No matter what type of electronic device you own, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping them running efficiently and smoothly. This ensures that your device continues to serve its purpose for many years to come. However, it’s important to be aware of how to clean electronics properly to not cause any damage to them in the process.
It’s easy to overlook the importance of cleaning electronic devices, especially if you’re not aware of the dangers of improper cleaning. Not only can incorrect cleaning methods destroy the device itself, but in some cases, they might also cause harm to the user. This is why it’s essential to know which cleaning methods are appropriate for each
The following tips will guide you in properly cleaning and maintaining your electronics so you don’t end up doing more harm than good:
Always Unplug Devices
While there are some exceptions such as keyboards and other peripherals, it is safest to power down and unplug all electronic devices before you begin cleaning them. This eliminates the potential risk of electric shock and other hazards associated with having the device on and powered while attempting to clean. If you’re not using liquids, like water or wet cleaning wipes, you might not need to unplug your device, but it’s still a good safety precaution.
Use Appropriate Cleaning Materials
It is important to choose the right cleaning materials for each device to not damage them. For example, if you have a laptop or a phone, it’s best to use a lightly damp microfiber cloth or a screen-specific cleaning product. For other devices, like a gaming device or computer monitor, you can use either a microfiber cloth or compressed air.
It’s worth noting that it’s rarely a good idea to use harsh chemicals such as bleach or other harsh cleaning products to clean electronic devices. These chemicals can be too abrasive and cause irreparable damage to the device.
Avoid Excess Moisture
Moisture and electronics don’t mix, so you should always avoid using too much liquid when cleaning an electronic device. It’s best to use the least amount of moisture you can and make sure it’s evenly distributed. Never submerge an electronic device in liquid, and don’t spray any liquid directly onto the device.
When using cleaning cloths or wipes, make sure they are only slightly damp and not dripping with water. You should also avoid using abrasive paper towels or other rough materials, which can damage the device’s surface.
Make Sure Areas are Completely Dry Before Connecting
Once you’re finished cleaning, make sure everything is completely dry before plugging any device back in or connecting it to a power source. This includes checking the plug and ports for any remaining traces of liquid or dampness before plugging them in. Usually, this shouldn’t pose an issue, unless you accidentally spilled a liquid on the device while cleaning or used too much cleaning solution.
Clean Similar Items at the Same Time
If you have multiple electronic items that require cleaning, it’s best to clean them all at the same time. This can help save you time and make sure all the items get the same level of care and attention. It’s especially important to do this with items that are stored near each other, as it will reduce the spread of any dust or other particles.
Use Gloves
No matter what type of electronic devices you’re cleaning, if you’re cleaning many it’s a good idea to wear gloves. Not only do gloves protect your hands from any cleaning agents or sharp edges ( such as from inside a computer case), but some tech-specific gloves (or bands) can also help prevent accidental electrostatic discharges that can damage sensitive components.
Maintain A Regular Cleaning Schedule
Finally, it’s important to keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance of your electronics to keep them running properly. Dust and grime can build up over time, so it’s best to keep an eye on the state of your devices and follow the above steps whenever necessary.
Cleaning electronics is an important part of maintaining them long term so they’re always able to keep functioning as intended. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re cleaning them properly, to avoid any potential damage.
By following these tips and utilizing the right tools, you can ensure that you’re cleaning your electronics safely and efficiently.
If you have any other questions or need help with your tech cleaning don’t hesitate to contact us!