Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day: Why Your Physical Desk Deserves Attention Too
- Seldram
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
The end of January brings with it National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day, an unofficial but increasingly popular reminder to declutter digital workspaces. It encourages people to organise files, clear downloads, and start the year with a cleaner, more efficient digital environment.
But while tidying up folders and screens is helpful, it often overlooks something just as important. The physical desk space where we work every day.
The Overlooked Side of Workplace Hygiene
Office desks, keyboards, mice, and phones are some of the most frequently touched items in any workplace. They are also some of the most overlooked when it comes to regular cleaning.
Studies consistently show that keyboards and desk surfaces can harbour more bacteria than many people expect. Crumbs, dust, skin cells, and everyday grime build up quickly, especially in shared or hybrid working environments.
Without regular cleaning, these surfaces can contribute to the spread of germs and impact overall workplace hygiene.
Why Keyboards and Screens Matter
Keyboards and mice are handled constantly but are rarely included in routine cleaning schedules. Screens, desk phones, and headset controls are also high-touch items that often get missed.
Regular cleaning of these areas helps:
Reduce the spread of bacteria
Improve staff wellbeing and confidence in shared spaces
Maintain equipment condition and appearance
Support a more professional working environment
Using the right products is essential. Electronics-safe wipes, sprays, and microfibre cloths are designed to clean effectively without damaging sensitive equipment.
A Simple Desk Hygiene Reset
A desk hygiene reset does not need to be complicated. Small, regular actions make the biggest difference.
Practical steps include:
Wiping keyboards and mice with electronics-safe wipes
Cleaning desk surfaces at the start or end of the day
Sanitising phones and shared equipment
Emptying desk bins and removing clutter regularly
For shared desks or hot-desking areas, more frequent cleaning helps maintain hygiene standards and gives staff confidence in the workspace.
Beyond the Desk
Desk hygiene is part of a bigger picture. Touchpoints such as light switches, door handles, meeting room tables, and shared devices also benefit from regular attention.
By extending cleaning routines slightly beyond floors and washrooms, workplaces can create a cleaner, more comfortable environment that supports both productivity and wellbeing.
A Practical Way to Start the Year
National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day is a useful reminder to reset habits. While organising digital files is important, it is also a good opportunity to look at physical workspaces and make simple improvements that last beyond January.
A cleaner desk supports a clearer mind, healthier teams, and a more professional workplace.
If you would like advice on suitable cleaning products for desks, keyboards, and shared office equipment, the Seldram team is always happy to help.
