It’s a brand new year, and that usually gives a feeling of a “fresh start” or a “clean slate”. So why not take advantage of this feeling and make a fresh start at your desk? Whether at home or your office, your workspace can always use tidying up. Germs love the phone and your keyboard too!
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Clean your keyboard regularly
Dirt and grime can cause the keys to stick and feel unresponsive. Yuck! Clean it by shutting down your computer and unplug your keyboard (if it is wired). Carefully turn your keyboard upside down and gently shake it over a garbage can. This should get rid of any noticeable crumbs and debris. Use cotton swabs and cotton buds to clean the keys and in between the keys. It will take time, so remember; patience is a virtue.
Clean your screen
Over time, your monitor will get dusty. With everything switched off and shut down, move your monitor and wipe the surface it stands on. Use a microfibre cleaning cloth and a little water to make the cloth damp. Do not spray water directly onto the monitor, but apply a small amount of water on the corner of the microfiber cloth. Avoid using cleaning fluids, wax, or chemicals.
Degrime your telephone
Your phone is a hotspot for bacteria and needs regular cleaning. Wipe your phone with anti-bacterial wipes. The ear, mouth piece and the keypad require special attention as they have the most concentration of bacteria. Wipe the whole unit and any wires and cables.
Disinfect your trash can
Even if your under-the-desk trash can has a plastic liner, take the time to regularly clean it with disinfectant in a little warm water. Dry completely with a cloth before adding a new bin liner.
Reduce clutter
You are probably all too aware that clutter builds on your desk depressingly easily. Clutter attracts dust and makes regular cleaning more difficult. Try to keep your desk minimalist.
Eat food away from your desk
If you really want to minimize the mess on your desk, eat snacks and lunch elsewhere. Food crumbs and spills can easily build up without you noticing. Taking a lunch-break away from your workstation is actually good for your productivity.
