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How to clean your computer - Outside
Did you know that dust and lint could clog your computer's cooling vents, making your computer's Central Processing Unit (CPU) overheat?
This could cause your computer to freeze, create issues when shutting down or even blow up the electrics!
Have you ever given your monitor a good wipe to get rid of fingerprints and smears?
Have you ever tried to get rid of biscuit crumbs down in between your keyboard keys?
Have you ever ventured inside your computer's casing to get rid of dust lurking within?
Keeping your laptop, notebook PC or Mac clean from the outside in is good standard practice to keep your machine in great working order. Switch2IT are not only technical support specialists but we are also here to offer professional individuals and small business free practical advice on computer maintenance and how to care for your technical equipment.
1. Safety first - Always turn your computer off and disconnect the power source/remove the battery before cleaning or any other computer maintenance. Make sure that the device is completely free of moisture before turning it back on.
2. Inside the case - You should consult your manufacture's policy and warranty terms before opening your computer's case and you should only continue if you feel confident to do so. Once inside, touch as little as possible. Look for dust and fluff and pick out carefully with tweezers. You could also blow compressed air around the components, keeping the nozzle at a distance of at least four inches and at an angle to blow debris out and away. Take extra care around the delicate fans and don't blow the compressed air directly at them for more than a couple of seconds at a time. Wipe inside the cover with a lightly moistened lint-free cloth (the type you would use to clean spectacles) before replacing it. Repeat every three-six months.
3. Outside the case - Run a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or isopropyl around all of the openings on the outside of your case. Give them one wipe with the damp end of the swab and one wipe with the dry end. For laptops use a solution of 1:1 cleaning solution using bottled water and alcohol, add to a lint-free cloth and rub over the exterior. Repeat every three-six months.
4. The keyboard - Turn the keyboard upside down and shake gently, running your fingers over the keys. Use a can of compressed air to blow into and around the keys to get rid of stubborn crumbs. Next, take a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol so that it is damp but not dripping. Run this around the outside of each key and over the tops of the keys, removing individual keys for a deeper clean, if possible. For laptops, follow the same procedure but take extra care and use a damp swab to wipe the touchpad clean. Repeat one a month.
5. The optical mouse - Disconnect the mouse from your computer. Rub the top and bottom of your mouse with a paper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol. Make sure that no lint or other debris obscures the light-emitting lens on the underside of the mouse on an optical mouse. Repeat monthly.
6. The monitor - For LCD laptop and flat-panel monitor screens, moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with bottled water. Wipe the screen gently using circular motions to remove dust and fingerprints. For glass CRT (television-style) monitors, use a household glass cleaning solution but never try to open the housing of a CRT monitor as it can hold a dangerous electrical charge. Repeat monthly.
Would you like advice on how to keep your computer clean inside too? Switch2IT can help you get rid of malware and keep your computer free from viruses. Get in touch with our computer maintenance team today by calling: 0800 0833416.