How to Clean Your Computer

by Kristen Hawley 2

You've cleaned the inside of your computer in honor of Spring, now it's time to clean up the outside. Keyboards attract grime, monitors attract dust, and toting and using a laptop can make it dirty, fast. Here, a few dos and don'ts to keep in mind while cleaning your computer:

• Do make sure your computer is turned off before you attempt to clean it.
• Don't use typical household cleaners for your computer's delicate screen. Ingredients like acetone, ammonia, and alcohol will break down a LCD screen.
• Do use a microfiber cloth, especially for the screen. Use light and rapid circular movements to clean without streaking.
• Don't use paper towels, even on your computer's exterior; the roughness can cause scratching.
• Do use compressed air, Q-tips, and a very small amount of cleaner to clean keyboards. Don't put them in the dishwasher. Yes, there are plenty of stories of dishwasher success, but usually only after a few days of drying. There's really no reason to subject your keyboard to that kind of force unless the manufacturer recommends it.
• Do seek out cleaners made specifically for electronics, but don't spend outrageous amounts of money on them. A mixture of white vinegar and distilled water will work fine, too.