How to properly (and safely) clean your laptop
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Cleaning your laptop is important work for several reasons. First and foremost: it maintains your laptop in good working order. If dust and dirt penetrate the ports, into the screen hinge and between the keys, you will have problems as soon as possible. Keep your laptop clean and tidy and it will last longer.
There are many other reasons, to be able to withdraw your laptop from local cafe without embarrassment to get more money for that if you improve. You might be surprised to see how ready to pay for a used laptop if it is in good condition.
Do not leave the idea that it is an expensive or timed chore you do not get out, because it is not the case. A little cleaning from time to time is everything you need. Here’s how to go without damaging your computer. Before you start, turn off your laptop, disconnect all the port cables and disconnect it from all the power outlets.
What you will need
You can clean your laptop with a small number of cheap materials and supplies. Less is generally more:
Clean the screen
The screen is perhaps the most delicate part of your laptop, so you want to take additional care here: a broken display essentially makes your laptop useless (unless you have an external spare monitor at hand), and it is also an expensive repair. Always just on the side of caution when cleaning the screen of your laptop.
The best approach here (and Apple agrees) is to use a plush -free microfiber cloth which is only slightly damp. Water is recommended, although 70% of isopropyle wipes are OK if you have perceptible marks to remove. Be soft with wiping and work methodically from the top of the screen down.
It is good to buy a screen cleaning solution if you think the situation requires it, but make sure you get a certified product for use on your machine type and check the reviews before buying. If you use a liquid, apply it to the fabric you use first, do not apply it directly on the screen.
As HP says, use meticulous circular movements to create the friction necessary to eliminate the accumulated dirt. Do not apply more pressure than you need – maintain the back of the laptop cover with the other hand can help here – then use a dry part of your fabric or a separate cloth to clean all humidity.
Clean the base
With the rest of your laptop, you are dealing with a little less fragile components than the screen. However, the general approach is the same. Most manufacturers (including Dell) recommend using a soft microfiber cloth to wipe the dirt and debris. (The microfiber will ensure that you do not add scratches or marks during cleaning.)
Use the same liquids as for the screen, if you need it – water, 70% of isopropyle wipes, approved laptop cleaning liquid, but first use small quantities, applied to the fabric and avoid obtaining anything inside the ports or between the keys. Any liquid that slips inside your laptop chassis is likely to cause damage.
Avoid using domestic cleaners, aerosol vaporizers, solvents and abrasives, as they are also likely to cause damage. You can either let your laptop dry or dry it with a clean part of the fabric you use (or separate fabric). Avoid paper towels and facial fabrics, which may be too hard on your laptop (and can leave parts behind).
Another useful recommendation of Samsung and others is to use a compressed air box: this can help explode pieces of dirt and small particles that have gathered around the ports or between laptop keys. As with other instructions, be careful, because you do not want a strong explosions of air affecting anything inside the laptop. Use short gusts, tilted in a way they will do no damage.
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