In February a range of organisations run clean your computer campaigns, but why is this important and how do you keep your computer clean? Our guide can help you to improve productivity and save money...
Cleaning your computer regularly will help you keep it working properly and avoid expensive repairs.
The keyboard
It’s easy for dust, crumbs and liquid to end up on a computer keyboard. If these elements get stuck under the keys, they can stop the keyboard from working properly.
To clean your keyboard, take the following steps:
1. Ensure your computer is shut down and if necessary, unplug the keyboard.
2. Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it to let dust or crumbs etc fall out.
3. Use a can of compressed air to clean between the keys.
4. Use a special computer wipe or moisten a cotton cloth or paper towel with rubbing alcohol and clean the keys. Don’t put any liquid directly onto the keyboard.
5. Use a cotton bud with the wipe or rubbing alcohol to gently wipe the areas around the keys.
6. Use a dry wipe or cloth to dry the keyboard.
7. When the keyboard is dry, reconnect the keyboard if necessary.
The mouse
There are two main mouse types: optical mice which use light (LEDs) to track movement and mechanical mice which have small balls which roll over the surface on which you move the mouse.
Optical mice require no internal cleaning because they do not contain any rotating parts; however, they can stop working well if dust or dirt collects near the light emitter.
Mechanical mice are especially susceptible to dust and particles that can accumulate inside the rotating ball inside the mouse. This can stop the mouse pointer from working smoothly.
To clean your mouse:
1. Unplug the mouse if it is not wireless.
2. Use a computer cleaning wipe or moisten a cotton cloth with rubbing alcohol, and
use it to clean the top and bottom of the mouse.
3. If you have a mechanical mouse, remove the tracking ball by turning the ball-cover
ring counter-clockwise. Then clean the tracking ball and the inside of the mouse.
4. Use a dry cloth or allow the mouse to dry before reconnecting the mouse.
The mousepad
Wipe your mousepad clean with a damp cloth, using water and a small amount of mild detergent. Allow to air dry.
The monitor
Dirt, grease from fingers and dust can make your computer screen difficult to read.
There are monitor-cleaning kits you can buy, but make sure you use the right kind of cleaner for the material your screen is made from. For example, some cleaning agents will work for glass screens but are not suited to LCD screens. The safest method is simply to use a soft clean cloth moistened with water.
Avoid using glass cleaning agents as many screens have anti-glare coatings that can be damaged by glass cleaner.
1. Shut down your computer or laptop.
2. Unplug the monitor if it has a separate power source.
3. Use a soft clean cloth moistened with water to wipe the screen clean.
Do not spray any liquids directly onto the screen.
Other computer surfaces
Schedule time once a month to clean your computer case and the sides and back of the monitor to avoid a buildup of dust and dirt.
● Use an anti-static cloth to dust your computer casing. Do not use furniture cleaners or solvents.
● Use a can of compressed air to blow out debris from the air intake slots.
● Clean the monitor housing and case with a computer wipe or slightly damp cloth which you wipe downwards. Gently rub dry with a cloth or wipe afterwards.
Dealing with spills
If you spill liquid on the keyboard, quickly shut down the computer and disconnect the keyboard. Then turn the keyboard upside down and allow the liquid to drain.
If the liquid is sticky, you will need to hold the keyboard on its side under running water to rinse away the sticky liquid. Then turn the keyboard upside down to drain for two days before reconnecting it. Please note that keyboard may not be fixable at this point, but the method above is probably the best option. To prevent this situation altogether, we recommend keeping drinks away from the computer area.
Allow air circulation around your computer
A computer can generate a lot of heat, so the casing has fans that keep it from overheating and it is important to allow good airflow around the device for this reason. Avoid stacking papers, books, and other items around your computer.
If your computer is enclosed in a compartment or cupboard, make sure it is not pushed close to the sides and leave a door or panel open if possible to ensure good airflow.
Helpful products
TELEPHONE & VDU WIPES, £2.86Multi- purpose wipes targeted for office use and are ideal for cleaning keyboards/ computer screens etc.
MICROFIBRE CLOTHS, 40CM SQ , £8.32
