Computer Cleaning Tips – part 1 of Extending your Computer’s Life series

Here is the first way to keep your computer in tip top shape. A good thorough cleaning can improve the performance of your computer. How often should you do it? That depends on the environment & how often you use your computer. At my house, it’s not often enough – but these tips are good guidelines for when you are ready to do it. (And for those of you on a schedule – every few months is perfect).

- turn off the computer before cleaning

- never spray liquids on any computer parts – spray it on a cloth & then rub down the component

- use a vacuum to clean the outside of the computer – but never on the inside because the vacuum creates static electricity that can cause damage to your computer components

- avoid using solvents; try to use water or highly diluted solvents if necessary

- when cleaning be careful not to adjust knobs or controls; and make sure no plugs get disconnected

- when cleaning fans – especially small fans in laptops -place something in the fan blades to keep it from spinning as the force from canned air may cause damage

- avoid eating or drinking around the computer
What will you need?

- a cloth is better than paper towels

- water or rubbing alcohol; other solvents may be bad for the plastic in your computer

- cotton swabs are good for cleaning in those hard to reach areas in the keyboard, mouse, etc

Cleaning the case -
- use a lint free cloth dampened with water; for stains add a little household detergent to the cloth

- vacuum around all holes & vents – a steady airflow is important for proper cooling

Disc drive cleaning – a dirty disc drive can cause read errors

- purchase a CD-ROM cleaner & follow the directions – you will use a special disc from the package

CD / DVD cleaning – if they’re dirty, they can have read errors or not read at all

- use a clean cotton cloth and wipe against the tracks, starting from the middle of the disc & towards the outside of the CD. Never wipe with the tracks, this may make more scratches on the disc. (Only use water to clean CD’s)

Keyboard cleaning

- compressed air is better than turning the keyboard over & shaking it. The ‘canned’ air comes with a long nozzle. Aim the air between the keys & blow away the dust. A vacuum can be used if there are no loose keys.

- if a liquid is spilled on the keyboard – turn the computer off & turn the keyboard upside down over an area that you don’t mind getting wet. Use a cloth to clean it off as best you can. Leave it upside down to dry.

Laptop LCD screen -

- avoid spraying directly on the screen or using paper towels (they can scratch it)

- use a soft cotton cloth; if a dry cloth doesn’t clean the screen, rubbing alcohol can be used

- Special monitor wipes can be bought at stores.

Monitor cleaning -

- if the monitor is made of glass – a regular household cleaner can be used – but again don’t spray directly on the glass

Mouse cleaning -

- if you’re using a mouse with a roller ball – turn it over & see which way the mouse cover should be rotated. Put two fingers on the mouse cover & rotate it. Turn it over & catch the tracking ball in your hand. Use a cotton swab or your finger to clean each of the 3 rollers inside of the mouse. Usually there is a small line in the middle of the roller. Remove as much dirt as possible.

Clean the tracking ball with a cloth. Place it in the mouse & replace the cover by twisting it back into place. Cleaning the mouse pad is also helpful

Flatbead Scanner cleaning -

- Spray window cleaner on a paper towel or cotton cloth & wipe until the glass is clean.

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