Many Americans and others across the globe use their computers pretty much all day, every day. We stare at the screens nonchalantly, not even realizing that there could very well be a layer of grime caked on the surface. What would you say if you knew that your computer was harboring as much bacteria as a toilet seat? In that case, you’ll probably hesitate to eat your lunch while working, or even help your kids with their homework while typing a few emails.
Save Real $$
Putting the gross factor aside—a clean computer will actually last longer. When dirt, dust, and other debris get into your computer’s ventilation system, keyboard, and other parts, the computer will run hotter, shortening its lifespan over time. Save money by taking care of your computer properly and cleaning it regularly.
When should I clean it?
How often should you clean your computer? It depends on various factors—including your environment (if you have lots of dust in your home you’ll need to clean it more frequently) and preferences (if you get wigged out by seeing dust bunnies whenever you open your computer, you’ll want to clear them out more often). As a general rule of thumb, once a month should be sufficient.
Cleaning your computer is easy
Here’s all you need to clean your computer:
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Can of compressed air
- Paper towels
- Rubbing alcohol
- Microfiber cloth
Shut down your computer and unplug it to begin. Remove the side panels with the Phillips screwdriver and look for any dust that’s collected since you last cleaned. If you’ve had your computer for years and have never cleaned it, you’ll probably see A LOT of dust as soon as you open the panels.
How to remove dust without damaging your computer
Remove dust by wiping the fans gently with a paper towel. For the vents, lightly moisten the paper towel with alcohol (not too much!) and wiping the dust off delicately. Then use the can of compressed air to blast out any smaller bits of dust lodged in your machine’s heat sinks. Use short bursts of air to avoid damaging your fans.
Your keyboard is next
Then tackle your keyboard by simply turning it upside down over a sink or trash can. If you like to snack in front of the computer, you’ll probably see all kinds of gross crumbs come tumbling out. The compressed air can help give any stubborn crumbs the boot. Make sure you pay special attention to the areas of the keyboard where your fingers make the most contact, because that’s where the grime and grease will be built-up.
Lastly, the Monitor
If your computer has a touch screen, your monitor is going to get absolutely filthy, fast. Don’t use paper towels on any computer monitor, even if it’s not a touch screen, because they can scratch the sensitive screen. Use a microfiber cloth instead, which can be found in the cleaning sections of just about all stores. It’s gentle enough to clean your screen without damaging it. If you still see some grime on your screen, dampen the cloth with a small amount of water and wipe it again. You should be good to go!
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