Cleaning Tips for Your Desk

Creating an effective work environment in your home can be tough. While your commute may now be only a few short steps, and video call services like Zoom and Microsoft Teams allow any room in your home to turn into a conference space, there are still a host of other issues that present themselves in the WFH environment.

One of these challenges is simply cleaning your desk, and keeping your workspace clutter-free. Unlike most corporate office spaces, your home office may change daily based on the needs of your household. Your 2- and 5-year-old “coworkers” may be learning virtually behind you, or better yet, may use your space as their locker (or locker room). While you and your partner or roommates may take turns tidying up, there is certainly no custodial service for your “building.”

So, if you find yourself struggling, wondering how to clean your desk and office space, we’ve put together a list of tips that we’ve found helpful!

How to Clean Your Desk

Desk cleaning doesn’t have to be a huge chore — it can be simple! Depending on the type of desk you have, you may only need to wipe it down on a daily or weekly basis with a damp cloth or sponge and mild soap. For most desks, just mix liquid dish soap and warm water, apply to your desk, rinse cold, and dry with a paper or soft cloth towel. Always make sure to rinse and dry your desk after wiping down with soapy water, as prolonged exposure to cleaning solutions can tarnish its finish.

Dust-Be-Gone

If you’re working on a laminate desk top, it may need the occasional dusting. In this case, desk cleaning may require the use of a non-oily furniture spray. After using the spray, be sure to rinse and wipe down your work surface thoroughly with a towel, because even a non-oily spray can leave behind some leftover residue.

Coffee Stains? No Problem!

Stains like coffee or tea can be removed easily using a mild soap or detergent and a soft bristled brush. If the stain persists, mix baking soda and water into a light paste and apply it with the brush. Light scrubbing should get the stains out and get you back to work in no time!

Pro tip: be careful to avoid excessive scrubbing and force, as this could damage your desk.

General Cleaning Supplies

If you’re just figuring out how to clean your desk, you may be a bit lost in the cleaning supplies department. But don’t worry! Here are some of our fave products to use:

• Clorox Wipes
• Formula 409
• Dawn Dish Soap
• Windex Multi-Surface Cleaner
• Glass Plus
• Mr. Clean

In case you haven’t heard it enough already, always remember to rinse and dry! Even a small amount of cleaning solution can become reactivated with moisture, causing permanent staining to your home office desk.

Desk Cleaning in a Flash

While for some this exercise may seem easy (and others may find it Herculean), taking a few minutes each week to clean your desk will make a big difference in how you approach your workday. Not only that, but it will keep your desk in peak condition for years to come, meaning you get the most bang for your buck!

Looking for more tips to keep your workspace clean and organized? Check out our blog for tricks from the experts at Porvata, or reach out to our team if you have any specific questions.