As clean as we think an office environment might be, smells do arise. These odors can be distracting, inspire images of disgust, and does not give a positive impression of a business to office workers, business partners, and clients. No one wants to bring in an important client to the office and have them be met by the foulest smell.

Strong odors can also affect focus and productivity among those workers who are required to be in the office on a daily basis. Even worse, smells can make people sick and negatively impact air quality. In every office, there should be a continued commitment to keeping the environment as comfortable and focused as possible. Eliminating distracting smells and odors is a necessity for any office manager.

The key to odors in the workplace is in, first, identifying where the smell is coming from. It might be something at the bottom of a trash can, coming from a sink drain, an issue with the ventilation system, or even mold or mildew which can originate in warm, wet climates. If the smell is slightly plastic, you may want to look towards electronic devices and wiring. In this case, plastic smells or anything similar to gas or burning could be indicative of something serious. It’s not always as simple as food at the back of the fridge. Smells can indicate anything from a dead animal in the wall to an old, leather office chair that has simply seen better days.

The kitchen and the bathroom are two of the most common areas where odors can arise. If the bathroom is not being cleaned regularly, odors can come up from the drains or the splashes of urine against the stalls and walls, among other things. If the kitchen is filled with coffee makers, mugs, coasters, and dishes that are not being cleaned properly, it’s easy for office odors to arise here as well. Be sure to check coffee makers, mugs, coasters, and more to ensure no mildew is growing on these items.

After identifying the source of a distracting office smell, act accordingly. Sometimes, smells could be easy to remedy. At other times, you may need specific cleaning supplies or a commercial cleaning company to assist. If there is mold growing or rotting food, ensure a thorough cleaning is done to eliminate these odors and any bacteria that might not be immediately visible. Some office managers may also want to use plants throughout the office, which are known to purify the air, and keep things smelling fresh and healthy. This is a great technique to use and is highly recommended if the office environment can handle plant growth.

At times, even after a thorough office cleaning, a smell might persist. If it does and the odor just won’t go away, contacting a commercial cleaning company with the needed cleaning supplies is your best bet. The right commercial cleaning company will have the equipment, supplies, and knowledge to target and rid an office environment of any odor.

Distracting and harmful odors should not be allowed to persist in any office. They may be more serious than a rotting piece of fruit. In some cases, foul odors have even led to eye irritation and breathing difficulties. Contact a commercial cleaner for the supplies and guidance in how to appropriately address the smells that are reducing efficiencies and potentially putting others at risk.