How to Clean Your Desk for a Fresh Start

How to Clean Your Desk

1. Empty the Desk

   It is impossible to clean a desk that is covered with clutter or has drawers that are overflowing. Use sticky notes to label three boxes: Keep, Trash, Recycle. Add a fourth box if you have items that can be donated to a charitable organization. Clear the desktop and empty the interior storage as you sort and declutter.

   Turn off and remove electronic equipment from the desktop, if possible, and set it aside.
   

2. Sort and Declutter

   Assess everything that you have removed from your desktop and the desk drawers. Sort through each stack of papers and recycle, shred, or file them as appropriate. Take a look at the decorative objects like family photos and knick-knacks. Be selective and keep only what you use or treasure.

   Check office supplies and discard or donate all those that are no longer functional or needed.

3. Remove Dust

   Now that the desktop is clear and the interior storage is empty, remove dust from the desk. Electrostatic dusters capture the dust and are safe to use on all surfaces including electronics. Don't forget to dust behind the desk if it is against a wall and equipment cords. For drawers, use a vacuum with a hose and crevice attachment or a hand-held vacuum.

   Tip

   While you have the vacuum out, use the upholstery brush to remove dust and crumbs from your desk chair.

4. Clean and Disinfect Desk Surfaces

   Desks that are made from laminate or engineered wood can be cleaned with a disinfecting wipe. Wipe down the surface and allow it to air dry. Repeat the process for drawer interiors, trays, and hardware pulls.

   For wood desks, use cleaners designated for wood surfaces or a microfiber cloth dipped in a mild soapy solution. Wring the cloth until it is just damp and wipe the desktop following the grain of the wood. Finish by drying with a microfiber cloth.

   If your desktop is covered with glass, use a glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints, smudges, and streaks.

   Tip

   If you have ink stains on your desk, follow these tips to remove them from wood and hard plastic surfaces.

5. Organize Your Desk Drawers and Supplies

   Now that the drawers are clean and supplies are sorted, return them to your desk. Use small organizing bins or trays to keep supplies neat and easy to find.

6. Dust and Clean Electronic Equipment

   Before you place your computer monitor, keyboard, mouse, mousepad, earbuds, remotes, or laptop back on your desk, they should be dusted and cleaned. By using the correct cleaning products, you can disinfect and clean surfaces without damaging them.

7. Clean Decorative Items

   If you have photos or decorative items on your desk, dust them well. Be sure plants have a saucer to catch any drips.

Tips to Keep Your Home Desk Clean

• Straighten and declutter your desktop after every use.
• Keep a trash can and recycling bin handy to control clutter.
• Do not eat or drink at your desk. If you do, clean spills and remove crumbs immediately.
• Remove dust weekly.
• Organize cords and use trays to corral small electronics and office supplies in drawers.