Most of us think the dirtiest place in the office is the bathroom. But guess what? The real germ party is happening in places you touch way more often—without even thinking about it.
Your office is filled with tiny germ factories hiding in plain sight. If you’ve ever wondered why you’re always catching that annoying “office cold,” these spots could be the reason.
Here are the top 5 germ hotspots in your office you probably never thought twice about:
- Your keyboard and mouse
- The breakroom coffee pot handle
- Desk phones and mobile devices
- Elevator buttons
- Shared pens and office supplies
In this article, we’re going to break down each of these sneaky germ hubs, explain why they’re dirtier than they look, and give you quick tips to keep them cleaner (and keep you healthier).
1. Your Keyboard and Mouse
Let’s kick it off with your own desk. Your keyboard and mouse are basically crumb-filled, bacteria-covered islands. Every time you eat at your desk, sneeze near your monitor or touch your mouse after shaking someone’s hand, you’re piling on more germs.
Fact: A study by the University of Arizona found that keyboards can have up to 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Yep. Let that sink in.
Quick Tip: Wipe down your keyboard and mouse once a day with disinfectant wipes. And yes—unplug or power down before you do.
2. The Breakroom Coffee Pot Handle
You’d think the place that gives you coffee would be safe. But nope. That coffee pot handle is touched by everyone. Think about it—people stumble in, half-asleep, probably coughing into their hands, and grab that handle without thinking.
| Breakroom Item | Bacteria Level (CFU/sq inch) | Cleaned Daily? |
| Coffee Pot Handle | 34,000 | Rarely |
| Microwave Buttons | 1,500 | Sometimes |
| Fridge Door Handle | 12,000 | Occasionally |
| Sink Faucet Handle | 17,000 | Often |
Suggestion: If your breakroom has hand sanitizer nearby, use it before and after making your coffee. Also, rotate who cleans the handle each day. It’s a team effort.
3. Desk Phones and Mobile Devices
If you still have a desk phone, you probably don’t think about cleaning it. But here’s the thing—your mouth is right up on that receiver. And your fingers are dialing and pressing buttons all day. The same goes for your mobile phone. It touches every surface, goes into every room (including the bathroom—don’t lie), and gets pressed right to your cheek.
Info: Phones are one of the most contaminated objects we carry, according to the CDC. They can harbor viruses like the flu and even E. coli.
Quick Tip: Use a microfiber cloth and alcohol-based cleaner a few times a week, especially after lunch or a meeting where you shake hands with others.
4. Elevator Buttons
These little germ panels are touched by everyone in the building. Think about how many hands hit the same button within just one hour. If someone sneezes, wipes their nose, then heads up to Floor 4—congrats, you just inherited their germs.
Warning: Researchers found more bacteria on elevator buttons than on public toilet seats.
Quick Tip: Use your knuckle or a pen cap to press buttons when possible. And keep hand sanitizer close—you’ll want it right after.
5. Shared Pens and Office Supplies
Ever signed in at reception or borrowed a coworker’s pen? You might as well have shaken hands with every person who touched it before you. Pens, staplers, scissors—if it’s shared, it’s suspect.
The flu virus can survive on hard surfaces like pens for up to 48 hours. Keep your own pen handy. Even better—get a quirky one so no one else tries to “borrow” it.
Conclusion
So, what’s the dirtiest place in the office? Spoiler: it’s not the bathroom. It’s the stuff you touch without thinking—your keyboard, the elevator button, the office coffee pot.
The good news? Now you know what to watch out for. A few wipes here and a squirt of sanitizer there can go a long way in keeping you from catching that dreaded office bug.
Stay clean, stay sharp—and maybe bring your own pen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my desk at work?
At least once a day if you’re working full-time in an office. Especially high-touch items like your mouse, keyboard, and phone.
Is hand sanitizer enough to kill office germs?
Yes, if it’s alcohol-based (at least 60% alcohol). It won’t replace washing hands, but it’s good when soap and water aren’t nearby.
Can I get sick from sharing office supplies?
Absolutely. Germs can linger on shared items for hours or even days, depending on the surface and the virus.
What’s the safest way to press elevator buttons?
Use your knuckle, elbow, or even a pen. And sanitize your hands afterward just to be safe.
Do antibacterial wipes really work?
They do! Just make sure they’re EPA-approved, and you let the surface stay wet for the time listed on the label.nce.
