We all know that water and technology are rarely a good combo. If it is not the risk of electric shock, it is fear of moisture damage. So how do you best keep your gadgets and devices clean and fresh without risking ruining them?
In this article, we go through how you can most easily clean your tech devices so they both lasts longer and feel nicer to use.
You need:
- Microfiber cloth
- Lint-free, soft cloth
- Deionized water (available at petrol stations)
- Vinegar
- Cotton swabs / tops
- Empty spray bottle
- small air blower/compressed air spray
- Cleaning brush
Laptop
Start by unplugging it and turning off the computer (so you do not accidentally press any strange buttons).
On the outside the computer: Use a dry microfiber cloth and clean the outside of the computer.
Screen and keyboard: Dampen a lint-free, soft cloth (preferably with deionized water) and clean the screen. Finish with a microfiber cloth for glass when the screen has dried (eg a spectacle cloth).
Use dry microfiber cloth to clean the keyboard.
Use a dry top to access and gently clean between the buttons.
If you happen to have a mess on the keyboard, e.g. soda or other tough spots. Try mixing half deionized water and half vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray lightly on a dry, lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth and wipe the keys gently.
Avoid cleaning your screens with kitchen paper or other rough materials as they can cause scratches and unnecessary wear.
Keyboards
Turn off the computer and unplug all cables (for better accessibility).
Keyboards attract a lot of dust so it is important to vacuum around the computer and dust off the entire outside of the jar with a microfiber cloth regularly. Otherwise, a lot of dust can get into the computer and above all make the fan work worse.
LCD screens should not be exposed to pressure. So if you have an LCD screen for your computer, take a soft microfiber cloth and wipe the screen without pressing it down. If there are stains that do not go away with the cloth, try to moisten the cloth lightly with deionized water and wipe it off. Never spray anything directly on the screen.
A mechanical keyboard can be cleaned with the vacuum cleaner if you have a small nozzle with a brush! You can also turn the keyboard upside down and shake it, or tap lightly on the top to make dust, debris and any snack leftovers fall down.
You can best remove smudges on the keyboard with a slightly damp cloth or a top. The same goes for the computer mouse.
Smartphone and tablet
Use a regular cloth or microfiber cloth to clean the phone. Use gentle circular motions and do not press down hard on the screen.
Do not forget to let the screen go a light turn over the camera lens!
Avoid moisture and detergents! Do not use window cleaner, glass cleaner or similar agents as it may damage the surface.
Camera
On a camera, it is primarily the lens you want to clean. Cleaning the sensor or the inside of a camera is not something I recommend you do yourself if you do not know how to do it, it is easy to damage it.
Use a small blow brush or bellows to first try to blow dust away from the lens.
Use a soft, clean cleaning brush to brush off any remaining dust.
Use a clean microfiber cloth to clean the lens with gentle, circular motions. There is also a dedicated cleaning fluid you can buy that you can wet the microfiber cloth with.
General tips
- Always carry a microfiber cloth with you for quick screen or camera lens cleaning.
- Wash your hands before using your technique – the best way to avoid dirt and stains!
- Vacuum around your computer and your gadgets often.
- Try to collect and tie cables together, preferably above the floor, as it will be very dusty between them.
- Close your laptop when you are not using it and you will protect both the keyboard and the screen from dust etc.
- Do not wipe the camera lens too often as it may cause unnecessary wear on the coating. Only do this when needed and always start by blowing away dust so you do not pull around the dust grains with the cloth.