How to Clean School Desks

School desks

Consider them part of a school desk's charm.

1. Pour ½ cup ammonia and 1 cup washing soda into an empty gallon milk container. Add 2 cups of warm water, cover and shake to mix. Add 12 more cups of water.

2. Pour the cleaning solution into spray bottles; then label them "All-Purpose Cleaner" so you know what is in them later. Use at full-strength for heavy-duty jobs or add ½ cup to a bucket of water for large jobs.

3. Clear the desk of all of its contents -- be sure to look deep inside drawers and under the chair connected to the desk.

4. If the desk is very dirty, spray the entire desk--legs and all--with the full-strength cleaning solution in the spray bottle and wipe it off with a rag or paper towels. You may also dilute the cleaning solution in a bucket of water, submerge a rag or sponge in the solution, and wipe the desk.

5. Remove gum from the desk's (or chair's) underside with a putty knife, and wipe the area again with the cleaning solution in the spray bottle.

6. Remove dried glue or stubborn stickers with a citrus-based cleaner like Goo Gone.