A grubby screen is hard to read, a crumb-filled keyboard gets sticky, and dusty vents make your computer hot and slow. A 15-minute clean every month or two makes your computer nicer to use and helps it last longer. Here’s how to do it without causing damage.
What you’ll need
- A microfiber cloth (the kind used for glasses)
- A can of compressed air
- Distilled water, or 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes
- Cotton swabs
Before you start
- Shut down the computer (don’t just put it to sleep).
- Unplug the charger and all cables.
- Never spray liquid directly onto any part of the computer. Dampen the cloth instead.
The screen
Screens have delicate coatings, so be gentle.
- Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth first. This removes most dust and fingerprints.
- For stubborn marks, lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water and wipe gently.
- Dry with a clean part of the cloth.
Avoid: – Window cleaner, ammonia, bleach or household sprays. They strip the screen’s coating. – Paper towels and tissues. They scratch and leave lint. – Pressing hard. Too much pressure can damage the pixels.
Some manufacturers say 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes are fine for their screens, and others say not to use them. Check your manufacturer’s advice before using alcohol on a display.
The keyboard
- Turn it upside down and gently shake or tap to dislodge crumbs. (For laptops, hold it open at an angle.)
- Use short bursts of compressed air between the keys, working in rows.
- Wipe the key tops with a cloth lightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol or water.
- Use a cotton swab for the gaps between keys.
Don’t pry off laptop keys. The clips underneath are fragile and easy to break.
The mouse and trackpad
Wipe with a lightly dampened cloth. On a mouse, clean around the sensor on the underside with a dry cotton swab, and wipe the feet. A dirty sensor makes the pointer jumpy.
Vents and fans
Dust in the vents is the main cause of overheating and noisy fans.
- Find the air vents, usually on the sides, back or underside.
- Blow short bursts of compressed air into them, holding the can upright.
- If you can see a fan, hold it still with a cotton swab while you spray. Spinning a fan too fast with compressed air can damage it.
Desktops: if you’re comfortable removing the side panel, you can blow dust out from inside. Do it outdoors or somewhere easy to clean.
Don’t use a household vacuum cleaner inside a computer. It creates static electricity that can damage components.
Ports
Dust and pocket lint in ports can stop cables from connecting properly. Use a short burst of compressed air. For stubborn lint in a charging port, gently use a wooden or plastic toothpick, never anything metal.
The outside
Wipe the case and lid with a cloth lightly dampened with water or 70% isopropyl alcohol. Let everything dry completely before plugging back in and switching on.
How often?
- Screen and keyboard: every week or two, or whenever they look dirty.
- Vents: every 3–6 months, or more often with pets or in a dusty room.
- Inside a desktop: once or twice a year.
The bottom line
Power off, unplug, and put liquid on the cloth, never on the computer. A microfiber cloth and a can of compressed air handle almost everything, and a clean computer runs cooler, quieter and longer.
