Your Desk’s Dirty Secret – 6 Ways to Clean Your Workspace

Posted on July 16, 2011 by Jennifer Latkiewicz

Filthy, germ-ridden desks at the office certainly aren’t breaking news but that doesn’t mean it’s any less gross. The desk, in terms of bacteria, is 400 times more dirty than your toilet, according to Charles Gerba, PhD, a professor of environmental microbiology at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Of course, the major culprits are the germs from people not washing their hands after using the restroom and eating food at their desks. But considering that most people spend 8+ hours a day at said desk, these facts are especially shudder-inducing.

So how can you protect yourself from illness and general desktop ickiness? Aside from washing your hands and not eating at your desk, a new high-tech solution is to use products that have antimicrobial protection built right in. Microban, for example, is built-in to a number of products during manufacturing and claims to provide continuous protection without washing out or wearing off.

However, products with Microban are not a substitute for soap or hand sanitizer. These are engineered to protect the product – a bacteria-free keyboard and phone means the less likely it is for you to transfer and spread germs. Microban reports everything is totally safe and that they’re even approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), but if you prefer a greener route, we have some “clean” ideas for you, too…

For PCs Slimline Cordless Combo with MicrobanThis ultra-thin keyboard (60% thinner) features Scissor-Switch technology for higher quality tactile feel with faster key response, and the 2.4Ghz wireless connection has reception for up to 15 feet. Includes an ergonomic mouse with 600 dpi optical readability. Slimline Cordless Combo is $125.99 at fellowes.com.

For Macs ProTouch Protectors with Microban by iSkiniSkin’s ProTouch Keyboard Protectors are designed for a normal, non-obtrusive typing experience and work with all MacBook models (released after late 2008). Available in three styles: Classic, FX (with LED/glow-in-the-dark features) and Vibes (colorful graphic print, enlarged key characters). For the Mighty Mouse: ProTouch is also available. 6 colors: Blush, Kiwi, Blue, Black, Arctic and Orange. ProTouch Protectors for MacBooks and Apple Keyboards are $25 – $35. The ProTouch for the Mighty Mouse is $20, all on iskin.com.

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Experts don’t recommend you use hand lotion at work because its moisture attracts and clings onto germs, and can transfer them to other surfaces you touch. Luckily, our fitGLOSS guru, Jeannine Morris, found the perfect solution: CLEAN Antibacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream!

CLEAN Antibacterial Moisturizing Hand CreamThis advanced hand cream kills 99.9% of germs on contact for continuous four-hour anti-bacterial protection. Skin stays moisturized with Vitamin E, avocado, jojoba, grape seed oil and patented cotton seed extracts. Unscented and alcohol-free. CLEAN Antibacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream is $10 at sephora.com.

Henry Hoover USB VacuumTidy up with this silly desktop vacuum. Simply plug it into your USB drive – and watch Henry will go to town on crumbs, dust, dirt, or any other unfriendly mini particles. The Henry Hoover USB Vacuum is $24.59 at stupid.com.

 

A Greener Solution?

Try making this sweet-smelling surface cleaner at home – the alcohol, vinegar and essential oils in the liquid soap kill bacteria naturally and effectively. Protect your keyboard from crumbs, spills and germs by buying a keyboard cover and wiping it down regularly.

DIY Antibacterial Lavender Surface Cleaner

2 cups of warm water
2 teaspoons of Dr. Bronner’s liquid Lavender castile soap
1 teaspoons vinegar
2 teaspoons rubbing alcohol
Optional: 8-10 drops of lavender essential oil

Mix all ingredients well and pour into a spray bottle. (Pictured: Get Clean Spray Bottles, $8 for three at myshakelee.com.)

All-Natural Hand Sanitizer by CleanWellThe only all-natural and alcohol-free hand sanitizer, CleanWell products are non-toxic and made with a formulation of patented essential plant oils that they say, has been proved to kill over 99.9% of germs. Available in foaming desktop bottles, sprays or wipes. Sanitizer Pack (pictured) is $17 at cleanwell.com.