Computer Care and Cleaning
Keeping a computer in good condition takes work, but it's worth it. Proper care will not only make your computer more physically appealing, but also optimize its functonal longevity. Below are some helpful tips that computer users should take to keep their machine looking good and working right.
Cleaning Tools
Most experts suggest that users thoroughly clean their computers every three to six months. This doesn't just mean dusting the keyboard twice a year. In order to really get your machine clean, you're going to need to get inside of the machine and put in a tiny bit of elbow grease. That's going to take some tools.
Computer Cleaning Kits
Some manufacturers even offer complete computer cleaning kits.  Some of these kits include the basic tools and others are more comprehnsive, offering specially designed tools to ensure your hard drive's posterity.
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An extremely comprehensive 65-piece tool and cleaning kit that includes a nine-piece Allen wrench set, pressurized air, a soldering iron, a mini vacuum cleaner, demagnetized screwdrivers and dozens of other useful items. |
A generally inexpensive kit that comes with a mini vacuum cleaner, a disk drive cleaner, a CD rom lens cleaner, anti-static cleaning fluid and other standard tools. If you've already got the required screwdrivers, this might be a good supplement |
Cleaning Your Computer
The first step to cleaning your computer is shutting it off. Then unplug your monitor, mouse, keyboard and any other equipment hooked up to your computer. If you've got a laptop, shut it off and unplug it. Now the fun begins ...
Cleaning a Laptop- Use a damp cloth to carefully wipe off LCD your screen. Do not use any cleaning fluid. Do not use paper towels.
- Wipe down the keyboard with a damp cloth or paper towel. A light cleaning solution will work, too. Use compressed air to clean debris out from beneath keys.
- Use tweezers or an old toothbrush to clean the laptop vents. Do not use compressed air or a solution to do this, as moisture could seep into the computer and cause damage.
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Cleaning a Desktop
Cleaning Your Keyboard: First, pick up your keyboard and turn it upside over a trash bag. Knock the bottom of the keyboard a few times to remove debris. Now, use your compressed air and systematically remove dust still lodged between your keys. Tweezers may come in handy if you have hair or other similar materials stuck in your keyboard. Next, use your cleaning solution and/or spray along with paper towels to wipe down the keys. Then use a cotton swab to clean the crevices between keys. You'll be amazed at how much better your keyboard will perform. You might want to buy a keyboard cover to make sure that the keyboard requires cleaning less frequently. Some guides suggest removing each key and soaking individually. This process is tedious and allows for a high margin of error (broken keys, misplaced keys). This is not recommended.
Cleaning Your Mouse: Use your cleaning solution and a paper towel to wipe down the top and the bottom of your mouse. If you're using an optical mouse, do not attempt to clean the sensor. If you're ussing a ball mouse, remove the disc that keeps the trackball in place and wipe both the ball and the cover with a paper towel. Use a cotton swab or tweezers to remove any dust or debris on the two rollers inside the mouse. Put your trackball back in the mouse, lock it shut and you're done. That sluggish mouse should perk right up.
Cleaning Your Monitor: Your monitor is tough to take apart for a reason. There's a significant current running through the device so don't try to clean the inside yourself. Instead, focus on something you can do: cleaning your screen. Dampen a cloth with water and gently wipe from top to bottom. If you have an LCD screen, don't press too hard, you don't want to damage it. It's best not to use a paper towel, as it may scratch the service of the screen. This task may be best suited for wipes or specifically designated screen cleansing fluids. Use your compressed air or vacuum cleaner to get dust out of the monitor casing.
Cleaning the Outside of Your Computer: Wipe down the case with a damp cloth or paper towel, then wipe it dry.
Cleaning the Inside of Your Computer: This is probably the most important, and often negelected, aspect of computer care. Cleaning dust inside of the computer will improve air circulation and prevent overheating. It also ensures that your dust won't effect your processor or power supply. First, remove your case using the proper screwdriver. Do a quick check of your connections and internal components to make sure none are damaged. If they are, it'd be wise to get them replaced as soon as possible to avoid difficulties and potentially dangerous situations in the future. Next, use your compressed air to clean out the processor fan. Do not use the air to clean your internal components. Cautiously use a mini vacuum cleaner instead. If you have an air filter in your computer, run it through warm water. Gently dry the filter with a piece of cloth or a paper towel.
When you're done, put your case back on and plug everything back in. Your desktop computer is now clean.
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Cleaning Your Flatbed Scanner
Periodically cleaning your flatbed scanner will improve performance and appearance. Those who have scanners typically use them often and so regular maintenance is a must to ensure picture quality and longevity. Those who enjoy scanning candy bars should pay especially close attention.
Begin by using canned air to spray clean any dusty crevices. Next, using an optical-surface cleaning fluid or a watered-down, light glass cleaner and an anti-static cloth carefully wipe your scanner glass down, making sure to get it soaked with cleeaner (doing so could damage the scanner's internal components). When done, make sure that the glass is absolutely dry before shutting or using the scanner. To clean the outside of the device, simply dampen your towel and go to it. |
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