If you use your laptop every day, it’s probably a breeding ground for bacteria and other nasty things. From sticky keys to dust accumulation, things can get really gnarly, so it’s important to clean your laptop regularly. My husband has a compromised immune system, so I try to keep my laptop as clean as possible to help prevent any potential viruses floating around. Whether you’re trying to stay healthy or can’t stand the sight of dust bunnies, I’ll show you how to safely clean your own device. Read on to learn more.
Need more cleaning tips? Check out our guide on how to clean a mechanical keyboard.
- Completion time: 10 minutes
- Materials needed: Rubbing alcohol, microfiber cloth, cotton swabs, canned air
Shut down your laptop and unplug it from the wall
IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo
This step is self-explanatory, sure, but still needs to be stated. Make sure you turn off your laptop and unplug it from the wall or power strip. This is to eliminate the possibility of frying your laptop, because later you will wipe it with a wet cloth. Try to avoid zapping yourself, my friend. I’ve accidentally zapped myself before and it was the exact opposite of fun.
Use compressed air on vents, USB ports, keys, etc.
IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo
Ah, the much-loved can of compressed air. This is one of my favorite cleaning tools. The first step in cleaning your laptop is to blow out any loose particles. Personally, I would recommend spraying once at a fair distance from your laptop. This is to ensure that no condensation builds up in the cracks, as you don’t want to mix water with electrical bits. If your laptop has a lot of vents, point the nozzle at it and blow. Large dust bunnies tend to accumulate over time in the vents. Make sure you use short bursts of air.
Wipe the entire thing with a microfiber cloth
IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo
The next step is to wipe the entire laptop with a damp cloth. I recommend using a few drops of rubbing alcohol on a damp cloth, as it evaporates quickly. Never apply cleaning products such as ammonia or bleach directly to your laptop. Fluid can seep into cracks in your engine. In addition, harsh chemicals will definitely damage your engine. I recommend a few drops of rubbing alcohol on a soft microfiber cloth. This is also a good way to disinfect your keyboard.
Get in between the cracks with a cotton swab
IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo
Take a cotton swab, dip it in rubbing alcohol, and clean the spaces between the keys on your keyboard. This is a great way to clean hard to reach places. Personally, I find the keyboard to be the dirtiest part of the laptop. The oil from your fingers often leaves a dirty mark. Crumbs and hair can also break in this space.
Laptops