How to Clean Your Laptop

One of the most important features of a laptop is the fact that it is portable. And because it is portable, it is much more likely to get dirty than your desktop ever was, not counting that coffee or soda you spill across the keyboard every now and again. Take a few moments to review the manual that came with your laptop before beginning to clean it.

It is important to do a thorough cleaning at least once a year as dirt can buildup on your laptop ad inside as well. If you take your laptop out often, you may want to consider a thorough cleaning more often. The exterior dirt can interfere with your display and your keyboard. Exterior dirt can cause damage to the fans and there is the potential that your I/O ports can become damaged as well.

Before you begin your cleaning you will need to gather a few supplies together. You will need a mild cleansing agent that does not contain ammonia. You can even use a drop or two of liquid dish detergent in a bowl full of water. You will also need a monitor cleaning solution, soft cotton cleaning cloths, cotton swabs, and compressed air. You will need to power down and unplug your laptop before you begin cleaning it.

The first thing to clean is the exterior body of the laptop. To do this you should use a lightly dampened rag. Wipe the outer casing clean, being careful not to brush anything into the vents or the I/O ports. Wipe the inner casing clean as well, making sure to gently clean the touchpad.

Next you will need to clean your monitor. You should use a monitor-cleaning solution. You can buy the solution as a liquid which you spray onto a rag, or you can buy pre-moistened towelettes. The towelettes are handy to keep in your laptop bag to clean up messes as they occur. It is important not to use paper towels or tissues on your monitor. Dampen your cloth directly and then wipe the display area using light strokes. If you need to, you can go over the screen again.

To clean your keyboard, first check your laptop manual to see if you can remove your keys. If you can do this, you will be able to clean more effectively. In either event, gently blow your compressed air around the keyboard area. You never want to allow the compressed air too close to the computer. Use cotton swabs and a mild cleaning solution to wipe down the keys. If you have removed the keys, you can place them in a bowl of water and cleaning solution and let them soak a bit. Just make sure that they are COMPLETELY dry before affixing them to your laptop.

The cooling vents also need to be cleaned. Over time they accumulate dust and other debris. First go over the area with a cotton swab to remove as much debris as possible. Then, using a clean cotton swab, hold the fan in place and use your compressed air to remove the rest of the debris. Do not spray directly into the fan, and keep the compressed air can at least six inches from the vent.

To clean your I/O ports, first gently wipe away the dirt that has accumulated on them with a clean cotton swab. Follow up with compressed air. Do not blow the air directly into the fan, and keep the can at least six inches from the vent. It is important that you do not blow the air directly into the ports as you may push dirt and dust into the ports rendering them ineffective.

You should also make it a practice to clean power cord. Use a soft cotton rag and mild cleaning solution. If the cord is relatively clean, you can simply use a damp cloth. While you are wiping down the cord, it is a good practice to check for any signs of damage. Before using your laptop again, make sure the power cord is completely dry. As you are cleaning, nothing should be wet, but things will be damp. Allow adequate time for things to dry off, this will usually be just a few minutes.