A 10-Minute Desk Reset for a More Productive Workday
Our desks can get dusty, cluttered, and grimy faster than we realize. While we often have a cleaning schedule for our homes, things like our desk at work or home office can easily be forgotten about.
Give your desk a quick reset, focusing on what makes the biggest difference in the least amount of time, so you can reduce distractions and get back to work feeling more focused. All you need are a few basic cleaners and 10 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- A clean desk helps to improve focus by reducing visual distractions.
- Using the right cleaner for each surface will save time and effort.
- Quick resets can make maintaining your workspace easier.
Clear the Clutter
Remove as much from the desk as possible, but leave those harder-to-move items like your monitors in place. Clearing the surface of your desk not only makes it easier to clean but also gives you the opportunity to reevaluate each item’s purpose.
With a clear surface, you’re ready to clean faster and with better results.
Dust & Wipe Down
Always dust first to avoid spreading debris around while you clean. Start up high, with shelves and the top of monitors, then move down to the desk itself.
For effective dusting, we recommend using a microfiber cloth and a multi-purpose cleaner. These are typically safe for most desk surfaces, including wood, laminate, or metal. Spray the cleaner and the microfiber towel and gently wipe.
Starting with dusting helps to ensure you’re actually cleaning surfaces, not just spreading debris around.
Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
Now that we’ve cleared off that layer of dust, it’s time to disinfect. Focus on areas your hands touch constantly, such as your keyboard, mouse, and drawer handles. A disinfectant spray and microfiber towel will be ideal here.
Never spray a cleaner directly onto your electronics. Spray onto the microfiber cloth, then apply to the surface. Remember to check your label for the contact time before wiping.
This quick pass will help to reduce germs without needing a full scrub-down.
Clean Screens & Glass Surfaces
Use a glass cleaner to tackle smudges and residue on your monitors, laptop screen, or glass desks. To avoid streaks or oversaturation, apply the product to a microfiber cloth, then gently buff the screen from the middle out. A light touch is all you need, and it will prevent any clouding or damage from occurring.
Spot Clean
Some areas may require more attention than others. After your initial clean, if there are surfaces with mug rings, sticky spots, or mystery smudges, tackle them with Zep All-Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser. This will help to break down any stubborn, stuck-on debris.
Taking care of these small messes now prevents buildup that takes more time to deal with later.
Reset Your Desk
Before placing items back, this is the perfect time to purge anything that sits on your desk but isn’t used. Only return essential items to your desk, straighten up cords, and make sure everything is in its place.
Having less clutter will make future maintenance much easier.
How Often Should You Do a Desk Reset?
Here is an easy guide for weekly and monthly cleaning recommendations.
- Weekly: Quick 10-minute reset following this guide
- Monthly: Slightly deeper clean to reorganize and address buildup
- As needed: Clean glass and screens using the method above
A well-maintained workspace makes it easier to stay focused and productive throughout the day. Keeping a few reliable cleaners on hand allows you to reset your desk quickly without turning it into a big project.
From desks to driveways, kitchens, and more, Zep has what you need to clean any space. Explore our full line of cleaners to get started today.
- Zep Inc.
