Our electronic devices are things we use every day, but did you know they can also be the most disgusting? Keeping your tech devices clean is important, as your screen may look spotless, but studies show that a mobile phone can be 18x dirtier than a public restroom – ew! It gets worse (sorry)…that keyboard you tap at while eating your morning toast? It’s probably the biggest bacterial threat in your house, with about 20,000 times more germs than a toilet seat, more if you share it with children. With the current coronavirus or COVID-19 (whichever you prefer) pandemic, it’s imperative to keep the things we touch most (phones, tablets, computer keyboards, etc) clean, especially if other people are touching them as well. It’s not just sickness we’re up against, because as dust builds up inside gadgets, they also slow down, malfunction, or overheat. Your device essentially chokes on ick, as vents and filters are clogged by sucking in pet hair and floating debris. Ready to learn how to clean your tech devices?

Here’s how to clean your essential tech items without damaging them, and maintain clean tech devices:

1. Skip the household cleaners: Most cleaning products are too harsh for our technology and can end up causing permanent damage. You want something that can kill germs and remove everyday grime, without scratching or leaving behind a scented residue. Your best bet is Isopropyl Alcohol. You’ll find it in the first aid section of supermarkets and pharmacies, or at the hardware store.
2. Power down completely: Turn your tech devices off all the way, not just sleeping, and unplug from any power sources. Switch wireless keyboards, mice, etc. off underneath or remove the batteries.
3. Remove any cases or covers: Undress your device as much as you can, but leave screen protectors on (unless there’s grime underneath). If your screen protector needs replacing, have a new one ready to apply.
4. Grab a microfiber cloth: Dampen the cloth with Isopropyl Alcohol and wipe screens and external surfaces gently. Older build-up may require extra effort to keep your tech devices clean.
5. Go deep: You can use a toothbrush or cotton tip to clean between most crevices, but some areas will need a bit more ‘oomph’ to clear. You’ve probably seen people use vacuum cleaners on their keyboard, but these are often TOO powerful and may suck keys or internal parts loose. They also generate damaging static electricity. Another option is to use a tech-specific vacuum, but these are usually underpowered.
6. Insider tip: Use a can of compressed air to blow the dust out. You can get these from many stores and they come with a long nozzle so you can really get in and direct the pressure. You’ll be surprised what flies out, so it’s best to do this outside! We don’t recommend using compressed air on your computer’s internal fans though, as this can make them spin too fast and damage them.
7. Insider tip (part deux): If you’re just trying to disinfect your phone, tablet, or keyboard, you don’t need to completely disconnect and power them down. You can use an alcohol pad or lint-free cloth damp (not wet) with isopropyl alcohol to wipe it down (don’t try to dig into crevasses while the device is powered on, just wipe the surface). To kill coronavirus, the experts are recommending 70% concentration of isopropyl alcohol.

How often you clean your tech devices is up to you and your lifestyle. But it’s a good idea to blow out computer internal dust at least twice a year and wiping your tech down 1-2 times per week will definitely reduce germs and grime. During the current coronavirus pandemic, we would recommend you clean your mobile devices several times per day.

Cleaning your tech devices may seem like a small task, but it can significantly impact your health and the performance of your gadgets. By incorporating these steps into your routine, you’ll ensure that you’re using clean tech devices and reducing the spread of germs.

In conclusion, maintaining clean tech devices is essential for your health and the longevity of your gadgets. By using these tips and incorporating a regular cleaning routine, you’ll protect yourself from harmful bacteria and keep your devices running smoothly. So, go ahead and invest some time in keeping your tech devices squeaky clean – your health and your gadgets will thank you for it!

Is your computer making too much noise or getting too hot? Give us a call at (561)743-1521 or send us a message and we’ll clean the internals for you.