Print | Close X

Computer Cleaning Tips

Keep your technology in tip-top shape with these tricks.

Baby Wipes
Periodically shaking out your PC's keyboard is a good way to get rid of the dust and debris that gathers underneath and in between the keys. But that's just half the job. Use a baby wipe to remove the dirt, dried spills, and unspecified gunk that builds up on the keys themselves. Make sure to turn off the computer or unplug the keyboard before you wipe the keys.
See more uses for Baby Wipes.


Mouthwash
Out of glass cleaner? A strong, alcohol-based mouthwash will work as well as, or better than, glass cleaner on your computer monitor or TV screen. Apply with a damp, soft cloth and buff dry. Remember to use only on glass screens, not liquid crystal displays! The alcohol can damage the material used in LCDs.
See more uses for Mouthwash.


Nail Polish Remover
You can keep computer keyboards clean with nail polish remover and an old toothbrush. Simply moisten the brush with remover and lightly rub the keys.
See more uses for Nail Polish Remover.


Plastic Wrap
Hooray! You are off on vacation and won't be tapping that computer keyboard for a couple of weeks. Cover your computer keyboard with plastic wrap during long periods of inactivity to keep out dust and grime.
See more uses for Plastic Wrap.


Vinegar
  • Your computer, printer, fax machine, and other home office gear will work better if you keep them clean and dust-free. Before you start cleaning, make sure that all your equipment is shut off. Now mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket. Dampen a clean cloth in the solution -- never use a spray bottle; you don't want to get liquid on the circuits inside -- then squeeze it out as hard as you can, and start wiping. Keep a few cotton swabs on hand for getting to the buildups in tight spaces (like around the keys of your PC keyboard).


  • If you have a mouse with a removable tracking ball, use a 50/50 vinegar-water solution to clean it. First, remove the ball from underneath the mouse by twisting off the cover over it. Use a cloth, dampened with the solution and wrung out, to wipe the ball clean and to remove fingerprints and dirt from the mouse itself. Then use a moistened cotton swab to clean out the gunk and debris from inside the ball chamber (let it dry a couple of hours before reinserting the ball).
    See more uses for Vinegar.

Comments :
By Professor K, 09/07/2009, 10:02 AM EDT

There are many easily obtainable inexpensive items which will help with computer/electronics care & cleaning -- a small paint brush, sponge rubber paint brush, microfiber cloths, feather duster, distilled water , cotton swabs, shirt collar plastic tabs (the pointed ones), tweezers.

By canvasman54, 08/14/2008, 1:56 PM EDT

Yes, I suggest that anyone using a computer on daily basis read this story. It is very helpful for those living in a dust prone area. Everyone won't have electronic cleaning solutions on hand always,but I'm sure they would have house hold items that are used in this article.

Print | Close X