Properly Sanitize Your Smartphones and Laptops
In our increasingly digital world, it's essential to maintain clean and well-maintained electronics. From smartphones to keyboards, monitors, and beyond, regular cleaning is key to ensuring their longevity and performance.
According to a study, only 2% of PC or notebook owners clean their devices daily, with almost no one (0%) doing so on a daily basis [1]. This neglect can lead to the accumulation of dust and debris, potentially causing damage to the devices.
When it comes to smartphones, it's not just the screen that needs attention. There's a risk that these substances could get into gaps or into the device and cause damage [2]. Jan Schueler from the IT magazine "c't" suggests also cleaning the phone case [3].
Cleaning methods vary by device type. For smartphones and touch screen tablets/laptops, turn off the device and remove any cases/batteries. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the screen in horizontal and vertical strokes. For greasy spots, lightly dampen the cloth with a 50/50 mix of distilled water and white vinegar sprayed onto the cloth [1].
Keyboards require a different approach. Turn off or unplug first. Shake out loose debris and use compressed air to blow dust from between keys. For deeper cleaning, lightly dip cotton swabs in isopropyl alcohol and clean around keys. Wipe keys and surfaces with a cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol [1][4].
Mice can be cleaned by unplugging and sliding them gently back and forth over a clean sheet of paper to remove streaks. For external cleaning, use a microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol applied carefully without saturating the device [1].
Monitors and displays should be cleaned with a dry microfiber cloth or one slightly dampened with distilled water only. Avoid alcohol or household cleaners [1][2]. For touch screens, the 50/50 distilled water and white vinegar solution may be used on the cloth [1][2].
General tips include always turning off and unplugging devices before cleaning, never spraying liquid directly onto electronics, using microfiber cloths to avoid scratching surfaces, and avoiding harsh chemicals like alcohol, bleach, or ammonia-based cleaners [1].
In shared or healthcare environments, disinfection is crucial. Electronics should be disinfected at least daily or between uses [5].
Remember, weekly dusting with microfiber cloths, monthly or as-needed deeper cleanings with appropriate solutions, and daily disinfection in high-use shared settings constitute safe, effective cleaning habits for these electronics [1][2][5].
Dust can also accumulate inside classic tower or desktop PC cases and be removed with compressed air. If you use your smartphone while eating or on the toilet, you should clean it more frequently. Shaking and tapping a keyboard upside down can help remove crumbs from its gaps. The less you wash your hands, the more dirt you'll transfer to your devices.
It's important to note that cleaning agents based on alcohol, glass cleaners, or disinfectants can damage devices and their components. When using compressed air, hold the can upright to prevent liquid gas from coming out. A soft microfiber cloth is ideal for regular cleaning of devices.
For stubborn dirt like grease stains, a little soapy water can help. Glass cleaning cloths can be used to clean monitors and displays. Compressed air cans allow for a thorough cleaning of keyboards and mice.
In summary, regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for the longevity and performance of your electronics. Always use appropriate cleaning methods and be mindful of the potential risks of dust and dirt accumulation.
In the realms of home-and-garden and lifestyle, maintaining a clean and well-preserved home-electronics ecosystem is essential. This includes cleaning smartphones, not just the screens, but also the phone cases [3], and regularly dusting keyboards to prevent debris buildup. Furthermore, the adoption of technology, such as gadgets like mice and monitors, necessitates different cleanup methods; for instance, monitors should be cleaned with a dry microfiber cloth or slightly dampened distilled water, while mice can be cleaned by unplugging and gently wiping them over a clean paper [1].
