As I was looking down at my poor laptop covered with dust and grime this weekend while entering in data at our county fairgrounds, I thought now would be a good time to cover how to clean your laptop, or for those of you with desktop computers, how to clean your keyboard, monitor and mouse.
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Just like any other surface, your keyboard accumulates bacteria and germs that require a disinfectant routine. Use these few items to easily clean your laptop and kill germs without damaging it in any way.
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3 - Tilt laptop or keyboard upside down and remove dirt stuck between the keys on your keyboard with compressed air or a computer vacuum.
4 - Remove dirt from your laptop's vents with the bristles of a dry toothbrush. (Compressed air is not recommended for use on computer vents because the propellant may contain moisture, and neither are computer vacuums as they have the potential to damage electronic components.)
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7 - Let the laptop/keyboard air dry before turning on.
Notes:
- If using disinfecting wipes: According to Bill Rutala, a Professor for the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina's School of Medicine, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Sani-Cloths and CaviWipes are all safe to use on keyboards and all kill bacteria while keeping it from re-growing for at least two days. Do not use disinfecting wipes on the screen, as they will cause streaking.
- Alcohol-based electronics wipes are also available at electronics stores and are designed to clean the entire laptop surface including the laptop screen.
How often should you clean your equipment?
Since bacteria can start re-growing after a couple days, it may be a good idea to buy wipes to keep at your desk. A good schedule to follow would be to do a quick wipe every one to two days and a more detailed cleaning at least once a month.
CNET Video on how to clean your keyboard: http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-20092793-285/how-to-clean-and-disinfect-your-keyboard-and-mouse/
Sources: http://www.ehow.com/how_12005246_germs-off-laptop.html#ixzz21jyNtLOG, http://pcsupport.about.com/od/maintenance/ht/cleanflatscreen.htm, http://www.helpwithpcs.com/maintenance/mouse_problem_maintenance.htm