You can't beat the refreshing feeling of starting your work day at a clean, clutter-free desk. However, keeping your desktop consistently spotless can be a challenge, especially when you're spending long hours at the office and you have a lot of files and supplies. How can you maintain a squeaky clean desk on a busy schedule? Solution: Start with a scheduled cleanup routine at least once a week. Here are several tips to complete a thorough, time-saving weekly cleanup that leaves you with a minimal dust- and dirt-free keyboard, spotless monitor and overall tidy desk.

A Cleanup Friendly Desk

There are a number of steps you can take to eliminate clutter as a regular part of your routine. First, get a stacked in/out tray to organize your papers and files, and keep current projects off your desk by placing them in file folders and binders labeled for easy browsing. Move photo frames and similar items to walls and drawers to avoid collecting extra dust. Save the desktop for items and tools you use several times each day.

Looking for a way to keep desk trash at bay? Keep a small wastebasket under the desk or within arm's reach, and stock up on wastebasket liners. Avoid tossing any food in that wastebasket unless you know it will be discarded at the end of each day. Better yet, resist temptation and avoid eating at your desk entirely, saving everything but water and coffee for the breakroom. It's an easy way to keep your work space clean, dry and free of crumbs.

Desktop Electronics That Sparkle

Say goodbye to dusty screens and keyboards! During your weekly cleanup, use a compressed gas keyboard spray to remove dust and dirt from beneath your keys. For any remaining crumbs or stubborn particles, hold the keyboard upside down, shaking it gently. To clean your mouse, wipe it off with a damp cloth or cleaning wipe. If you have a roller model mouse, use clear tape to clean the roller, and disassemble the mouse to clean out trapped dust.

Use a dry, lint-free cloth to dust off other parts of your computer. If your monitor has an LCD display, be sure to use a clean, dry cloth or one dampened with plain water. Don’t use chemical cleaners, as they can easily damage the plastic components of your electronics. Use monitor cleaning sprays or wipes for other types of screens. It’s also a good idea to check the cleaning instructions that come with the product.

Disinfect Your Desk Space

The weekly cleanup is not complete unless you thoroughly wipe down your desktop. Start by removing everything from the desk. If your monitor is heavy and difficult to lift, simply slide it to one side so you can clean the area. Use disposable wipes or a clean, damp rag to grab the dust. For grime spots and sticky residue, use a cleaning solution, preferably a glass cleaner for a glass desk and a wood-friendly solution for a wood desk. Next, use paper towels to dry the desktop completely, prevent ugly streaks and pick up any residual dust.

Your desk is a prime location for workplace germs, which land on hard surfaces from coughs or sneezes.[1] Clean the desk with disinfectant wipes, and keep a package around to use daily. Be sure to also wipe down your keyboard, mouse, phone and any other items you handle often. Consider using scented wipes to keep your desk area smelling fresh.

A clean work space can enhance productivity. As part of your weekly routine, take a few minutes at the end of each day to pick up clutter and wipe down the area. After all, everyone deserves to start each day at a neat and clean desk.

1. https://truenorthcompanies.com/blog/healthy-living/avoiding-office-germs.aspx