Buzz
Regular laptop cleaning can boost its lifespan—and yours too. Laptops, particularly keyboards, can harbor germs [source: Wall Street Journal]. The Centers for Disease Control advises cleaning your computer keyboard, mouse, and other high-touch surfaces on a regular basis [source: CDC]. While you're at it, don't forget to wipe your laptop's screen for a clearer, more enjoyable work experience.
Steps to Clean Your Keyboard:
- Power off your laptop and disconnect the battery.
- Open the laptop.
- Flip the laptop upside down and lightly tap it to dislodge any loose crumbs.
- Use canned air to blow away debris from between the keys.
- Place the laptop on a flat surface and vacuum the keyboard with a small brush attachment.
- Moisten cotton swabs with rubbing alcohol and gently wipe between the keys (ensure the swabs are damp, not soaked).
- Apply CyberClean to the keyboard, following the instructions on the package [source: Griffith]. CyberClean is available at local office supply stores [source: Office Depot].
Steps to Clean Your LCD Screen:
- Use canned air to blow off any dust from your screen's surface.
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and distilled water to create a cleaning solution.
- Lightly spray the vinegar solution onto a soft cloth, then gently wipe down the screen [source: Griffith].
To maintain a clean screen, periodically wipe it with a microfiber cloth designed for computers. These specialized cloths can be found in computer and office supply stores. Before applying any cleaning products to your LCD screen, always refer to your laptop's manual [source: Heloise].
Remember to clean your external mouse, if you use one. It's the easiest component of your laptop to clean. Simply spray your rag with the vinegar solution and wipe your mouse. Don't forget to flip it over and clean the bottom as well [source: Griffith].
