How to Keep Your Desk Germ-Free During Cold & Flu Season

As the weather cools down, cold and flu season begins to sweep through workplaces. Offices can become a breeding ground for germs—especially around shared spaces and individual desks. Since most employees spend the majority of their day at their workstation, keeping your desk clean and germ-free is one of the best ways to protect yourself (and your colleagues) from illness.

Here are some practical tips to keep your desk healthier this season:

1. Disinfect High-Touch Items Daily

Your keyboard, mouse, phone, and desk surface are hotspots for germs. In fact, studies show that the average office desk can harbour 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat!

• Use disinfectant wipes or sprays daily.

• Pay extra attention to your keyboard and mouse, as they’re touched constantly.

• Don’t forget your chair armrests, which are often overlooked.

  
  

2. Wash Your Hands Regularly

Even if you clean your desk, germs will return quickly if you touch it with unwashed hands.

• Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

• Use hand sanitiser when a sink isn’t available.

• Keep a small sanitiser bottle at your desk for quick use.

  
  

3. Keep Food Away From Your Desk

It might be tempting to snack or eat lunch at your workstation, but food crumbs attract bacteria and make your desk dirtier.

• If you do eat at your desk, clean the area immediately afterwards.

• Store snacks in sealed containers to avoid attracting pests.

  
  

4. Tidy Up Clutter

Stacks of papers, sticky notes, and office supplies can make it harder to clean effectively.

• Keep your desk organised to allow for easy disinfecting.

• Use drawer organisers or desk trays to minimise mess.

  
  

5. Don’t Forget Shared Surfaces

Desks may be personal, but offices are full of shared areas where germs thrive.

• Wipe down meeting tables, shared keyboards, and copier touchpads.

• Encourage team members to be mindful about cleaning after use.

  
  

6. Schedule Regular Professional Cleaning

Daily upkeep helps, but for thorough germ control, professional cleaning is key. A trained cleaning team uses hospital-grade disinfectants and ensures that all high-touch areas—not just your desk—are sanitised properly.

Final Thoughts

Cold and flu season doesn’t have to take down your office productivity. By keeping your desk germ-free with a few daily habits—and partnering with a professional office cleaning service—you can help create a healthier, more productive workplace for everyone.