Addressing Odor Issues in the Office: Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Office odour can cause health issues like headache, nausea, respiratory, and more. 64% of Australians would consider leaving their job if health and hygiene aren’t ensured. So, it is crucial to eliminate odours as fast as they are noticed. 

Odours may come from the stinky bathroom, trash, dirty carpets, and food. Clean the toilet, carpets, and leftover food. Dispose of the trash. 

In this guide, we will discuss the primary office odour sources. We will then share tips on how you can get rid of office odour issues. 

Why Should You Clean Office Odour?

An odour-free office is vital. It helps create a space that is productive, welcoming, and professional. Foul odours can harm employee morale and client impressions. They can also affect health. Here are the key reasons to eliminate office odours. Businesses should prioritise it.

Clean Office Increases Employee Productivity and Morale

A fresh-smelling office is more pleasant. Removing odours from mould, mildew, or dust improves indoor air quality. It lowers the risk of allergies and breathing issues for employees and visitors.

It lets employees focus on tasks without distractions. For example, 44% of employees feel sleepy due to poor air quality.

But, clean air increases employees’ mood and productivity. Also, 91% of Australian workers consider hygiene to be necessary. This increases their morale. 

Creates a Positive Impression for Clients and Visitors

A fresh and odourless office conveys professionalism and attention to detail. This leaves clients with a positive perception of the business.

Unpleasant odours can harm your reputation. This is because clients may consider the smell created for negligence or poor management.

Supports Employee Retention

86% of Australian employees have focused on employee workspace hygiene as a long-term priority. So, employees will be more likely to stay with a company that provides a healthy and odour-free workplace. 

Complies with Workplace Health and Safety Standards

Australian workplace health and safety standards emphasise clean and safe working conditions under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. This includes adequate ventilation and hygiene.

An odour-free environment complies with standards. It protects your business from legal issues.

Primary Office Odour Sources

To eliminate office odour issues, you need to identify the odour sources. We discussed the common sources of office odour below for your convenience. 

• Trash Mismanagement: Overfilled bins, especially those with food. It especially includes leftover food and bad cleaning in the breakroom. 
• Carpet and upholstery: Spills, dust, and bacteria can linger on fabric surfaces. This causes stale odours.  
• Ventilation Problems: Poor airflow allows odours to stagnate, especially in tight spaces.  
• Bathrooms:
  • Bathrooms that are not cleaned regularly can host bacteria, mould, and mildew. These lead to foul odours. 
  • Clogged drains or toilets can create sewage smells. This can linger in the bathroom and spread to nearby areas.
  • Leaking or damaged pipes can cause water to accumulate in hidden areas. This leads to mould and mildew.
• HVAC Systems and Filters: Dust, mould, or trapped odours in poorly maintained HVAC systems can spread unpleasant smells.
• Body Odour: Employee odour can contribute to an unpleasant environment.
• Desks: Individual workstations can contribute to odours through spills, crumbs, or bacteria accumulation.

Cleaning Tips for Office Odour Issues Elimination

To create a soothing, odour-free office environment, here are the cleaning tips for office odour elimination. 

01. Trash Management 

Trash bins are one of the most common culprits behind lingering office odours. It happens in high-traffic areas, especially in break rooms. Regular maintenance is critical, and here is how you do it. 

1.1. Daily Bin Emptying

Make it a rule to empty all office bins at least once a day. Do it even if they are not full. Otherwise, food waste can ferment quickly in break rooms, causing strong and unpleasant smells.  

1.2. Use of Bin Liners

Always line bins with heavy-duty, leak-proof liners. So that they can contain spills and prevent residues from producing odours. Replace liners daily to avoid build-up.  

1.3. Deodorising Bin Sprays

Consider using sprays designed to neutralise odours in bins. These sprays often have antibacterial elements like polymeric biguanide hydrochloride. This prevents smell-causing bacteria and fungi growth. 

02. Breakroom Cleaning Tips

• Wipe down tables, countertops, and chairs with disinfectant to remove food particles and spills.
• Clean the microwave, fridge, and coffee maker weekly to remove stains, crumbs, and spills.
• Remove crumbs and sticky residues by sweeping and mopping floors daily.
• Clean sinks and unclog drains regularly to prevent bad smells and bacteria build-up.

03. Carpet Cleaning Tips

A well-maintained carpet can greatly improve the freshness of your office. You will be free from carpet odour from the fresh carpet. 

3.1. Regular Vacuuming

Vacuum your office carpets at least twice a week. Vacuum the carpet, especially in high-traffic areas. For example, areas like

• Breakroom
• Conference room
• Kitchens, etc, 

Use vacuums equipped with HEPA filters to trap dust, allergens, and odour-causing particles effectively.  HEPA filters’ dust removal efficiency is 99.97% for 0.3-micron particles. 

3.2. Spot Cleaning Spills

Spot clean spills on carpets immediately with a carpet-safe cleaning solution. This will prevent spills and odours from setting in. You can use baking soda paste for spot cleaning to remove spills immediately on your office carpet.

3.3. Professional Steam Cleaning

Schedule professional carpet steam cleaning every 6–12 months. Steam cleaning removes deeply embedded dirt and bacteria that regular vacuums cannot reach.  

04. Desk Sanitisation Tips

Regular desk sanitisation ensures freshness and keeps odour away. Also, your office desk may have 400 times more bacteria than your toilet seat. So, it is crucial to clean them to maintain health and safety. 

4.1. Wiping with Antibacterial Solutions

Use antibacterial wipes or sprays to clean desks daily. Pay close attention to frequently touched areas like keyboards, phones, and mousepads.  

4.2. Tackling Sticky Surfaces

Remove stains or sticky residues from coffee cups, food, or spills promptly to prevent bacteria growth.  

4.3. Motivate Employees to Maintain Hygiene

Encourage employees to clean up after themselves, particularly when eating at their desks. Providing sanitising wipes and sprays can make this task easier.  

05. Cleaning Tips for Bathrooms

• Clean Daily: Use disinfectant to scrub toilets, sinks, and countertops. This removes germs and stains.
• Disinfect High-Touch Areas: Sanitize door handles, taps, flush buttons, and light switches. Do this regularly.
• Empty Bins Frequently: Dispose of waste in sanitary bins daily. This prevents odours and overflow.
• Inspect drains and check for Plumbing Issues: Inspect for leaks or clogs. Fix them to prevent odours and water damage.
• Mop Floors Regularly: Use a disinfectant to clean the bathroom floors. Pay special attention to the corners and grout lines.
• Use Air Fresheners: Use subtle, long-lasting air fresheners for offices. Or, use natural odour absorbers, like activated charcoal.
• Ventilate Properly: Use working exhaust fans to cut humidity and prevent mould. This will keep odour away. 

06. HVAC System Cleaning Tips

• Replace air filters every 1–3 months. This prevents dust, mould, and bacteria build-up.
• Schedule Professional Maintenance service every six months. This will clean the ducts and ensure they work well.
• Use activated carbon filters. They trap and destroy odours.
• Check ducts and vents for moisture or mould. Fix any issues right away.
• Dust and wipe air vents regularly to maintain clean airflow and prevent odour circulation.
• Maintain clear air pathways to improve airflow and reduce odour stagnation.
• Use Dehumidifiers. This reduces moisture levels in the office to prevent mould-related smells in the HVAC system.
• Use aroma diffusers with subtle, office-appropriate scents. They must be HVAC-compatible. For example, you can use lemon, orange, or grapefruit-flavoured scents. 

07. Tips for Employees to Prevent Body Odour in the Office

Your employees should follow the following tips to prevent odour spread from their bodies.

• Shower daily. Use antibacterial soap to reduce odour-causing bacteria.
• Use a long-lasting deodorant or antiperspirant before work.
• Wash your clothes, including undergarments, every day.
• Choose breathable fabrics. Opt for natural materials like cotton or linen to reduce sweat and odour.
• Drink plenty of water. It helps regulate body temperature and reduces sweat odours.
• Limit eating garlic, onion, or spicy meals that can contribute to body odour.
• Store an extra shirt or outfit at work for emergencies or unexpected sweating.
• Use cleansing wipes or body sprays during breaks if needed.
• Brush teeth, use mouthwash, and carry mints or gum to combat bad breath.
• If you have persistent body odour, consult a doctor. It may indicate a health issue.

08. Tips for Proper Ventilation Management 

Place exhaust fans in key areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and breakrooms to remove stale air.

• Allow fresh air to circulate by opening windows whenever possible.
• Invest in air purifiers with odour-eliminating filters. They will improve air quality.
• Unblock the air vents. They will distribute air evenly in the office.
• Enhance airflow in areas with poor circulation by adding fans.
• Use dehumidifiers for offices to control moisture, preventing musty smells from stagnant air.
• Design spaces with airflow paths between entry and exit points for a flow of air.

Natural Odour Control Tips

Sometimes, the simplest solutions work best. Natural odour control methods are effective, affordable, and add a pleasant touch to the office atmosphere.  

Use Baking Soda for Smells

Baking soda is a powerful yet inexpensive odour absorber:  

• Sprinkle baking soda directly onto carpets, rugs, or upholstered furniture.  
• Leave it overnight to allow it to absorb odours, then vacuum thoroughly the next day.  
• For smaller areas, place an open container of baking soda. For example, cabinets, drawers, or enclosed spaces prone to odours. This will absorb the spread of odour. 

This method is handy for combating musty smells in less-ventilated offices.  

Use Scented Sachets

Scented sachets offer a discreet and long-lasting solution to odour control:  

• Place sachets filled with dried lavender, rosemary, or citrus peels in desk drawers, filing cabinets, or behind furniture.  
• Replace sachets every 2–3 months to ensure continuous freshness.  

These sachets are ideal for keeping individual workstations odour-free.  

Keep Scented Office Plants

Plants are not only visually appealing but also excellent natural odour neutralisers:  

• Lavender and Rosemary: These plants emit soothing scents that work as stress relief elements for employees.  
• Snake Plants and Peace Lilies: While not scented, these plants improve air quality by removing toxins.  

Position plants strategically in areas prone to odours, such as near rubbish bins or break rooms.  

Pet-Friendly Office Cleaning Tips

Offices with pets require special attention to odour control. Hairy pets add charm to the workplace. However, they can also contribute to smells. 

• Odour-Neutralising Sprays: Use sprays designed for pet odours. They must be non-acidic, non-caustic, safe for animals, and biodegradable. However, most pet odour removal sprays are enzymatic or react chemically. They are safe for both humans and animals. Treat carpets, furniture, and pet bedding.  
• Daily Cleaning of Pet Areas: Clean and disinfect pet areas, including litter trays or designated sleeping spaces. Do this every day to prevent lingering smells.  
• Regularly Wash Bedding: Pet bedding should be washed weekly with a pet-safe detergent to maintain freshness.  

Hire Professional Cleaning Services for Effective Odour Elimination

You can hire a professional cleaning service for better odour elimination. You can rest assured that thorough odour elimination will be ensured. Because,

• Experts use advanced tools and methods to remove odours. They have the right skills and strategies for long-term mould and mildew prevention.
• Professionals ensure comprehensive cleaning. They target sources of odour, like carpets, upholstery, and HVAC systems. They control odour in the long term by tackling its root causes.

• Hiring pros saves employees time and effort. So employees can focus on work.
• Professional cleaning services ensure compliance with workplace hygiene standards. So, you can rest assured that no compliance issues will bother you. 

Final Words

You must ensure an odour-free office environment for more productivity. It is also required for workspace health standards. To address the office odour issues, you need to identify the root causes. However, after identifying the causes, you should take the required odour elimination action to eliminate the stinky odours. 

By the way, professional cleaning services do the odour-cleaning job best. If you are in Brisbane, Eco Cleaning Brisbane can be your most trustworthy cleaning expert. Our more than 20 years of cleaning experience assure you that we will ensure a long-term fresh office environment for you. Book your odour-cleaning service today with us at +61 7 3189 2759 or [email protected]. We will take care of the rest of your concerns.