In today’s fast-paced, online business environment, electronics are the backbone of productivity. From computers and phones to printers and screens of all types and sizes, it’s become impossible to imagine office life without them. But if you ever look closely at your keyboard or monitor after a long day’s work, you’ll notice that office devices attract dust, fingerprints, and smudges like magnets. Stop for a second and imagine all the crumbs, hair, and grime that make it inside where you can’t see them. 

Yes, failing to incorporate electronics into your office cleaning in Silver Spring will turn them into a breeding ground for bacteria, shorten their lifespan, and even lead to performance issues. With heavy everyday use and numerous cracks where dust can slowly build up, workplace gadgets are among the dirtiest items in your office.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through cleaning tips embraced by the leading commercial cleaning professionals to help you keep your gear spotless, germ-free, and functioning at full power.

How to keep your workplace electronic equipment clean?

Studies have shown that keyboards harbor more bacteria than a typical restroom toilet seat! Does your laptop fan sound like it’s preparing for take off? It’s probably clogged with dust. Dirty office tools will work harder just to perform and slow down your work. Let’s see how you can prevent this:

1. Plug out & power down

First things first: always turn off and unplug your devices before cleaning. This is as much a question of safety as it is a question of preventing accidental damage to your gear. Shut down the devices, plug out the power cords, and wait for a couple of seconds before you get to the nitty-gritty.

2. Use the right tools

Cleaning office equipment requires a gentle touch, non-abrasive cleaning solutions, and the right cleaning tools. Avoid harsh chemicals, sprays, and hard brushes that can damage the screens, delivery surfaces, and sensitive components. Always opt for:

• Microfiber cloths: They are soft but powerful at trapping dust and shining up surfaces without scratching.
• Isopropyl alcohol (70% or less): A diluted alcohol solution helps disinfect surfaces without leaving residue. Remember not to pour the liquid directly onto devices.
• Compressed air cans: Great choice for blowing dust out of computer keyboards, vents, and ports.
• Cotton swabs: They can be very useful for reaching narrow spaces and cleaning between buttons.

3. Go gently on the screens

Office screens are the favorite hiding place for fingerprints and dust. Modern LCD, LED, and touch screens are more sensitive than their ancestors with glass screen panels. While they seem handy, avoid paper towels and instead:

Dampen the microfiber rag with a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol for best results.

• Wipe the screen with gentle, circular motions.
• Focus on the smudges but avoid pressing too hard.
• Never spray liquids directly onto the screen.

4. Keyboards & mice deserve special attention

Not only are they notorious for collecting dust and bacteria, but they are also handled every day, throughout the day. Here’s what to do to keep them tidy:

• Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake or tap to release the hidden debris.
• Use compressed air to blow out the dust and hair.
• Gently wipe the keys and mouse surface with a moist cloth using isopropyl alcohol solution.

5. Don’t forget the phones & headsets

Office phones, headsets, and other pieces of shared tech gear see daily use by different people, but they rarely get the treatment they need. To keep them clean:

• Wipe down receivers, headbands, earpieces, and buttons with disinfectant wipes or your mild alcohol solution.
• Clean charging cables and posts with compressed air before wiping surfaces.
• If possible, remove detachable parts from devices and cushions from headsets, and gently clean them separately

6. Maintain the heavy office gear

From printers and copiers to projectors and routers, offices are replete with gadgets of all shapes and sizes. Some of them are gleaned regularly, while others are neglected and left to accumulate dust. Not any more:

• Wipe down the exterior with a microfiber cloth.
• Clean paper trays and rollers carefully to avoid jams
• Use compressed air to clear out dust from vents and interior parts
• Disinfect buttons and often-touched surfaces

7. Establish a recurring cleaning schedule

Ok, now that everything’s taken care of, all that’s left is to hit the repeat button from time to time. Depending on the usage and the number of people who come daily to work, you should consider the ideal cleaning frequency for each:

• Daily wipe-downs of high-touch items like keyboards, mice, and phones.
• Weekly cleaning of screens, printers, and peripherals.
• Monthly spruce up of dust-outs, vents, and ports.

Where can I find the leading specialists in reliable office cleaning in Silver Spring, MD?

If you’re looking for the best janitorial service in Montgomery County and the nearby areas, Green Apple Cleaning is the one-stop shop for all your commercial cleaning needs. Our team of vetted and trained cleaning professionals is trained to deliver consistent results, adapt to the unique needs of your workplace, and deliver flexible service that puts your bottom line front and center.

If you want to learn more about the basics of proper workplace hygiene etiquette, the risks you run if you neglect regular office cleaning, or a complete Dos & Don’ts list of commercial cleaning, turn to us for help, and we’ll offer the advice and guidance you’re looking for. For a shiny and cozy workplace and a prolonged lifespan of your office equipment, call us today!