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Do you know how to clean an office phone correctly?
Even though more businesses are moving towards softphones and computer‑based calling, the traditional office phone is still found on most desks.
Whether you’re taking calls from clients or making outbound calls to grow your business, the office phone remains a crucial piece of equipment.
It’s powerful enough to connect teams across the country — yet for many younger workers, it’s still the most intimidating item on the desk. Even with the rise of Zoom, Teams and other video‑calling tools, the office phone isn’t going anywhere.
Viruses such as COVID‑19 spread mainly through airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing or even talking loudly. Because office phones sit close to the face and mouth, they naturally carry a high risk of harbouring germs.
On top of that, phones are touched constantly throughout the day — often by multiple people — making them one of the germiest items in any workplace.
As a responsible employer, it’s essential to take steps to keep the workplace clean and reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. Teaching staff how to clean their workspace properly, including their office phones, can help reduce sickness levels and improve overall hygiene.
The handset is the part of the phone that comes into closest contact with the face, so it needs regular cleaning.
Once cleaned, wipe the handset with a dry cloth or paper towel. This removes any residue and prevents sticky build‑up or potential skin irritation.
Dirt and grime often build up in the small grooves around the speaker and receiver.
To clean these areas:
This step helps remove hidden dirt that standard wiping won’t reach.
The base of the phone is often overlooked, but it collects dust, fingerprints and bacteria throughout the day.
A quick daily wipe keeps the phone looking clean and reduces germ build‑up.
The keypad is one of the most touched parts of the phone — and one of the easiest places for germs to hide.
A clean keypad not only looks better but also reduces the risk of spreading germs between users.
Office phones are handled constantly, often without people realising how much they touch them. Between calls, eating at desks, coughing, sneezing and general daily use, phones quickly become a hotspot for germs.
Unlike keyboards or screens, phones sit right next to the mouth and nose — so they naturally collect more bacteria. Regular cleaning is one of the simplest ways to improve hygiene in shared workspaces.
How often you clean the phone depends on how many people use it:
A quick wipe takes seconds but makes a big difference.
Cleaning the phone is important — but it won’t stay clean for long if the desk around it is dusty or cluttered. A clean workspace supports a clean phone.
We hope this article has given you a better understanding of how to clean an office phone properly. With regular cleaning and the right products, you can significantly reduce germs and improve workplace hygiene.
The easiest way to ensure your office phones — and the rest of your workplace — are cleaned thoroughly is to hire a reliable commercial cleaning company.
Click here to learn more about our office cleaning service, where we clean offices of all sizes.
To request a free, no‑obligation quote, click here to contact your local Green Fox Cleaning office.
