A messy office could potentially cost you a promotion because others will think you can’t handle the work you already have. You can put your best foot forward by keeping your office clean, but investing in expensive cleaners that also add to the toxins already in your work environment may not be the best approach. Instead, try these cleaning hacks to save time and money and make your office greener than ever before.
Vinegar for Scissors
If your scissors have a sticky reside or simply look like they need freshened up, here’s an easy fix. Dip a rag in white vinegar and wipe down the blades. As an added bonus, the vinegar will keep the scissors from rusting. You can also use the vinegar to clean a hole punch and other metal office tools.
Condiment Cap Vacuum
Do you need to get down in between tight spaces, such as those in a desktop organizer, with your vacuum? Even the smallest attachment on your vacuum cleaner may be too big for these micro tasks. Instead, grab the lid off a plastic condiment bottle — you can also purchase these at restaurant supply stores — and attach it to the end of your vacuum hose with rubber bands. You now have a small nozzle that will fit down in tight spaces.
Bread to Pick up Broken Glass
If you break glass in your office, run to the kitchen or break area and grab a slice of bread. After you’re picked up the larger pieces, use the bread like a sponge to pick up the tiny shards of glass left. Don’t have any bread handy? Ask around. Someone may have leftovers from lunch.
Try PhoneSoap
How many times a day do you touch your phone? Too many to count, probably, which isn’t good for your health. Cell phones have even more bacteria than a toilet seat, ten times in fact. Banish that bacteria and be on your way to a cleaner – and healthier – office in just a few minutes with the PhoneSoap.
Sticky Notes
Do you have crumbs or lint down in between the keys of your keyboard? The edge of a sticky note can be used to grab those small pieces and keep your keyboard looking pristine.
Microfiber Cloths
Keep microfiber cloths on hand to keep dust down to a minimum. When you are on the phone with a client or have a spare moment, grab a cloth and swipe it over your desk, computer screen or other furniture in the room.
Dryer Sheets
Does your office smell a bit musty after being shut up overnight? Tuck some dryer sheets in places out of sight, such as behind a potted plant or in a heater vent. Keeping a box of dryer sheets in your desk is a good idea, because you can also rub one over clothes or over your hair during winter to reduce static.
Vinegar and a Sock to Clean Blinds
Do you have window blinds in your office? If so, take an old sock and put it over your hand. Get it damp with a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution. Rub the sock over each slat of the blinds. The vinegar always works as a sanitizer. Don’t worry about the strong smell — it will fade as the vinegar dries.
Remove a Water Ring With a Hair Dryer
If you have a few water rings on your wooden desk or table tops in your office, take a hair dryer to work with you. Simply aim the hair dryer at the water stain. It should begin to disappear. If it doesn’t, try rubbing it with a soft cloth. If the stain still isn’t gone, try rubbing some mayonnaise on it.
Skip the Squeegee
Nobody likes cleaning windows, especially if your office has large ones. Skip the hassle of wiping down windows and get the Roomba of window cleaning: The Winbot. Just plug in and let it work its magic while you work yours – at your desk.
Push Pins and Cork Board Phone Mount
Are you constantly searching for your phone? Simply mount some cork board next to your work space and use push pins to create a phone mount. Place the phone sideways on the cork board. Place two push pins under each corner along the bottom and two above each corner along the top. You can also use push pins to make sure any phone cords are organized neatly.
Remove Permanent Marker From White Board
Nearly everyone has accidentally used a permanent marker on a white board at some point. However, there is no need to panic. Simply grab a dry erase marker and write on top of the permanent marker. It should then wipe clean with an eraser or soft cloth.
Invest in a Floor Scrubber
For a larger office or industrial building, a vacuum simply won’t work. For an office floor that demands a little more care, invest in specialized industrial-grade scrubbers. You’ll save time and hassle, and have an office you’ll be proud to work in.
Towel Instead of Swiffer Sheet
If you have a hard surface floor in your office and typically use a Swiffer to wipe it clean, you may be unsure what to do in the instance that you’re out of Swiffer sheets and have a big meeting where you want your office to look perfect. The good news is that you can grab a hand towel from the kitchen or one you keep in your desk and secure it to your Swiffer base.
Desk Organizers for Electronics
Do your electronics tend to clutter your desk? Some jobs require items such as a tablet and laptop. A desktop organizer can serve as a handy spot for these items to live when you aren’t using them, keeping them neat and out of the way but still close enough to grab them when needed. You can also use these to store reference books you use frequently.
The key to keeping a clutter-free and organized workspace is to stay on top of the clutter. Every evening, put things away you have used. If you keep things in their place, you’ll have less to pick up the next morning.
