Spring into Action: Spring Cleaning with W.B. Mason

As the season changes and the weather becomes warmer, it’s not just our homes that need a refresh for spring, but the office as well. The workplace can benefit from the act of spring cleaning in more ways than one. A meticulously planned office spring clean can help enhance productivity, employee well-being, and the overall work environment. So, let’s spring into action and discover the ways that W.B. Mason can help during spring cleaning season at your place of work.

The Power of a Clean Workspace

While the importance of a clean and organized home is widely recognized, the impact of a well-maintained office space may not be thought about in the same way. Consider these key benefits that a spring-cleaned workspace can have on others:

• • Enhanced Productivity: Clutter around the office can act as a visual distraction, which can hinder focus and could slow down workflows. Removing unnecessary items and establishing designated storage areas can free up both the physical and mental space, allowing employees to dedicate their full attention to tasks at hand.
  • Improved Focus and Concentration: A cluttered and unorganized workspace can create a sense of disarray that can easily translate into a scattered mindset. By implementing a clean and organized environment, employees can channel their energy towards focused work, leading to increased efficiency and improved results.
  • Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Clutter can be a significant source of stress, creating a feeling of overwhelm and hindering relaxation. Like a well-organized home environment, a well-organized workspace can foster a sense of calm and control. This can allow employees to approach their work with a clearer head, which might reduce anxiety.
  • Boosted Morale and Collaboration: A clean and inviting workspace reflects professionalism and takes pride in the work environment. This can contribute to a more positive atmosphere for teamwork and collaboration, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and a pleasant work experience.
  • Improved Hygiene and Reduced Germs: Studies have shown that office desks can generate a multitude of bacteria and viruses. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces can significantly reduce the spread of illness and promote a healthier work environment for everyone.

Strategies for a Successful Office Spring Clean

After explaining the benefits of the transformative power that an office spring clean can have, let’s delve into the strategies that can help ensure a smooth and successful process. Here’s an example of a plan that can help you tackle your workspace spring cleaning efforts:

• • Planning and Preparation: Like any successful project, a well-executed office spring clean can require planning. Choose a designated day or weekend to avoid disruption during regular work hours. Coordinate with colleagues to ensure shared areas are addressed collaboratively. Stock up on essential cleaning supplies like disinfectant wipes, microfiber cloths, and multi-surface cleaners beforehand, so you are ready to go when the day comes.
  • Conquer the Clutter: Begin by tackling the most visible source of distraction – clutter. Starting with your desk and surrounding surfaces can be a great way to get the ball rolling. Sorting through papers, discarding outdated documents, filing important ones, and recycling anything unnecessary can be a great way to free up some room. Utilizing a paper shredder can be a safe way to discard sensitive documents. Limiting personal desk items to a few pieces can make your space feel rejuvenated, and investing in drawer dividers or organizers to keep office supplies in can keep you feeling organized.
  • Deep Clean Every Nook and Cranny: With the clutter cleared, it’s time for a thorough cleaning. Wiping down desks, chairs, shelves, and other work surfaces with appropriate disinfectants can get rid of a good portion of dust, germs, and bacteria. And don’t forget the shared areas like break rooms and conference rooms which could probably use a good cleaning too. Disinfect tables, chairs, doorknobs, and light switches with appropriate cleaning solutions. Empty wastebaskets and replace the liners and consider giving shared appliances like microwaves and coffee makers a good scrub to eliminate spilled food and unpleasant odors.
  • Revitalize Your Technology: Spring cleaning isn’t just about physical clutter and wiping down surfaces. Dedicate time to cleaning up your digital workspace. Organize your computer desktop by creating folders for different projects and files. Unsubscribe from irrelevant emails and consider implementing filters to automatically categorize incoming messages. Review your installed programs and remove any unused or outdated software to free up disk space and improve computer performance. Just like in your workspace, cleaning out your digital space can help you feel more organized and clutter-free.
  • Refresh the Look and Feel: While functionality is important, a visually appealing workspace can further enhance employee well-being and productivity. Consider incorporating some greenery into the space. Studies show that plants in the workplace can improve concentration and reduce stress levels. Adding a splash of color or inspiration with tasteful artwork or motivational posters can also help. Opening windows when feasible to allow natural light and fresh air to enter the space can also help with concentration.

Essential Products for a Streamlined Spring Clean

Equipping yourself with the right tools can significantly streamline the office spring-cleaning process. Here are some key products to consider that are all from W.B. Mason:

• Rubbermaid® Commercial Deluxe Carry Caddy This portable caddy has 8 compartments and can keep cleaning supplies organized and readily accessible. It can hold 8 32-ounce bottles of your favorite cleaning supplies and can be easily carried across the office.
• WypAll® Microfiber Reusable Cloths: These versatile cloths are gentle on electronics and surfaces, making them ideal for all-purpose cleaning in a variety of industries. These microfiber cloths are also reusable and eco-friendly which can help reduce waste.
• Fellows® Powershred Jam Proof Cross-Cut Shredder: A paper shredder can come in handy when you are decluttering the office and don’t want to recycle sensitive documents. This shredder has a 30-page capacity and a 30 gallon removable bin to make shredding your documents easier.
• Dust-Off Disposable Compressed Gas Duster: Blast dust out of hard-to-reach areas like keyboards, vents, and behind monitors with a compressed air duster. This can be a helpful and time-saving item to include in your list of cleaning supplies.
• Seventh Generation® All Purpose Cleaner: This fragrance free and nontoxic all-purpose cleaning spray can leave your surfaces looking and feeling clean. W.B. Mason carries a plethora of cleaning and disinfectant sprays for a wide variety of surfaces, and many all-purpose options.
• Febreze® Air Freshener: To top it all off, a spring-scented air freshener from Febreze might just be the perfect way to end your spring-cleaning session and leave the room smelling light and fresh. With so many options to choose from, we asked our Instagram followers to pick their favorite springtime scent, and here are the results: Which one would you pick?

• • In First Place we have the Febreze Odor-Fighting Air Freshener in the Southern Lilac Mornings Scent.
  • Second Place goes to Febreze Odor-Fighting Air Freshener in the Sweet Watermelon Vine Scent.
  • And coming in Third Place we have my personal favorite, the Febreze Odor-Fighting Air Freshener in the Georgia Peach Orchard Scent.

Spring cleaning can be a way to refresh your workspace but also try to increase employee satisfaction and productivity. It can be difficult for people to concentrate and complete work in a space that is cluttered, and disorganized, so let’s spring into action and get cleaning! Springtime is a great time of year to get cleaning, but things around the office can get messy any time of year. Luckily, W.B. Mason has all the cleaning tools, products, and accessories to help you get the process going. Be sure to check out all our cleaning products to find the right ones for your workspace.