It is important to keep your electronics clean, especially with the environment we live in. It’s also important to clean and disinfect your electronics safely. Harsh chemicals and incorrect techniques can cause damage to sensitive devices. This comprehensive guide will show you how to safely clean and disinfect electronics.
Understanding the risks:
It’s important to know the risks before you begin cleaning. Electronic devices can be delicate and damaged by:
- Excessive Moisture: Other liquids and water can short circuit internal components.
- Abrasive Cleaners: Sharp chemicals and rough materials may scratch and damage screens.
- Strong Chemicals Alcohol and bleach can damage surfaces and internal parts.
- Static Electricity The static discharge of electronic components can cause damage.
Essential Supplies:
Gather the following items to safely clean and disinfect your electronic devices:
- Microfiber cloths are soft and lint free, making them ideal for cleaning delicate surfaces such as screens.
- Distilled Water: Tap water may contain minerals which can leave residue.
- Isopropyl Alcohol (70%) is an effective and safe disinfectant that can be used on most electronic devices. Avoid concentrations higher than 70%, which can be harsh.
- Cotton swabs are great for cleaning crevices, ports and small crevices.
- Compressed air can be used to remove dust from keyboards, and other difficult-to-reach places.
- These wipes are often pre-moistened and have the right concentration of alcohol.
Cleaning Guideline:
- Unplug and Power Off: Before cleaning, always unplug and turn off your device. It will reduce the chance of an electric shock or damage to internal components. If possible, remove all batteries.
- Gent Wiping: Use an a microfiber cloth slightly dampened to clean the exterior surfaces of your gadget. Avoid spraying liquids onto your device.
- Avoid Abrasive Material: Paper towels, tissues or any other abrasive material can scratch screens, and other surfaces.
- Cleaning Ports and Crevices Remove dust and debris with a cotton swab, compressed air, or other methods.
- Make sure your device is dry completely: Before turning it on again, make sure that the device has dried completely.
Cleaning Instructions for Common Electronics:
- Smartphones and tablets:
- Wipe the screen and the back of your device with a microfiber cloth that is slightly damp.
- Use distilled water to remove stubborn stains or screen cleaning solution.
- Disinfect both the front and back of the screen with 70% isopropyl Alcohol or a microfiber towel lightly dampened in 70% isopropyl Alcohol.
- Avoid getting moisture in the charging port and other openings.
- Laptops and keyboards:
- Remove dust and debris using compressed air.
- Use a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water to wipe down the keyboard.
- Disinfect keyboards and trackpads with a 70% alcohol wipe, or with a microfiber towel lightly dampened in 70% alcohol.
- Use a microfiber towel and screen cleaning solution.
- Desktop Computers and Monitors
- Unplug your computer and monitor.
- Dust can be removed from fans and vents by using compressed air.
- Use a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water to wipe down the monitor and case.
- Use a microfiber towel and screen cleaning solution.
- Disinfect your mouse and keyboard using a 70% alcohol wipe, or a microfiber towel lightly dampened in 70% alcohol.
- Televisions:
- Unplug your television.
- Use a microfiber dry cloth to gently clean the screen.
- Use a dampened microfiber cloth and distilled water to remove stubborn stains.
- Alcohol-based cleaners can damage television screens.
- Headphones and Earbuds
- Wipe down exterior surfaces with a microfiber dry cloth.
- To clean the ear tips, use cotton swabs that have been lightly dampened in 70% isopropyl ethanol.
- Remove any earwax from the in-ear headphones.
- Gaming Controllers
- Wipe down the controller using a microfiber cloth that is slightly damp.
- Cotton swabs can be used to clean buttons and crevices.
- Disinfect your controller using a 70% alcohol wipe, or a microfiber towel lightly dampened in 70% alcohol.
Best Practices for Disinfection:
- Use 70% isopropyl Alcohol: This concentration kills germs effectively without being harsh on electronic devices.
- Do not saturate or drench the cloth. It should be lightly dampened.
- Avoid using circular motions that can spread germs.
- Allow the device to air-dry: Let the alcohol completely evaporate before using it.
- Bleach and hydrogen peroxide can damage the coating.
- Read the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Preventive measures:
- Hands should be washed frequently, particularly before using electronic devices.
- Avoid eating or drinking close to your electronic devices.
- Protect your screens and cases with protective covers.
- Clean and disinfect your device regularly.
