Disinfect Your Desk!

Why disinfect your desk? Covid-19, of course! Let’s recap CDC guidelines: wash your hands for twenty seconds in hot soapy water; Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash; Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. It’s this last one I want to bring to your attention today.

Frequently Touched Objects

Writers write. I hope you’re keeping your sanity during this Covid-19 craziness. We’ve all heard the recommendation to wash hands frequently. But think about all the things writers touch. The keyboard. Mouse. The stapler. Paper clips. Pens. Pencils. A stylus. Tablets, phones, remote controls. Every one of these items has the potential to retain the virus on its surface. Washing your hands only goes so far. It’s time to disinfect your desk.

Disinfecting wipes will work on most surfaces. Be sure to read the label on the wipes. Dig out the paperwork that came with your laptop and phone and look for cleaning guidance. If those papers are long gone, google can help.

Disinfecting wipes are in short supply at my local grocer. Another solution is dampen a cotton ball or cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and wipe down your keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment. For hard surfaces you can dilute four teaspoons of bleach per quart of water as a disinfecting solution. For maximum effect leave the solution on surface for a full minute before wiping with a dry cloth.

Frequently Touched Surfaces

In addition to your writer’s tools, take the time to disinfect your actual desk. What? Your desk is piled with half-finished work, you say? Here’s my advice: One day spent clearing off your desk so you can organize and disinfect won’t hamper your productivity. In fact, chances are you will suddenly be able to find what you need for that article/essay/story you’re writing.

While you’re at it, use your disinfecting wipes, bleach solution, or other disinfectant cleansers to wipe down tables, chairs, light switches, drawer pulls, doorknobs, and anything else you touch throughout your day.

In these unusual times it is imperative that each of us takes responsibility for our own health. I urge you to get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, eat a healthy diet, wash your hands frequently, and disinfect your desk!