germy surfaces. Take a few minutes to wipe down your desk and any other surfaces you may have used that day. 

It may help to note everything you touch during your workday on and around your desk. This includes items like:

• folders
• electronics
• writing utensils
• binders
• keyboards
• monitors
• a mouse
• staplers
• chairs

 Be sure to use an alcohol-based disinfecting solution; either spray or wipes will work. 

Clean all shared spaces
Common areas that see a lot of traffic can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. While you don’t need to deep clean each area every day, wiping surfaces down with an appropriate disinfectant, taking out the trash, and removing clutter, should be done every day. (The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, recommends disinfecting with  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ‘s List N disinfectants)
Shared spaces that should be on your office’s daily cleaning checklist include the kitchen and/or break room, lobby and waiting areas, and office restrooms. 

Kitchen/ break room

People use this area frequently to prepare and eat, so crumbs, spills, and dirt are expected. It’s critical to disinfect all countertops, tables, chairs, shelves and sinks with a disinfectant spray at the end of each day.

Don’t forget about the refrigerator, microwave, and water cooler! (especially the handles!)

Lobby/waiting areas
Vacuuming, sweeping, or mopping is essential if your waiting spaces have many visitors or staff throughout the day. In these areas, you should also wipe down all surfaces, like door handles, glass doors, and the arms of chairs. 
You also want to wipe down items that people may handle often such as clipboards, pens, tabletops, etc. Be sure to use disinfecting sprays and wipes to get rid of germs. 

Bathrooms

If your office restrooms don’t get a lot of use, a thorough wipe down with disinfecting spray/wipes should be on your cleaning click list. 

However, complete cleaning is necessary every day if the bathroom is a high-traffic area during a workday. These items should include:

• Wiping down all hard surfaces (toilets, sinks, door handles, etc.) with sanitizing cleaners. 
• Cleaning the mirrors
• Sweeping and mopping the floors
• Emptying the trash 

Wipe down touchless sanitizers 

Many businesses have put in touchless sanitizers as an added layer of protection against COVID-19. They provide employees, guests, and customers with a convenient and easy-to-use way of applying hand sanitizer while decreasing the risk of cross-contamination.

However, we still recommend wiping them down every day to kill any germs or bacteria on the surface from airborne viruses or someone accidentally touching the device. Using a disinfectant spray or wipe is the best option to keep them clean daily. 

Final thoughts

Deep cleanings are critical to keeping your office space in top shape, but you should also aim to clean and sanitize high-touch points and declutter at least once a day. Not only will this make deep cleaning more manageable, but it will also reduce the chances of spreading germs. 

COVID-19 has redefined the workplace, from office layouts to frequency of cleaning. By working together to complete these daily cleaning habits, we can adjust for the workplace of tomorrow, putting health, safety, and comfort at the forefront. Here at SkinDfense, we understand the importance of providing high-quality yet affordable hand sanitizers, hand sanitizing dispensers, and other products that will help keep businesses as safe as possible. Reach out to us for more information on using our products as part of your company’s fight against COVID-19. 
 

Whether you are monitoring signs after being exposed to COVID-19 or watching your child’s flu symptoms, having an accurate reading of a person’s body temperature is an essential tool for managing any illness.  

We put together this guide to help you understand what a fever is, the different ways you can measure body temperature, and information on when it might be time to call your doctor. 

What is a fever?
A fever is a rise in the body’s temperature that occurs due to an infection. While a fever can cause discomfort, it’s a sign the body is fighting off the illness. 

Signs and symptoms of a fever
While feeling warm to the touch can be a sure sign of a fever, there are other symptoms you may experience, depending on the cause of your fever. These signs may include:

• Sweating
• Chills and shivering
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Dehydration
• General weakness

Normal body temperature vs. fever 
The average body temperature is 98.6° Fahrenheit (or 37° Celsius). When your body temperature rises a few degrees above average, it’s a sign that the body is actively fighting off an infection. 

• A fever in adults occurs when the body temperature measures higher than 100.4°F
• A child is considered to have a fever when their body temperature is higher than 100.4°F (taken rectally), 99.5°F (taken orally), or 99°F (taken under the arm).

If you develop a fever, it will usually run its course and can be managed at home with fluids and fever-reducing medications. When a fever rises above 102°F, you should see your doctor right away. 

How to take your temperature accurately 
First, you should always use a digital thermometer to check your temperature. Glass mercury thermometers are no longer recommended due to mercury exposure. 
Before you take your temperature, you should always:

• Thoroughly read the directions for the thermometer.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer if you don’t have easy access to soap and water. 
• Clean the thermometer before and after each use with rubbing alcohol or soap and warm water. Some thermometers come with covers on the tips, so be sure to replace them before use. 
• Use a separate thermometer for oral and rectal temperatures. You may want to label them to remember which is which.
• Wait at least 6 hours after taking fever-reducing medications, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or aspirin.

Types of digital thermometers

Oral
A thermometer is placed under the tongue to check temperature orally. This method is best for adults and children four and over who can correctly hold the thermometer in their mouth.
You should wait at least 30 minutes after eating and drinking to get the most accurate temperature. 

Rectal

Usually the preferred method for babies, a thermometer is inserted gently into the rectum. This method can be used in children up to 3 years of age because older kids may have trouble staying still to get an accurate reading. 

Axillary

For this method, the thermometer is placed in the armpit. Since axillary isn’t the most accurate, it’s usually recommended for young children or adults whose temperature can’t safely be done orally and should be followed up with a more precise method. 

Ear 

A digital ear thermometer measures the temperature inside the ear canal through infrared ray technology. These readings can be 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than oral temperature readings. 

Ear thermometers are often preferred over oral and rectal for children because they are faster and more comfortable. However, you shouldn’t use them in babies younger than six months. 

Temporal artery/Forehead

Temporal artery or forehead thermometers use an infrared scanner to gauge the temperature of the temporal artery in your forehead. 

Many of these thermometers require no physical contact and have become increasingly popular in large venues, such as stadiums, airports, department stores, and schools, due to COVID-19. 

How often should I take my temperature?

Many times, our temperature is the first thing we check when we start to feel sick. Likewise, it’s often one of the first questions a healthcare provider will ask.  

If you take your temperature and decide to take a fever-reducing medication to manage symptoms, you should wait the recommended time before retaking the medicine (usually 4-6 hours). You should also check your temperature before taking another dose to see if it’s needed. 

When a temperature is high, you should recheck it more often and record the readings. This will help you know if the medication is helping and if the illness is getting better or not. Recording your temperature will also help your healthcare provider better understand what’s going on to create the best treatment plan. 

When should I call my doctor?

If you or someone in your household experiences fever in combination with any of the following, you should call your doctor right away:

• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Swelling of the throat
• Confusion
• Any other concerning changes

Your physician’s office can also recommend the best thermometer for your family, how to use it, and when you should come in to be seen by the doctor. 

Final thoughts

Having a fever can be scary and uncomfortable. However, it’s a sign that your body is fighting an illness. It’s essential to take your temperature accurately to monitor and manage your symptoms. 

Here at SkinStitch, we understand the importance of providing high-quality yet affordable temperature scanners that will help keep people as safe as possible. Reach out to us for more information on using our products as part of your business’ fight against COVID-19.