A Quick Guide to Cleaning your Home Office

There are many perks to working from home - cutting out the commute and greater flexibility in working hours being two of them. But cleaning your home office? That’s not something anyone looks forward to.

But just because you’re working from home, it doesn’t mean you should let your hygiene standards slip. Whether you’re working from home on a temporary or permanent basis, it’s important to keep your home office space clean and tidy. Not only will it help to keep germs at bay but also boost your productivity and morale. There are studies to prove it!

If you’re wondering where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ve put together a quick guide to cleaning your home office, with lots of professional tips and tricks. You’ll also find a handy home office cleaning checklist to help you keep on track. Ready? Let’s get to it!

Step 1 - Decluttering your home office

We’ve all heard the saying ‘tidy space, tidy mind.’ The tidier your workspace is, the less likely you are to get distracted.

Start with a clean slate by taking everything off your desk. Organise your items into piles of what you need on your desk and what you don’t. Recycle or throw out anything you no longer need and find homes for the items you want to keep but don’t need in your home office.

Step 2 - Cleaning your home office

One of the great things about working from home is that you’ll avoid the usual office bugs. Having said this, it’s still important to keep your home office clean, particularly in the current COVID climate. Items like laptop keyboards and touch screen devices are a hotspot for germs, so regular cleaning is a must.

Start by cleaning your desk with a microfibre cloth and anti-bac spray (shop-bought or homemade) to get rid of germs and dust. You’ll be glad you’ve decluttered as it’ll make the cleaning process so much quicker. If you spot marks on your hardwood desk, try rubbing a tennis ball over them or doing a spot clean with bicarbonate of soda. Water rings can also be removed by blasting them with a hairdryer.

READ MORE: How to make natural cleaners

How to clean high-touch office items

Next, concentrate on cleaning high-touch items like your laptop, computer keyboard and mouse. If a dry microfibre cloth doesn’t remove fingerprints, try dampening it a little. Use a can of air, a soft-bristled brush or a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean between the keys.

Tip: Always check your manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning electronics. If your device is damaged, it could invalidate your warranty.

Once you've cleaned your desk and equipment, it's time to get those windows sparkly clean! Use glass cleaner or a solution made of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water to clean any windows in your home office. Dust the blinds with a microfibre cloth or use the brush attachment on your vacuum. Try and let in as much natural light as possible. It’ll do wonders for your health!

Finally, grab the vacuum and use it to clean your office chair and flooring. It’ll get rid of any dust, hairs and crumbs dropped during your working hours.

Side note: Try to avoid eating at your desk. It’s messy and after a morning in front of the computer screen, you deserve a break! Weather permitting, enjoy your lunch outside to get some fresh air, or at least move into a more homely part of your house.

Step 3 - Organising your home office

Once you’ve finished cleaning your home office, it’s time to get organised.

First, think about what you need when you’re working. Some people work best with minimal items on their desk. Others need a few personal items around them to evoke creativity.

Make sure the items you need are in easy reach of your desk. It’ll help avoid interruptions and save time. If you have space, consider installing a bookshelf or small file cabinet. It’s also a good idea to have a recycling bin and shredder close by for paper waste.

While we’re on the topic of paper waste, plan to sort through it regularly. The more often you do it, the easier it’ll be to stop it mounting up and cluttering your workspace.

Creating a home office cleaning schedule

Now your home office is clean and tidy, you need to maintain it. Decide how often you’re going to clean it and when’s the best time for it. For some, it might be easier to do a quick clean at the end of each working day. Others may prefer to do a weekly clean. There are no rules - it’s your office! Create a home office cleaning schedule that works for you.

Remember, keeping on top of clutter will make the process of cleaning your home office far quicker. Try to avoid bringing items into your home office that don’t need to be there. Gently remind your family or housemates to keep their belongings elsewhere too. After all, you need a clear space to work productively.

Home office cleaning checklist

Need a reminder and motivation to keep your workspace clean? Download and print off our free home office cleaning checklist and pin it to your bulletin board.

No time to clean? Hire our professional cleaners in Nottingham to do it for you

While working from home certainly frees up the time you previously spent on commuting, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend it cleaning your home office. Instead, why not hire our Nottingham cleaners to do the job and spend the extra time with your family instead?

Hiring professional cleaners not only frees up your time but will also ensure your home office and living space is cleaned to the highest standards.

Tip - Check to see if you are eligible for a home office cleaning tax deduction. Which? has a useful article on how working from home will affect your finances.

We offer several domestic cleaning packages to suit all budgets. In addition to kitchen, bedroom and bathroom cleaning, we can add on extra rooms, like your home office, study or dining room for a small extra cost too. Simply head on over to our booking page to get a quote. Alternatively, give our friendly customer care team a call on 0115 971 3157 to discuss your needs.