Cleaning your Personal Electronic Devices

It’s no secret that we’ve become more vigilant about keeping things clean. Do you clean your electronic devices?

Let’s get specific. Are you cleaning your cell phone, laptop, keyboard, and other electronic devices? Most people tend not to think about cleaning these items however it’s necessary to do so to prevent the spread of germs and to keep them in good working order. 

It’s no surprise that electronic devices are a breeding ground for germs. One study found that the average smartphone contains 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Yuck! 

Think about how many people touch your electronic devices daily. They’re constantly

handled and often not cleaned. This leaves them susceptible to all sorts of germs, bacteria, and other nasties. 

That’s why it’s so important to clean your electronic devices regularly. Again, it will help to reduce the spread of germs and keep your gadgets in good working order.

So, how do you clean your electronic devices and keep them free of harmful microbes? 

Let’s look at some simple and easy ways to clean and disinfect your electronics.  Remember to read the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning any of these items.

Cleaning your keyboard

Compressed air on keyboard

Perhaps you’ve eaten while at your keyboard. If that’s the case, you probably have some crumbs lurking around in there. Not to mention all the other dirt, dust, and hair that can build up over time.

Here’s how to clean your keyboard:

1. Unplug your keyboard from your computer. Or, if your keyboard is cordless, remove the batteries or power down your computer.

2. Turn it upside down and give it a good shake. This will help remove any crumbs or debris that’s lodged in there.

3. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any remaining dirt and debris.

4. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean between the keys.

5. Wipe down the rest of the keyboard with a microfiber cloth.

Cleaning your cell phone and tablet

Cleaning a smartphone

As previously outlined, your cell phone is probably one of the dirtiest things you own. You likely take it everywhere with you – to the bathroom, to work to bed – and it rarely gets cleaned.

And as far as your tablet is concerned, it’s just as susceptible to dirt and grime, particularly since it’s often used by multiple people. So, even more of a reason to keep it clean.

Again, remember to check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning these devices to ensure that any special coatings won’t be damaged by certain cleaning products.

1. You’ll need a microfiber cloth, alcohol wipes, and paper towel.

2. Remove the phone or tablet from its case and power it down.

3. Wipe it down with a microfiber cloth, to remove any dust.

4. Use the alcohol wipe gently on the screen, making sure to avoid any ports. Let it air dry for about 5 minutes, then use the paper towel (or microfiber cloth) to give it another wipe down.

Make sure to clean your tablet cover on a regular basis. This can be washed with dish soap and a microfiber cloth.

Here’s how to clean your tablet cover:

1. Remove the cover from your tablet.

2. Combine a few drops of mild dish soap with water in a small container.

3. Using a slightly damp microfiber cloth, gently wipe down the cover.

4. Wipe away any residue using a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel.

5. Be sure that the cover is completely dry before putting your tablet back in.

Let’s not forget the cell phone case!  Here are some tips on cleaning all types of cell phone cases.

It is important to keep the compressed air somewhere safe, and away from children. This is not just air in a can.

Cleaning your earbuds

Your earbuds are constantly going into your ears making them another breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

Here’s how to clean your earbuds:

1. Remove the earbud tips from your earbuds.

2. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the metal parts of your earbuds.

3. Use a soft, microfiber cloth to wipe down the plastic parts of your earbuds.

4. Put the earbud tips back on your earbuds.

Cleaning your laptop

Cleaning laptop with cloth

Your laptop is one of the most important personal electronic devices you own. After all, it contains a lot of your sensitive information. That’s why it’s so important to keep it clean and free of dirt, dust, and other debris.

Here’s how to clean your laptop:

1. Turn off your laptop.

2. Unplug it from any power source.

3. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust that’s accumulated on your laptop.

4. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the camera lens.

5. Use a soft microfiber cloth lightly dipped in a mild dish detergent and water solution to wipe down the rest of the laptop.

6. Gently dry the laptop with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

Cleaning your remote control

Your remote control is probably one of the most-used items in your home. And, because it’s constantly being handled, it’s also one of the dirtiest.

Here’s how to clean your remote control:

1. Remove the batteries from your remote control.

2. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the buttons and crevices.

3. Wipe down the rest of the remote control with a microfiber cloth.

4. Put the batteries back in your remote control.

Cleaning your fitness tracker

Finally, your fitness tracker gets a fair amount of exposure to sweat and dirt and consequently, it can get pretty dirty.

Take a look at this video demonstration for cleaning your fitness tracker.

Recap

At the end of the day, keeping your personal electronic devices clean is a critical part of keeping them in good working order.  By following the tips to clean your electronic devices, you can help prevent the spread of germs and keep them looking and working like new. And, who knows – you might even extend their lifespan in the process!

So, what are you waiting for? Get cleaning!

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