Tips and Tricks to Clean Office Equipment

Most offices hire professional cleaners to take care of the washrooms, entry, breakroom and meeting rooms. These professionals vacuum, mop, dust and even deep clean. However, there are surfaces in an office that are frequently touched and may host dangerous bacteria but are often forgotten when making the daily cleaning checklist (phones, keyboards, computer screens, shredders, desks, audio equipment, televisions, mouse, copiers, lamps). Dusting and damp wiping might remove smudges, stains and marks from this equipment but not germs. There are particular cleaning procedures for keeping these apparatus fresh and sanitary. The following are some tips and tricks for keeping your office equipment clean.  

Materials needed: 

Following are the materials required to do a thorough cleaning of all office equipment. 

• Microfiber towels/cloths

• Duster or a vacuum with an attachment

• Compressed air

• Disinfecting solution 

• Plastic scraper blade 

• Degreaser

• Vinegar

• Rubbing alcohol

• Cotton buds

How to clean:

Each piece of office equipment has particular ways/means that work best for cleaning.  

• Computer screen/TV monitors: Over time, dirt, dust, and grease smudges can accumulate on your computer monitor and/or television screen. Make a mixture of ½ white vinegar and ½ distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously. Turn the monitor off and disconnect the cords. Spray the mixture onto a clean microfiber cloth and wipe the screen. Then, buff the screen in small circles with a dry microfiber cloth until it is dry and streak-free. Commercial screen cleaners (available from office supply or computer stores) also work. To clean a buildup of dust inside your computer, unplug the system and remove the back of the case. Using a mini-vac or a normal vacuum with a small nozzle attachment, carefully remove dust. Alternatively, use compressed air to blow the dust out. Do not vacuum any of the chips or other electronic components. Do not use any kind of liquid cleaner inside the computer. Occasionally touch the power supply or any metal part of the computer with your finger to dispel any static-electric buildup that can destroy the tiny circuits inside computer chips.

• Laptops: Clean the cracks/crevices around the trackpad and mouse buttons with cotton buds, rubbing alcohol and toothpicks. Clean the keyboard with compressed air. Cooling vents, speakers, charging connections and USB ports can also benefit from a blast of compressed air. Clean the screen with a microfibre cloth dampened in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and distilled water. 

• Keyboards: Keyboards get sticky and full of dust! Sometimes keys cease to work. To clean, unplug your keyboard if it’s wired and turn it off if it’s wireless. Turn it upside down and blast a shot of compressed air between and under the keys. Be careful not to push dirt further into the device. Wipe the keys with a clean, microfiber cloth lightly sprayed with disinfectant. If any keys are stuck, use a flathead screwdriver or other suitable tool to remove them. Wash the keys with warm soapy water, then rinse and dry. Replace the keys.

• A mouse: If cleaning an optical mouse, unplug it. If cleaning a wireless mouse, remove the batteries. Moisten a cloth with rubbing alcohol or disinfecting solution and wipe down the entire surface. Avoid getting liquid in the battery compartment. Use a toothpick to gently dislodge any grime in the small crevices. Turn the mouse over and open the housing that covers the tracking ball by twisting/sliding the retainer. Remove the tracking ball and clean it with an electrical cleaner or simply with vinegar and water. Use a damp cotton swab to remove dust from inside the housing. You may need tweezers to pull stubborn dust out. Let the mouse dry completely before plugging it back in or replacing the batteries. Keep the mouse pad clean by wiping it with a damp towel.

• Printers/copiers are some of the most shared equipment in an office building. Turn off the printer/copier and unplug it. Wipe down the whole machine with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any dust. Wipe down high-touch areas with a microfiber cloth lightly sprayed with disinfectant. Use cotton buds and/or a toothpick and rubbing alcohol to clean the crevices around the buttons. Clean the scanning surface with the vinegar solution. Buff with a dry microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine. If there is adhesive residue on the machine, use a little degreaser sprayed onto a dry microfiber cloth. Remove the adhesive by gently rubbing it in a circular motion. If necessary, use a plastic scraper blade to loosen the residue. Then try the degreaser again. 

• Desks: Use disinfectant wipes or a microfiber cloth lightly sprayed with disinfectant to clean frequently-used items (stapler, tape dispenser, scissors, pens, pen holders, paper trays, etc.). Remove all items from the desktop. Use a microfiber cloth lightly sprayed with disinfectant to clean the surface thoroughly. Wait for it to dry. Replace items. Wipe down the arms of your chair.

• Telephones: Unplug the phone. Use a disinfectant wipe or a microfiber cloth lightly sprayed with a disinfectant solution to wipe the receiver, buttons, ear and mouthpiece. Clean daily. 

More tips and tricks:

• use an approved disinfectant

• make a habit of wiping down your personal equipment at the start and end of each day

• always allow disinfectant to air dry, wiping it dry eliminates its efficacy

• never use peroxide, bleach, or ammonia on electronics

• never spray the disinfectant directly on the equipment – spray it on a microfiber cloth

• never submerge any device into disinfectant cleaners

•  never use a paper towel or a tissue on a display monitor as they can cause scratching

Think about incorporating this detailed equipment cleaning in your checklist for your professional office cleaners. It’s a great way to maintain office equipment. 

Want to schedule office cleaning for your business? Looking for a commercial cleaning company that will meet your business’ specific needs? Call Strathcona Cleaners Ltd at 403-237-8355 or email us at info@strathconacleaners.com. Our Calgary-based business provides janitorial services to an array of industries. We custom-tailor our cleaning and maintenance plans to suit your specific needs. You can even choose non-toxic products and eco-friendly equipment. Depend on us for quality janitorial, office cleaning and post-construction services. Contact us today!