How to clean your home office space so it's a 'productivity hub, not a dust collector' – 5 tips from professional cleaners

Yellow high back bench in home office room with taupe walls and vintage curtains.

Your home office might be the place you feel most productive – but when was the last time you cleaned it?

After a day of work, it's no surprise that setting about cleaning can often slip to the bottom, or even off, your to-do list. But, say our cleaning pros, a clean home office space is vital for a clear mind, and taking the time to do so will improve your focus and productivity too.

Here, they share their cleaning tips for boosting your output, without feeling burnt out.

5 tips for a clean home office

1. Dust shelves and desks

Open shelves like this look gorgeous, but can commonly become a dust magnet. (Image credit: Future)

As Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless, says, 'Your home office should be a productivity hub, not a dust collector. Keeping it clean helps with focus, reduces allergens, and keeps equipment in good shape.' And, if there's one thing that screams dust magnet, it's a shelf filled with books.

For this, Carolina Kazimierski, co-owner and president of Sophia's Cleaning Service, recommends, 'Dust all open shelves and desks about once a week. Just a quick wipe down will do, and I like to use microfiber cloths [such as the Great Value Microfiber Cloths available at Walmart] for this, dampening them a bit if necessary to pick up dust most effectively.' The Scrub Daddy Damp Duster, available at Amazon, is also great for this.

Just make sure, as Karina advises, to start from the top and work down, to avoid having to re-dust lower surfaces.

Then, as Alma Hinojosa, professional cleaner at BetterCleans, suggests, the best way to keep on top of wiping down your desk is simply to do it each and every time you turn off your laptop.

She says, 'This is pretty simple, and make it non-negotiable. Keep an all-purpose spray and some paper towels right in the office so it’s easier to freshen up the surface without any fuss.' We recommend the Method All-Purpose Cleaner in Pink Grapefruit, available at Walmart, for this.

2. Disinfect light switches

High-touch surfaces need frequent disinfection. (Image credit: Future)

This one might seem a little less obvious, but light switches are more than likely overlooked spots you are forgetting to dust, and are certainly high-touch surfaces that need cleaning.

'Disinfect light switches and doorknobs weekly, especially during cold and flu season,' advises Karina, using a wipe or spray, such as the Seventh Generation Lemongrass Citrus Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner available at Amazon, which kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses with a biodegradable formula.

3. Vacuum once a week

Regularly vacuuming dust is particularly important if you suffer from allergies or sensitivities. (Image credit: Future)

'Use your best lightweight vacuum at least once or twice a week,' recommends Alma. 'A clean space helps clear your mind. It’s just easier to focus

'And if you have allergies or sensitivities, vacuuming helps reduce dust and allergens. Feeling physically better means you can work longer and with more energy.'

Pay particular attention to under your desk and around cords, where dust tends to settle, adds Karina. 'The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum available at Amazon is a compact handheld vacuum that's perfect for corners and keyboards.'

4. Do a 'clean sweep'

Do a 'clean sweep' once a week to curb clutter, dust and dirt. (Image credit: Future)

Unfortunately, with clutter often comes dust and dirt. Therefore, even if you don't have time to fully declutter your home office, cleaning expert Carolina recommends doing a 'clean sweep' to take care of any clutter at the end of each week.

'Oftentimes I'll have some trash to take out to the main bin, some papers to organize, and some office supplies and other household items to put away,' she explains. 'This really helps me start the next week feeling organized and refreshed.'

After all, say our pros, micro-resets might just be the key to a tidy home.

5. Declutter monthly

Schedule a monthly decluttering session. (Image credit: Future)

And finally, recommends cleaning expert Karina, when you do have the time to try out some decluttering methodsschedule a monthly decluttering session. While this isn't a cleaning tip per se, clutter blindness can often lead to cleaning neglect, so it's important to clear surfaces before setting about sanitizing.

'Declutter monthly by reviewing papers, pens, or tech items that have piled up,' she says. 'Use drawer dividers or a desktop organizer to keep only essentials within reach. The Simple Houseware Mesh Desk Organizer available at Amazon keeps your workspace neat and accessible.'

What to shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Machine washable

HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Dust and clean all surfaces with these super soft, lint-free and absorbent microfiber cloths, then simply pop them in your washing machine before reusing.

Long battery life

Handheld Vacuum Cordless

This budget-friendly cordless vacuum is equipped with an advanced high-speed motor and dual filtration system for easy and effective cleaning at an affordable price point.

Garden-fresh scent

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner

This all-natural cleaning spray removes stuck on dirt and grime with ease, with a mild citrus scent and cruelty-free formula.

Meet our experts

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Your home office may be associated with work, but that doesn't mean you can't find solace in the everyday. For example, Punteha van Terheyden, head of Solved, has found easy ways to make her tiny home office peaceful.