“I’m a cleaning expert. Here are 10 office supplies you should clean more often.”

Whether you work from home or in an office environment, germs can spread like wildfire. Dr. Kelly Reynolds, director of the Center for Environmental and Exposure Science and Risk Assessment at the University of Arizona, says her team has conducted several studies on this very topic. “Germs spread quickly in the workplace, and we found that if one person came to work sick, they could contaminate more than 50% of co-workers’ hands and shared surfaces within four hours,” she added.

Fortunately, it is possible to prevent the spread of germs in your office. A 2019 study found that: simple hygiene procedures1. Things like using disinfectant wipes and improving hand washing made a big difference. According to Reynolds, regularly wiping frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant wipes (containing quaternary ammonium compounds or alcohol) reduces the bacterial load on office surfaces and reduces the risk of disease transmission by 80%. That’s what it means.

Long story short, it’s time to properly clean your office essentials. Here, experts share which items are the most germ-prone and how often you should take out your cleaning supplies.

First of all, what is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?

Many people don’t know the difference between a disinfectant and a cleaner, but there are important differences. The cleaner removes dirt,” says Reynolds. “Both have a positive effect on office hygiene, but if you want to reduce the risk of disease transmission in your office, make sure to use disinfectant on frequently touched surfaces,” she says. Common disinfectants contain ingredients such as alcohol, bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds, and hydrogen peroxide.

10 office supplies you should clean more often

Here are the main office items you may want to consider cleaning on a regular basis.

1. Keyboard

Cleaning frequency: once a week

When you’re typing at your keyboard, you’re probably thinking about deadlines, not germs. But keypads are in constant contact with your fingers, making them petri dishes for bacteria, viruses and fungi, Reynolds said. Keyboards also trap dead skin, oil, and food particles, all of which allow fungi and bacteria like E. coli and staphylococcus to grow. “While not all strains of these bacteria are harmful, some can cause gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and skin infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems,” Reynolds said. added.

“We recommend cleaning your computer keyboard weekly using disinfectant wipes ($5 for 80) or microfiber cloths ($10 for 12) moistened with 70 percent alcohol.” Reynolds says. “Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the safe use of chemical disinfectants on your specific electronic equipment.”

In addition to disinfecting, “I like to vacuum with a keyboard vacuum,” says cleaning expert Sarah McAllister, founder and CEO of GoCleanCo. “You can also use a can of aerosol spray ($10) to blow away dust and dust,” McAllister added.

2. Mouse and mouse pad

Cleaning frequency: once a week or as needed

Cleaning your mouse (don’t worry about your mouse pad) is probably the last thing you think about while at work. Let’s be honest: We can’t even remember the last time we wiped our stuff down. However, research Reynolds conducted in office environments found that computer mice had the highest number of germs and were rarely disinfected.

It makes sense if you think about it. Just like keyboards, people handle mice all the time, often after picking up germs (such as E. coli or salmonella) from desks, doorknobs and other surfaces, Reynolds said. I say. She says the mouse can be wiped with disinfectant wipes or alcohol pads ($4 for 100), and the mouse pad can be cleaned with warm water and soap before being allowed to air dry completely.

3. Laptop

Cleaning frequency: once a week

“A laptop is a portable keyboard,” Reynolds says. And we already know how terrible the keyboard can be. But laptops are definitely dirtier than computer keypads. That’s because we tend to carry them everywhere, from conference rooms to the kitchen area (and maybe even the bathroom, although we don’t recommend it). The problem is that these shared spaces are more likely to attract dust, skin cells, and bacteria, she says.

This is why Reynolds recommends wiping the screen and outside of your laptop weekly. McAllister also says screens should be cleaned with water and carbon cloth, or a cleaning spray designed specifically for screens. “Anything else could be harmful,” she suggests, “Shoo!” Laptop Cleaner Spray ($18).

4. Landline phone

Cleaning frequency: daily

“Cellphones touch your hands and your face,” Reynolds says. That means they are some of the most germ-rich areas in your office. Not to shock you, but she added, “Research shows that your phone can have more than 25,000 germs per square inch.” “Not all of these can cause illness, but common bacteria can include Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas, which can cause acne and rashes.”

For this reason, Reynolds says offices and cell phones should be cleaned daily or after each use, especially if shared. “To clean, simply wipe the handset and buttons with an alcohol wipe or disinfectant wipe. You can also use a microfiber cloth to wipe down surfaces (on other parts of your phone).”

5. Desk

Cleaning frequency: Daily (if you share a desk). Weekly (for me)

Whether you work in-person or remotely, your desk is essentially your second home. Reynolds says you’ll be leaving your lunch, coffee cup, and all sorts of documents and items on your desk, so there’s a good chance it’ll pick up dust, food particles, and bacteria.

If you can’t remember the last time you wiped your desk, don’t worry. So are we. “Desks are rarely cleaned properly,” Reynolds says. It’s best to give your desk a good scrub every day if you share it, or weekly if it’s yours.

“Disinfectant wipes and spray disinfectants can be effective if the surface is in good condition,” Reynolds added.

6. Copy machine keypad

Cleaning frequency: daily

While we don’t all use photocopiers at the register, you’d be surprised at how many handprints (and germs) can be found on the copier screens at work. That’s because copiers are “high-touch areas, frequently used by multiple people, and rarely disinfected or cleaned,” Reynolds said. The area is said to be a hotspot for “bacterial and viral infections such as rhinovirus, which causes colds and influenza.”

If you work in-person and want to do a good deed, wipe down your copier keypad every day with disinfectant wipes or alcohol spray.

7. Office chair

Cleaning frequency: once a week (for plastic and metal parts). Once a month (for fabrics)

When you think of germs in the office, you probably don’t think of chairs. But you should. “Steering wheels and armrests are particularly hot spots for germs,” ​​says Reynolds. “Dust, sweat, and skin cells accumulate on chairs.” Again, these are breeding grounds for bacteria and other bad bugs.

Try wiping down plastic and metal parts (frequently touched areas like armrests) with a disinfectant wipe once a week, says Reynolds. And, “Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment on fabric areas at least once a month,” she adds. We love the Shark IZ562H Cordless Pro Vacuum Cleaner ($270).

Also, “If your chair is made of fabric, spot treat any visible stains using hot water and a spot stain treatment spray like Tide ($5) or Tide Rescue ($10 for 3 bottles) ” says McAllister. It’s also a good idea to always test a small spot first.

8. Doorknob

Cleaning frequency: daily

Frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, are easy places for bacteria to enter. They can spread viruses like norovirus (aka stomach bug) and influenza (a fancy name for the flu), Reynolds said. The problem, McAllister says, is that dirt and germs from your hands transfer to the knobs, and when you touch them again later, you’re right back at it. Additionally, most people don’t clean their doorknobs thoroughly or often enough, she added.

“These are office hotspots and should be disinfected daily as part of your routine, especially if they are connected to common areas,” Reynolds says. “Again, disinfectant wipes are best here.”

9. Pen

Cleaning frequency: After use

Disinfecting your keyboard is one thing, but what about your pen? Admittedly, this may seem a bit over the top, but hear me out. The pen is constantly in contact with your hand, desk, and sometimes your face and mouth (pen chewers, we’re looking at you). This means germs can be easily transferred, especially if you’re sharing a pen with co-workers.

Although you are not expected to wipe your pen every time you use it, you may find it helpful to give your pen a quick scrub after someone else uses it or borrows it. Reynolds recommends using disinfectant wipes to get into hard-to-reach crevices.

Reynolds’ ultimate hot take? “I generally recommend not sharing pens,” she added. If you want something cool to make your own, look no further than Papier Charm Ballpoint Pens ($25 for 3, Anthropologie).

10. Common areas

Cleaning frequency: daily

Whether you work from home or in person, shared office (or living) spaces can be full of germs. According to Reynolds’ research, “office break room faucets, microwave door handles, and communal coffee machines were high on the list of germ reservoirs.”

While most offices hire cleaning staff to keep the office tidy during off-hours (cleaning the entire house is already part of the daily routine), you can still do your part to keep it clean. You can. For example, “The next time you’re waiting for your coffee to brew, wipe down the area with disinfectant,” says Reynolds. A little bit goes a long way.