IN THIS POST
– How to Clean Your Laptop Case
– How to Clean Your Laptop Screen
– How to Clean Your Laptop Keyboard
– How to Clean Your Laptop Fan
– How to Disinfect a Laptop
Did you know that laptops require more cleaning than desktops? This is because we usually handle our laptops way more than the regular PC. If you use your laptop on a daily basis, there is a good chance it’s in need of a thorough cleaning. You may not notice the slight fingerprint smudges on the screen, the tiny crumbs stuck between keys on the keyboard and a light layer of dust covering the casing, but cleaning them up can make a world of difference. Therefore, in order to help you remove all the gunk off your device in a safe manner, we have compiled some laptop cleaning tips that anyone can easily follow.
However, before we begin, it is pertinent to mention that you must turn off your laptop before cleaning it. Otherwise, you may end up with a damaged device. This is of the utmost importance.
Without further ado, here is how to clean and disinfect your laptop case, screen, keyboard and fan.
How to Clean Your Laptop Case
The word ‘casing’ is generally used for the outside of a laptop as well as for the area surrounding the touchpad.
Here are step-by-step laptop cleaning tips for your casing.
Step 1: Turn off and unplug the laptop. If possible, remove the battery as well.
Step 2: Mix one part mild dishwashing liquid with five parts distilled water to create a DIY cleaning liquid.
Step 3: Dampen a soft sponge in the cleaning liquid and then wring it until it’s completely dry.
Step 4: Use the sponge to gently wipe the dust and dirt off your laptop’s case. It will immediately clean dust from the laptop.
Step 5: To clean the nooks and crannies, use standard cotton or medical swab. However, make sure not to insert it into any jacks or ports on your device.
Step 6: Take a microfiber cloth and wipe the case to get rid of any excess moisture on the surface.
Warning: Avoid using any cleaning products with ammonia or bleach to remove grime off your laptop case.
How to Clean Your Laptop Screen
Contrary to popular opinion, you can safely clean your laptop at home using household cleaning products. Since screens tend to get real dirty real quick, here is how you can clean a laptop screen without scratching or damaging it.
For Dust and Dirt
Those who wear glasses can attest to the fact that microfiber cloths are a great way to clean dust and dirt off glass surfaces.
Step 1: Shutdown and unplug your laptop. Apart from being safe, the dark screen will also help you see the dust particles that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Step 2: Take a microfiber cloth and press it gently on the screen. Make sure to only wipe in one direction instead of scrubbing it in circles. Applying pressure on the screen damage the display of your device
Step 3: Continue wiping the screen until it’s free of dust.
Warning: Do not use a tissue paper or paper towel to clean your laptop screen as they can scratch the surface rather easily
For Grimy Smudges
If your laptop screen looks particularly gross and the microfiber cloth is just not cutting it, you need to clean the display with distilled water.
Here is how you can clean smudges off your laptop.
Step 1: Shut down your laptop and unplug it. It is recommended to remove the battery as well.
Step 2: Place a dry piece of towel or cloth on your keyboard to avoid any unfortunate drips.
Step 3: Soak a soft sponge in distilled water and then wring it out until it is completely dry.
Step 4: Wipe the screen with the sponge. If you notice any water dripping down the display, clean it immediately
Step 5: Wait for your laptop screen to be completely dry before closing it or turning on the machine
Warning: You should refrain from using standard tap water to clean your laptop screen as the minerals can scratch the surface.
For Oily and Sticky Stuff
Those sticky fingerprints on your computer screen can be extremely annoying. However, if microfiber cloth and a sponge soaked in distilled water fail to clean the display, you should consider investing in a laptop cleaning kit. If that isn’t available, any non-abrasive liquid cleaner that is used to clean camera lenses and glasses can be used to get rid of sticky marks and oily smudges on the screen.
These laptop cleaning tips will make your device look new and shiny.
Warning: Most online tutorials may suggest you clean laptop screens with alcohol, but the truth is that you must keep isopropyl alcohol, sanitisers as well as cleaning products with bleach and ammonia away from the display of your computer.
How to Clean Your Laptop Keyboard
Can you see crumbs of food and other debris stuck between the keys on your keyboard, impairing its function?
Let’s take a look at how to clean your laptop keyboard:
Step 1: Unplug and turn off your laptop. Remove the battery, if possible.
Step 2. Open the screen of your laptop and turn the device upside down. You can even shake it lightly or tap it to dislodge all the remnants of food and other debris from the keyboard.
Step 3. Take a standard Q-top or a soft-bristled brush to clean loose debris from between the keys.
Step 4. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe across the keyboard of your laptop
Step 5. For stubborn stains, dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and use it to dissolve the grime. Make sure to wipe the surface with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any moisture.
How to Clean Your Laptop Fan
Does your laptop sound like it is choking to death?
If that’s the case, the cooling fans underneath your laptop may be the culprit. It is important to clean your laptop fan every few months as dirt can clog up the panel and ultimately damage the system.
Here are some laptop cleaning tips that will restore the cooling fans in your device to their correct working order.
Step 1: Turn off the laptop and remove the battery
Step 2: Flip the device over and look for the air vent on its outer edge. Once you find it, you will also be able to locate its access panel
Step 3: Take a screwdriver and remove the access panel. In case your laptop does not have a panel-accessible fan, you may have to contact a professional to do the job.
Step 4: Use an air compressor to gently blow out the dust. Make sure you clean the fan using short bursts of air from different angles at low pressure.
Step 5: Once the fan looks clean and all the dirt has been removed, screw the access panel back on to your laptop.
You can now install the battery and turn on the system.
How to Disinfect a Laptop
Now that you know how to clean your laptop screen and keyboard, it’s time to disinfect the device.
The best way to get rid of germs on your laptop is by wiping the screen, case, touchpad, and keyboard with disinfecting wipes. Not only will it protect you from germs and bacteria but also make your device look clean and spotless.
Disinfecting your laptop and mobile phone is extremely important for your hygiene. You can use any disinfecting wipes for this purpose, just make sure they are free of bleach and ammonia. Moreover, always squeeze the liquid out of these disinfecting wipes before using them on your laptop to avoid any damage.
You can even make your own disinfecting wipes at home to ensure your space remain germ-free at all times.
That brings an end to our laptop cleaning tips. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to share them with us on blog@zameen.com.
Meanwhile, if you are a freelancer or remote employee working from home, you will definitely find our in-depth guide on how to boost your home WiFi without having to replace your wireless router quite helpful.
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