One Tech Tip: How to clean your computer, earbuds and smartphone
London – Smartphones, laptops, headphones and other electronic devices are essential for work and play in our daily life. But all this time spent typing, scrolling or listening also means that our devices gradually accumulate the grime that must be cleaned.
You might not think much about cleaning your devices, but there are reasons you should, explains Logitech, which makes keyboards, webcams and other computer devices.
“Regular cleaning and appropriate maintenance not only maintain your gadgets and earn you hygiene points, but also help them perform better and last longer,” explains the company. “In the case of devices such as headphones, bacteria and accumulated debris can even cause health problems or discomfort.”
Here are some tips on cleaning your technology:
Always check if the manufacturer has specific guidelines for cleaning.
Assemble certain basic equipment and materials for cleaning, which should include a soft and soft -free cleaning cloth, such as a microfiber cloth; Out of cotton; a brush with soft hairs like a toothbrush, a brush or a makeup brush; Compressed air and isopropyl alcohol.
Isopropyl, or rubbing alcohol, is a non -toxic cleaning solvent that is antiseptic and antibacterial. It is popular for cleaning electronics because it leaves no residue and dry quickly. But you may want to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation. Author a part on a fabric instead of pour it directly on your device. Also take into account some of the most specific warnings below.
Soft water and soap can be useful for cleaning dirty surfaces, but isopropylic alcohol is recommended to clean the interns of a device, said Alex Diaz-Kokaisel, main technical writer at Electronics Repair Ifixit.
“Although there is no difficult and fast rule for cleaning electronics, we usually use high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (more than 90%) because it evaporates rapidly,” he said. “The more a liquid evaporates quickly, the less it is likely that this affects the components that drive electricity.”
For any device that you clean, disconnect or turn off first. Remove all cases, traffic jams, lids and accessories.
When you use a computer, the keyboard and mouse are the parts that are most often affected and therefore need the most common cleaning. And all these crevices between the keyboard keys are sure to catch crumbs.
To remove any bulk debris, the official Ifixit cleaning guide recommends using a compressed air box. Pass the spray back and forth through the keys to blow all the pieces. If possible, hold the keyboard upside down so that the debris fall.
If you don’t have compressed air, Logitech suggests using a hair dryer on the cold air setting. Some social media users also recommend a portable ball pump.
Then reduce a cleaning cloth with water and gently wipe the keyboard and mouse.
Logitech says that you can also use friction alcohol, but recommends that you test it first on a discreet place to make sure that it does not cause discoloration or does not rub the lettering of the keys.
Antibacterial wipes can also work on devices like a mouse, said Diaz-Kokaisel.
“There should not be enough liquid to infiltrate through cracks in the shell, and their residues generally evaporate faster than using soap and water,” he said.
For laptop screens or external monitors, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the fingerprints.
If there are more stubborn stains – like emanated food or splashes – reduce the cloth with distilled water or a 50/50 solution of distilled water and vinegar.
Computers Lenovo says that “the gentle acidity of vinegar can help break oils and fingerprints”. Avoid using household glass cleaners, which can contain ammonia that may damage the screen. The same goes for paper towels, which can scratch the screen. HP also warns against the use of friction alcohol.
Many people listen to music or podcasts through their headphones, but it also means that they will need regular cleaning to eliminate all ear lamp, natural skin oils or any other grungy accumulation.
If the headphones have silicon spikes, remove them. Cleaning procedures vary depending on your brand and model. Logitech and Bose recommend using soapy water. But Sony warns against water or wet wipes because they can accelerate deterioration and, rather, advises the use of a dry cloth.
Use a cotton swab to wipe the clean headphones nozzles.
Apple Airpod owners must follow a much more elaborate procedure to clean the mesh. You will need a child’s toothbrush, two small cups, a paper towel, distilled water, as well as micellar water – usually used as a face cleaner.
Pour micellar water into a cup, dip the toothbrush, brush the different pieces of airpod, then strive them with the paper. Repeat twice. Then repeat this procedure but using distilled water to rinse micellar water. Finally, let the airpod dry for at least two hours.
To clean the rest of the airpod body, use a damp cloth. And don’t forget the case. Apple recommends brushing all debris, then wiping with a dry cloth. If necessary, humidify it with isopropylic alcohol.
What about exaggerated headphones? Bose says that you should wipe them at least once a week, especially after working, to eliminate any dirt and bacteria hidden in corners and corners. Remove the pads and use a humidified tissue with soapy water to clean them.
Apple has published specific instructions on its website to clean various iPhone models. Samsung has published similar guidelines for its Galaxy range.
They both advise the use of a soft and plush -free cloth, such as a lens cleaning cloth, to gently wipe the outside of the phone. Apple warns against the use of all cleaning products, which could erode the water -repellent coating that most iPhones are delivered.
The two companies say that it is normal to use disinfectants such as rubbing alcohol to gently clean the exterior, but avoid whitening or hydrogen peroxide.
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