Cleaning your computer, components, and peripherals help keep everything
in good working condition, helps prevent germs from spreading, and
helps allow proper air flow. The picture shows a good example of just
how dirty the inside of your computer case can get. Just looking at this
picture it is immediately obvious that all the dust and dirt is going
to prevent proper air flow and may even prevent the fan from working.
How often should I clean my computer?
The frequency of how often you should clean your
computer varies on different factors. To help you determine how often
you need to clean your
computer, we created the checklist below. Check each of the boxes below
that apply to your computer's conditions to help determine how often you
should clean the computer.
General Cleaning Tips
Below is a listing of suggestions to follow when cleaning
any computer components or peripherals as well as tips to help keep a
computer clean.
- Never spray or squirt any liquid onto any computer component. If a spray is needed, spray the liquid onto a cloth.
- You can use a vacuum to suck up dirt, dust, or hair around the computer. However, do not
use a vacuum inside your computer as it generates static electricity
that can damage your computer. If you need to use a vacuum inside your
computer, use a portable battery powered vacuum or try compressed air.
- When cleaning a component or the computer, turn it off before cleaning.
- Be cautious when using any cleaning solvents; some people have
allergic reactions to chemicals in cleaning solvents, and some solvents
can even damage the case. Try always to use water or a highly diluted
solvent.
- When cleaning, be careful to not accidentally adjust any knobs or
controls. Also, when cleaning the back of the computer, if anything is
connected make sure not to disconnect the plugs.
- When cleaning fans, especially smaller fans, hold the fan or place
something in-between the fan blades to prevent it from spinning.
Spraying compressed air into a fan or cleaning a fan with a vacuum may
cause damage or generate a back voltage.
- Never eat or drink around the computer.
- Limit smoking around the computer.
Although computer cleaning products are available, you
can also use household items to clean your computer and its peripherals.
Below is a listing of items you may need or want to use while cleaning
your computer.
- Cloth - A cotton cloth is the best tool used when rubbing
down computer components. Paper towels can be used with most hardware,
but we always recommend using a cloth whenever possible. However, only
use a cloth when cleaning components such as the case, a drive, mouse,
and keyboard. You should not use a cloth to clean any circuitry such as
the RAM or motherboard.
- Water or rubbing alcohol - When moistening a cloth, it is
best to use water or rubbing alcohol. Other solvents may be bad for the
plastics used with your computer.
- Portable Vacuum - Sucking the dust, dirt, hair, cigarette
particles, and other particles out of a computer can be one of the best
methods of cleaning a computer. However, do not use a vacuum that plugs
into the wall since it creates lots of static electricity that can
damage your computer.
- Cotton swabs - Cotton swaps moistened with rubbing alcohol or
water are excellent tools for wiping hard to reach areas in your
keyboard, mouse, and other locations.
- Foam swabs - Whenever possible, it is better to use lint-free swabs such as foam swabs.
Tip: See our
computer tools page for a list of other tools every technician should have.
Case Cleaning
Why? Cleaning your case keeps the appearance of
the computer looking new. While cleaning, if you see ventilation slots,
these can be cleaned or cleared to help keep a steady airflow into the
computer and keep all components cool.
Procedure: The plastic case that houses the PC
components can be cleaned with a slightly damp lint-free cloth. For
stubborn stains, add a little household detergent to the cloth. You
should not use a solvent cleaner on plastics.
Make sure all vents and air holes are hair and lint-free
by rubbing a cloth over the holes and vents. It is also helpful to take a
vacuum around each of the hole, vents, and crevices on the computer. It
is safe to use a standard vacuum when cleaning the outside vents of a
computer.
If you are looking for steps on cleaning the inside of the computer, see the
motherboard cleaning section.
CD-ROM, DVD, and Other Disc Drive Cleaning
Why? A dirty
CD-ROM drive
or other disc drives can cause read errors when reading discs. These
read errors could cause software installation issues or issues while
running the program.
Procedure: To clean the CD-ROM drive, we recommend purchasing a CD-ROM cleaner from your local
computer retailer. Using a CD-ROM cleaner should sufficiently clean the CD-ROM laser from dust, dirt, and hair.
You can also use a cloth dampened with water to clean the
tray
that ejects from the drive. However, make sure that after the tray is
cleaned that it completely dry before putting the tray back into the
drive.
CD, DVD, and other discs cleaning
Why? Dirty
CDs can cause read errors or cause CDs not to work at all.
Procedure: Use a cleaning kit or damp clean cotton
cloth to clean CDs, DVDs, and other discs. When cleaning a disc wipe
against the tracks, starting from the middle of the CD or DVD and wiping
towards the outer side as shown in the picture below. Never wipe with
the tracks; doing so may put more scratches on the disc.
Tip: If the substance on a CD cannot be removed using water, pure alcohol can also be used.
Hard Drive Cleaning
Why? Computer hard drives cannot be cleaned.
However, they can be cleaned with software utilities to help it run fast
and efficiently. Utilizing these utilities prevent the hard drive from
slowing down.
Procedure: Refer to our
basic troubleshooting section for your operating system for steps that can be done to help improve the performance of your computer.
Headphones Cleaning
Why? Headphones
and headsets can be used by many different people and may need to be
frequently cleaned to help prevent the spreading of germs and head lice.
Procedure: If the headphones being used are
plastic or vinyl, moisten a cloth with warm water and rub the head and
earpieces of the headphones.
Note: If the headphones are
being used for a library or school, do not use any disinfectant or
cleaning solvent since some people can have allergic reactions to the
chemicals they contain.
Headphones that have cushions also have the availability
of having the cushions replaced. Replacing these cushions can also help
keep the headphones clean.
Finally, in regards to headphones spreading head lice. If
different students use the same headphones, have students use their own
headphones, place bags over the headphones, or using headphones that
can be wiped with warm water after each use.
Keyboard Cleaning
Dust, dirt, and bacteria
The
computer keyboard is usually the most germ infected items in your home
or office. A keyboard may even contain more bacteria than your toilet
seat. Cleaning it helps remove any dangerous bacteria and keeps the
keyboard working properly.
Procedure: Before cleaning the keyboard, first turn off the computer or if you are using a
USB
keyboard unplug it from the computer. Not unplugging the keyboard can
cause other computer problems as you may press keys that cause the
computer to perform a task you do not want it to perform.
Many people clean the keyboard by turning it upside down and shaking. A more efficient method is to use
compressed air.
Compressed air is pressurized air contained in a can with a very long
nozzle. To clean a keyboard using compressed air aim between the keys
and blow away all of the dust and debris that has gathered there. A
vacuum cleaner can also be used, but make sure the keyboard does not
have loose "pop off" keys can be sucked up by the vacuum.
After the dust, dirt, and hair have been removed. Spray a
disinfectant onto a cloth or use disinfectant cloths and rub each of
the keys on the keyboard. As mentioned in our general cleaning tips,
never spray any liquid onto the keyboard.
Substance spilled into the keyboard
If the keyboard has anything spilled on it (e.g., pop,
cola, Pepsi, Coke, beer, wine, coffee, and milk), not taking the proper
steps can destroy the keyboard.
Procedure: Below is recommendations that can help prevent a keyboard from becoming bad after something has spilled into the keys.
If anything is spilled onto the keyboard turn the
computer off immediately or at the very least disconnect the keyboard
from the computer. Once done flip the keyboard over to prevent the
substance from penetrating circuits. While the keyboard is upside down,
shake the keyboard over a surface that can be cleaned later. While still
upside down, use a cloth to start cleaning the keys. After the keyboard
has been cleaned, leave the keyboard upside down for at least two days
allowing it to dry. Once dry, continue cleaning the keyboard with any
remaining substance.
If after cleaning the keyboard keys are sticking, remove the keys and clean below the keys and the bottom portion of the key.
LCD/LED Cleaning
Why? Dirt, dust, and fingerprints can cause the computer screen to be difficult to read.
Procedure: Unlike a CRT computer monitor, the
LCD or
LED monitor is not glass and requires special cleaning procedures.
When cleaning the LCD or LED screen, it is important to
remember to not spray any liquids onto the screen directly. Press gently
while cleaning and do not use a paper towel since it can scratch the
screen.
To clean the LCD or LED screen, use a non-rugged
microfiber cloth, soft cotton cloth, or Swiffer duster. If a dry cloth
does not completely clean the screen, you can apply rubbing alcohol to
the cloth and wipe the screen with a damp cloth. Rubbing alcohol is used
to clean LCD and LED monitors before it leaves the factory.
CRT Monitor Cleaning
Why? Dirt, dust, and fingerprints can cause the computer screen to be difficult to read.
Procedure: A glass monitor screen can be cleaned
with ordinary household glass cleaner. Be sure to unplug the power cord
from the monitor and spray the cleaner onto a lint-free cloth so the
fluid does not leak into the electrical components inside the monitor.
Vacuum off any dust that has settled on top of the monitor and make sure
no books or papers are covering the air vents. Obstructed monitor vents
can cause the monitor to overheat or even catch on fire.
Caution: We suggest only using
a cloth dampened with water when cleaning non-glass monitors or any
anti-glare screens. Using ordinary household glass cleaner on special
screens, especially cleaners with ammonia, can remove anti-glare
protection or other special surfaces.
Other good cleaning solutions
- Microfiber Towels
- Swiffer Dusters
Related pages
Motherboard Cleaning
Why? Dust and especially particles of cigarette
smoke can build up and corrode circuitry, causing various problems such
as computer lockups.
Caution: When inside the computer, take the necessary
ESD precautions and try to avoid unplugging any cables or other connections.
Procedure: Our recommendation when cleaning the
motherboard from dust, dirt, or hair is to use
compressed air.
When using compressed air, hold it in the upright position to prevent
any of the chemicals from coming out of the container, which may damage
or corrode the motherboard or other components. Also, ensure when using
compressed air that you always blow the dust or dirt away from the
motherboard or out of the case.
Another good alternative to compressed air is a portable
battery powered vacuum. Portable vacuums can effectively remove the
dust, dirt, and hair from the motherboard completely and prevent it from
getting trapped in the case.
Warning: Never use an
electrically powered vacuum, as it can cause lots of static electricity
that can damage the computer. When using a vacuum, keep it a couple of
inches away from the motherboard and other components to prevent damage
and anything from being sucked into the vacuum (e.g.,
jumpers or small cables).
Tip: When cleaning the inside of the case, also look at any fans or
heat sinks. Dust, dirt, and hair can collect around these components the most.
Mouse Cleaning
Optical or Laser Mouse
Why? A dirty optical or laser
mouse can cause the mouse cursor to be difficult to move or move erratically.
Procedure: Use a can of
compressed air
that is designed for use with electronic equipment, spraying around the
optical sensor on the bottom of the mouse. Blowing air on the bottom of
the mouse clears away any dirt, dust, hair, or other obstructions that
may be blocking the optical sensor.
Avoid using any cleaning chemicals or wiping a cloth
directly on the optical sensor, as it could scratch or damage the
optical sensor.
Optical-Mechanical (Ball) Mouse
Why? A dirty optical-mechanical mouse (mouse with a
ball) can cause the mouse to be difficult to move, as well as cause
strange mouse movement.
Procedure: To clean the rollers of an
optical-mechanical mouse, you must first remove the bottom cover of the
mouse. To do this, examine the bottom of the mouse to see what direction
to rotate the cover. As you can see in the below illustration, the
mouse cover must be moved counterclockwise. Place two fingers on the
mouse cover, push down and rotate in the direction of the arrows.
Once
the cover has rotated about an inch, rotate the mouse into its normal
position, covering the bottom of the mouse with one hand. The bottom
should then fall off, including the mouse ball. If the cover does not
fall off, try shaking the mouse gently.
Once the bottom cover and the ball is removed, you should
be able to see three rollers located inside the mouse. Use a cotton
swab, finger, or fingernail to remove any substances on the rollers.
Usually, there is a small line of hair and dirt in the middle of the
roller. Remove as much of this substance as possible.
Once you have removed as much dirt and hair as possible, set the ball back in the mouse and place the cover back on.
If the mouse still has the same problems, repeat the
above process. If after several attempts the mouse is still having the
same problems, your mouse has other hardware issues and should be
replaced.
Note: Cleaning your mouse pad with a damp cloth can also help improve a computer's mouse movement.
All Types of Mice
Why? To help keep the mouse clean and germ-free.
Procedure: Use a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol or warm water and rub the surface of the mouse and each of its buttons.
Printer Cleaning
Why? Cleaning the outside of a
printer can help keep the printer's appearance looking good and if used by many different people keep the printer clean of germs.
Procedure: First, make sure to turn off the
printer before cleaning it. Dampen a cloth with water or rubbing alcohol
and wipe the case and each of the buttons or knobs on the printer. As
mentioned earlier, never spray any liquid directly onto the printer.
Why? Some printers require the inside to be cleaned to help keep the printer running smoothly.
Scanner Cleaning
Why? Flatbed scanners commonly become dirty with
dust, fingerprints, and hair. When the scanner is dirty, the images may
have distortions.
Procedure: Clean a flatbed scanner's surface by
spraying a window cleaner onto a paper towel or cotton cloth and wipe
the glass until clean. As mentioned earlier, never spray a liquid
directly onto the component.
The same towel or cotton cloth can also be used to clean the outside of the scanner.
Miscellaneous Cleaning Steps
Below is a listing of miscellaneous computer hardware
that is rarely used today, but kept on this page people working on older
computers and need to clean these devices.
Floppy drive cleaning
Why? Dirty read/write heads on the floppy drive can cause errors during the reading or writing process.
Procedures: The floppy drive is cleaned two
different ways. The first method of cleaning a floppy drive is to
purchase a kit at your local retail store designed to clean the
read/write heads on your floppy drive.
The second method of cleaning the floppy drive is only
recommended for experienced computer users. Open the floppy drive casing
and physically swab the read/write heads with a lint-free foam swab
soaked in pure alcohol, free-on, or trichloroethane. When performing
these steps, be extremely careful when cleaning the heads to ensure that
you do not lock them out of alignment causing the floppy drive not to
work. To help prevent the heads from becoming out of alignment, use a
dabbing motion lightly putting the swab on the head and removing it, do
not perform a side-to-side motion with the swab.
Palm pilot cleaning
Why? Dirty touch screens can cause difficult navigation.
Procedure: To clean the PalmPilot screen, use a
soft cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol and rub the screen and the
casing of the palm pilot. It is not recommended to use glass cleaner as
it could damage plastics over time.
SuperDisk and LS120 cleaning
Why? Cleaning the SuperDisk and LS120 prevents the drive heads from becoming dirty.
Procedure: Purchase the SuperDisk cleaning kit available through
Imation. Using any other method voids the warranty on your drive
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