Give the home office a cleaning checklist

Include shelves, the desk, floor and frequently touched areas in the office routine. Put work items away before dusting and use equipment-safe methods around electronics. A clear worktop is useful preparation, but cleaning should also reach the hidden dust and surrounding surfaces that accumulate during a busy week.

Work from shelves down to the desk

Homes and Gardens' office guide recommends regular dusting of open shelves and work surfaces, starting high so debris does not settle onto freshly cleaned lower areas. Microfiber cloths can collect dust from suitable surfaces, and a brief reset when work finishes helps keep the desk available for the next day.

Give the home office a cleaning checklist: Give the home office a cleaning routine

Include the overlooked contact points

The guide also draws attention to equipment and high-touch surfaces such as switches. Follow the device manufacturer's cleaning method and keep liquid away from vulnerable openings rather than treating electronics like an ordinary countertop. A clear desktop supports cleaning, but the routine should also address the shelves, floor and touch points that are easy to overlook during a busy workweek.

Homes and Gardens' office guide recommends regular dusting of open shelves and work surfaces, starting high so debris does not settle onto freshly cleaned lower areas. Include shelves, the desk, floor and frequently touched areas in the office routine.