5 Ways to Properly Clean and Sanitize Your Computer

5 Ways to Properly Clean and Sanitize Your Computer

Fingerprints on your screen? Dirt and dust hidden in between your keyboard keys? All areas that need to be cleaned, but make sure you are cleaning these areas properly, so you don’t cause immediate or long-term damage! Below are our tips to properly clean and sanitize your workspace.

1. NEVER use harsh substances like alcohol and ammonia-based cleaned (rubbing alcohol, Windex, etc.) on your monitors or computer screens!

These are all corrosive substances and can strip your screen of anti-reflective coatings, cause clouding, and permanently damage your screen.

We Recommend: Use compressed air to clean any dust off the screen and wipe down the screen with a clean microfiber cloth.

2. NEVER use paper towels, old t-shirts or fabrics to wipe down your screens.

These materials are harmful on a microscopic level. They could be holding onto tiny specs of dust, sand, metal, etc. and could ruin your screen with just a single wipe!

We Recommend: A clean, microfiber cloth is the best choice.

3. NEVER Spray your cleaning agent directly onto the screen.

Spraying directly onto your screen results in the excess liquid seeping into any weak spots or tiny openings on your screen. The liquid wreaks havoc on the inside and can cause potentially irreversible damage.

We Recommend: Spray directly onto your microfiber cloth and make wide swipes from top to bottom or side to side. Avoid circular motions or focusing on a single spot too much, and this can cause damage.

4. USE a disinfectant wipe or a soft linen-free cloth to disinfect your keyboard and mouse.

ALWAYS make sure your electronics are unplugged and turned-off before you start cleaning. Your keyboard and mouse are less sensitive than your monitor, but gentle care should still be used when cleaning.

We Recommend: Unplug and turn off all devices. If you are using a wireless mouse or keyboard, also remove the batteries. You can use compressed air, tape, slime, clean & unused brushes or simply shake your keyboard upside-down to get the debris out. Then, grab your Lysol wipe (or disinfectant of your choosing) and wipe down your keyboard and mouse. Make sure that your wipes aren’t overly wet to avoid getting excess moisture into any openings.

5. WAIT until all items have dried before turning them back on.

A good rule of thumb when it comes to any electronics – make sure they are COMPLETELY dry before putting the batteries back in and/or turning them back on. Doing so before they are dry can result in damage.

6. Bonus Tip:

Don't forget your about cell phone! Many of the same rules from above apply here. Spray a microfiber cloth with your disinfectant of choice and wipe your screen with a microfiber cloth. If you are using disinfectant wipes, make sure to avoid excess moisture and wipe the phone dry with your microfiber cloth. If you use a phone case, make sure you are cleaning that regularly as well.

FINAL ADVICE:

Be gentle and patient when cleaning your computer, laptop, phone, screens, etc. Many times, your technology is provided by the company you work for or is under a warranty. Avoid disassembling any products, as this could make the warranty void, cause damage, or worse.

If you are unsure about the best practices for cleaning, reach out to your current IT provider or call our office at 802-655-0880 - we are happy to offer free advice or guidance!