How to keep your desk dust-free

Cleaning our desks isn’t usually on top of our to-do lists, but it’s high time we consider changing that. Dust build-up, especially where we frequently study or work, is never ideal. In fact, prolonged exposure to dust can trigger allergies, eye irritation, and other health issues. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to keep your desk (and your computer) dust-free!  

How to keep your desk from getting dusty

1. Clean your carpet and floors.

If you have a carpet, having a dusty desk might mean you’re not vacuuming enough. Set a schedule – such as once or twice a week – to ensure your carpet’s getting cleaned regularly. 

Even if you don’t have carpets, your floors still need to be cleaned. Mop and sweep your floor to avoid dust particles settling on your desk. 

2. Clean ceiling fan blades.

Even if you don’t see them, chances are your ceiling fan’s blades need a thorough cleaning. You’ll need a stepladder or a steady chair to reach the fan. You’ll also need a rag and a cleaning solution to wipe the blades. Like your carpet and floors, it’s best to set up a regular cleaning schedule for your ceiling fan.

3. Dust the desk and other furniture.

The best way to get dust out of a desk is by wiping it with a damp cloth. Make sure to catch all the dust. After wiping the desk, spray disinfectant or cleaner and wipe it again. 

Repeat the process when it comes to other furniture inside the room, such as chairs, tabletops, and lamps. If dust has accumulated already, make sure to use a face mask while dusting. 

4. Clean air conditioning filters. 

Don’t forget that air conditioners need some tender loving care, too! Since your air conditioner filters out debris, there’s a huge chance that it has accumulated a lot of dirt over time. Depending on the type of air conditioner unit you have, you might also need to replace the air filters only meant to last for a limited amount of time.

5. Organise items on your desk

Minimise clutter on your desk, and sort your papers, gadgets, pens, and knickknacks into bins. Also, throw out trash and items you don’t really use. This reduces the amount of dust-attracting surfaces and allows for easier access when dusting your desk. 

How to clean a dusty computer

How to avoid dust accumulation even more? Make sure to clean your computer setup! 

These days, most desks have laptop or gaming PC setups. And just like everything inside our homes or offices, computers need regular cleaning, too. 

How to clean a computer screen 

First, you must remember not to apply liquids directly to your device. Make sure to disconnect or turn off the device before dusting a computer. 

Then, use a microfibre cloth moistened with water to wipe your PC or laptop screen. According to Reader’s Digest, you should do this at least once every other week to prevent germs.  

How to clean keyboard keys

A can of compressed air can help blow dust and debris in hard-to-reach areas. You can buy compressed air from computer stores or online. 

The cleaning process varies depending on the type of keyboard you have: 

External keyboard

• Unplug your keyboard. 

• Dampen a cotton bud with rubbing alcohol. 

• Clean around the keys. Make sure the cotton bud is damp but not dripping.

• Apply rubbing alcohol to a microfibre cloth. Wipe the tops of the keyboard keys and surrounding areas. 

Laptop keyboard (built into your laptop)

• Turn off your laptop and disconnect it from any power source. 

• Using clear tape, collect dust from your keyboard, manoeuvring the tape into the spaces to get more dust. Like with external keyboards, you can use a damp cotton bud to remove dust.

• Clean the tops of the keyboard keys with disinfecting wipes. To avoid soaking your keyboard, squeeze the wipes out before wiping the keyboard. 

After cleaning, wait for your keyboard to dry out completely before using it. 

How to clean a mouse and mouse pad

Like your keyboard, use a microfibre cloth dampened with mild soap and water to remove dust from your trusty mouse. 

For your mouse pad, fill a sink with warm water. Submerge the mouse pad and then pour some dish soap on it. Use a brush to clean dust and dirt from the mouse pad, then rinse and dry it thoroughly.  

Hiring a cleaner for extra help 

Doing things yourself may sound practical, but if you’re just too busy, you can enlist a cleaner’s help.

Hire a cleaning service for all your cleaning needs, from dusting your home office to cleaning your entire home.