9 Ways to Keep Your Work Space Clean and Hygienic

Most of us had to quickly adjust to new ways of working after offices closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote working has many benefits, as people don't have to commute in the morning and enjoy more flexibility. However, without an office, we also have to ensure that we have a suitable work space at home. This not only includes investing in new office furniture, but also keeping our workspace neat and organized. In this article, we'll look at some quick tips for keeping your home office clean, so you stay happy and productive at work.
1. Clean your keyboard regularly

Keyboards can get very dirty if they are not cleaned regularly. Cleaning them isn't always easy, as the way you hold the keys can be a bit of a challenge. We recommend turning off your laptop or computer and unplugging the keyboard. Start by shaking it upside down and gently over the container to help remove any crumbs and dirt. To clean dust, use compressed air. You can buy cans of compressed air at most hardware stores. Finally, use cotton wool and isopropyl alcohol to clean between the buttons.
2. Clean your screen

All IT equipment can harbor bacteria. Whether you're using a laptop or a computer monitor, it's important to keep it clean. Turn everything off and start by moving your monitor around so you can wipe down the surface the monitor is on. We recommend using a damp microfiber cleaning cloth for your monitor. Wipe the screen gently and be careful not to leave scratches. Never use cleaning fluids, waxes or chemicals on monitors or laptop screens.

3. Clean and disinfect other IT equipment

Other equipment such as telephones, printers and speakers are often neglected when it comes time to clean them, even though they are used regularly and can harbor bacteria. Simple cleaning wipes can be used to wipe down your IT equipment, but we recommend that you clean everything as often as possible to help maintain a good level of cleanliness in your home office. Disinfectants are another good way to kill bacteria and germs.
4. Clean the floor

Floors play a big role in terms of cleanliness, especially in high-traffic spaces. Dust, bacteria, and many possible germs can enter from the outside world or come from spilled food and drinks. Deep cleaning with bleach is the most effective method for cleaning hard surfaces if you have wood floors. For carpets, it's a good idea to steam clean them.
5. Clean your desk and dust

Clean your table regularly using a dry, lint-free cloth to remove dust and dirt. Keeping your IT equipment and floors clean is one of the best ways to keep your desk hygienic. Raising the carpet under your table and avoiding spills is the best way to keep your table dust and stain free.
6. Don't eat at your desk

An easy way to keep your work space clean is to avoid eating at your work desk. It's good to take a break from your desk, and having a designated place to eat lunch will prevent you from finding crumbs on your keyboard.

7. Move to a paperless office

In general, you want to keep your home work space free of clutter. This will instantly make it feel neater and more organized. One of the best ways to do this is to create a paperless office. Avoid printing emails, forms, receipts, or other paper transactions; there are a number of apps and programs that offer alternatives. If you must use paper, make sure it is stored neatly in a drawer in an organized system. A desk covered with paper will reduce productivity and motivation.
8. Use air freshener

This is an easy way to make your office feel clean and hygienic. Use air freshener in or around your work space to keep it fragrant and fresh. This will mask any lingering odors and create a more positive atmosphere for you to work in. Weather permitting, keeping windows and doors open will also help with ventilation.
9. Disinfect your office trash can

This is another great way to keep your home office clean that is often overlooked. Trash cans harbor a lot of bacteria and can cause unpleasant odors, so remember to use bleach to disinfect your office trash can as often as possible.

By using these quick and easy tips, you will help keep your home office clean and hygienic. A neat workspace helps productivity, motivation and morale when working from home, and it doesn't even have to take up a lot of your time.