How to Clean Your Computer (So It's Not Covered in Bacteria)

Do you clean your computer on a regular basis? According to research, your laptop, desktop, and keyboard can harbor 400 times more bacteria than a typical office toilet seat. The same goes for your smartphone. Eating at your desk or operating your computer when you have a cold can result in the growth of germs. Also, sharing a grubby computer can spread harmful microbes rapidly among people. The tips that follow can combat the problem.

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How to clean your laptop and desktop 

Start by cleaning the vents to increase your computer's lifespan. If you have a laptop, turn it over and notice where the slots that allow fan cooling reside; plenty of dust accumulates in these areas. Desktop computers - the non-tower variety - have vents on the back too, which can be reached without turning the computer over, just turn it around so you can get to them.

Switch off the computer, and vacuum out the vents using a nozzle attachment. A clean paintbrush can be utilized to flick out dirt if you wish at the same time, but be mindful not to push dust into the machine by mistake.

If your computer has a tower, lift it onto a desk, turn it on its side, and vacuum out the vent where the machine takes in air. Then remove the cover - if you don't know how, check the user manual - and vacuum away any dust and fluff from inside. When you've finished, replace the cover, turn the tower the right way up, and rub a damp cloth over plastic areas to clean them before drying them with a fresh towel.

Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the rest of your laptop, minus the screen. Ensure it's not too wet when used, and wipe around the edges and across the keyboard gently before finishing off with a dry, clean cloth.

Give your desktop keyboard similar treatment, while being careful not to make the keys wet as opposed to damp, and then dry them with a fresh cloth. If the areas between the keys are especially dirty, use a damp cotton bud to get into crevices, and then wipe them with a new bud.


How to clean a computer screen

Don't give into the temptation to use regular glass cleaner or hot soapy water on the computer screen since this may cause damage. Instead, use a cleaning product designed for screens, or make your own.

A suitable cleaning fluid can be made by mixing 50% isopropyl alcohol with 50% distilled water. Pour the mixture into a clean misting bottle and spray the solution onto a lint-free cloth - the type used to clean eyeglasses. Wipe the fabric on the screen, gently rubbing away dirt where necessary. Drying will occur naturally, so there's no need to use another cloth. 

When the process is complete, your computer and keyboard will look better and be hygienic to use. The method described should regularly be implemented to maintain cleanliness and prolong the life of your computer.

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