Do you know how long germs stay on your office desk? The answers may surprise you! Sick days cost you money and disrupt your business. This is why it is crucial to have a company such as All In One Maintenance & Cleaning stay on top of keeping your office clean.

So how long? Well, the longevity of germs on office desks can vary based on the type of germ and the environmental conditions. So here’s a general overview of how long common germs can survive on office surfaces:

  1. Bacteria:
    • Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA): Can live on surfaces for several days to weeks. They thrive on non-porous surfaces like desks, keyboards, and phones.
    • Escherichia coli (E. coli): Can survive for a few hours to a day, depending on the environment.
  2. Viruses:
    • Influenza Virus: Can remain infectious on surfaces like desks and phones for 24 to 48 hours.
    • Common Cold (Rhinovirus): Can persist on surfaces for several hours to a few days.
    • Norovirus: Highly contagious and can survive on surfaces for days to weeks.
    • Coronavirus (including SARS-CoV-2): Studies have shown that it can live on surfaces like plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours, though it declines significantly after the first few hours.
  3. Fungi and Spores:
    • Molds and Mildews: Can survive on surfaces for extended periods, especially in damp conditions, but are less common on frequently used office desks.


Factors Affecting Germ Longevity:

  • Surface Type: Non-porous surfaces (metal, plastic, desks) tend to allow germs to survive longer compared to porous surfaces (paper, fabric).
  • Environmental Conditions: Humidity, temperature, and sunlight exposure can influence how long germs remain viable. Higher humidity and lower temperatures generally extend the survival time.
  • Cleaning and Disinfection: Regular cleaning with appropriate disinfectants significantly reduces the presence of germs on office desks.

Best Practices to Minimize Germ Presence:

  • Regular Cleaning: Wipe down desks and high-touch surfaces daily with disinfectant wipes or solutions.
  • Hand Hygiene: Encourage employees to wash hands regularly and use hand sanitizers.
  • Disinfection Protocols: Implement routine disinfection protocols, especially during flu season or when a contagious illness is present in the office.
  • Personal Responsibility: Encourage employees to clean their own workspaces, including keyboards, mice, and phones.

By maintaining good hygiene practices and regular cleaning schedules, you can significantly reduce the presence of germs on office desks and create a healthier work environment. Give us a call today!