In the past, we’ve shared tips for cleaning your personal office space. But there’s more to it! Think about your computer: how many different times throughout the workday do you leave and come back, bringing new germs to your keyboard and mouse? In addition to cleaning the surfaces in your office, cleaning your keyboard and mouse is equally important.
Recently, University of Arizona researchers found that the average desktop has 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. And you can bet that the same bacteria on the desktop is also on the keyboard and mouse in your office! That’s where properly cleaning these surfaces can make a big difference in reducing the spread of germs.
Before you start cleaning, it’s important to note that harsh chemicals can harm plastics and computer equipment. So as a first step, take a quick look at the manufacturers’ recommendations for cleaning to ensure you’re using the right products. Once you’ve confirmed what’s acceptable for the product you’re cleaning, you can get started:
- Turn off and unplug your device
- Wipe down all visible soil with a dry cloth
- Use five seconds of friction with the cleaning solution
To make the process less harmful to your computer, you can also purchase washable keyboards and mice. The benefit of these products is that you don’t have to worry about liquid seeping into the internal components. Simply spray cleaning solution directly onto the surface and even rinse it in the sink!
Whether you’re cleaning a washable product or not, remember to always where gloves when cleaning and keep the cleaning solutions out of reach of children. We recommend cleaning your keyboard and mouse after each use and/or student visit.
Click here to shop our selection of washable keyboards and mice.
Click here to shop our selection of cleaning and infection control products. Please note that we regularly update our product listings with details on EPA and OSHA approvals.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
