If you’re visiting Fix MY PC Free, then you probably already know how to clean the software operating environment on your PC – just install PC Cleaner Pro and read through the helpful PC tips and tricks listed at our site.
However, cleaning the outside of your PC or tablet is a totally different story. The outside of your PC is the part that your fingers have to touch every day and the part that most people see when they walk into your home, room, or office.
So how do you clean the outside of your PC or tablet without damaging any of the valuable parts inside? Today, we’re going to show you exactly how to do that:
The average keyboard or smartphone has ten times more bacteria than a toilet seat
I just wanted to make sure you know why it’s so important to clean your PC keyboard or tablet. It’s because most people never clean their electronic devices. Worse, some people just give their electronics a cursory wipe with a napkin every now and then – like when a bit of ketchup squirts out the end of a burger onto your tablet screen.
That means that bacteria can easily build up over time and create a pool of nastiness on the tips of your fingers. Yes, most smartphones and keyboards have more bacteria than a toilet seat, and conservative estimates argue that there is about 10x (!!!) more bacteria on the average electronic device than a toilet seat. Gross.
The power of a canister of compressed air
When it comes to cleaning electronics, a good canister of compressed air is your best friend. Compressed air canisters shoot – you guessed it – air at your electronics. It’s a safe way to clean motherboards or the ports on your tablet and laptop.
After buying your canister of compressed air, take your computer to a well-ventilated location – like your backyard. Open the side of the case if you’re cleaning a desktop PC. Then, hold the canister of compressed air upright and thoroughly cover all of the nooks and crannies on your device. Focus on fans, entry/exit ports, and anywhere you see dust buildup.
If you want to be extra thorough, you can unscrew the fans and wipe each individual blade. However, you’ll want to make sure that you know exactly how the fans are oriented, as installing them incorrectly can lead to air being blown out of your case when it should be blowing into your case.
Why it’s important: dust buildup can lead to overheating problems and performance issues. Dust in your entry/exit ports can cause connection problems when linking to your PC.
Cleaning your keyboard
The keyboard is, in all likelihood, the most disgusting part of your computer. Fortunately, keyboards are relatively easy to clean. Disconnect your keyboard from your PC and turn it upside down over your garbage can. Shake it out.
Then, take a damp cloth and gently wipe the dust and dirt off the face of the keys. You can also use an anti-bacterial spray or wipe. The only way this will damage your keyboard is if you use too much liquid. And even if your keyboard is wet, you can just wait for it to dry before reconnecting it to your PC.
In most cases, that process will be good enough to remove the dust and grime buildup on your keyboard. However, there may be disgusting stuff underneath your keys, in which case it’s time for a more intense cleaning process. Check out the video below to see how it’s done:
The woman in that video sprays chocolate sauce over her keyboard and still manages to get it working. Be sure to take a picture of your keyboard before you start removing keys in order to remember where everything goes.
If you’re going to dunk your keyboard and keys completely in water, you will need to wait at least a few days for everything to dry – otherwise you’ll create a short circuit. If you can wait that long, you’ll feel like you’re using a brand new keyboard.
Cleaning your mouse
Mice are easy to clean. Disconnect your mouse and rub it with a damp cloth with water or antibacterial liquid. Be sure to focus on the optical sensor.
Cleaning your screen
The screen is the part of your electronic device that you spend most of the day staring at. When cleaning the screen, the most important thing to remember is to use a microfiber cloth and special cleaning solution.
Electronics stores like Best Buy will try to sell you special electronics cleaning solution for $10 to $15 per bottle. But here’s an easier solution: go to any eyeglass store (or the optical section of Wal Mart) and buy eyeglass cleaner for $3 to $5. It’s the exact same thing.
Spray that solution on a microfiber cloth until the cloth is damp, then rub the cloth on your screen with a circular motion (linear motions will lead to an uneven finish and possibly scratches).
How to keep your electronics clean
Okay, you’ve followed all the cleaning tips listed above. Now you’ll want to keep them clean. To do that, follow these tips:
–Avoid eating and using your computer, tablet, or smartphone at the same time. Food will build up between the keys and bacteria will love you.
–Wash your hands before using your electronic devices. Yes, this may be a bit of a pain, but it’s a great way to keep them as clean as possible.
–Use smartphone and tablet cases with covers over the ports to prevent dust buildup
–Never let Doritos come within fifty feet of your electronics