Dust, dirt and possibly also leftover food: Over time, all sorts of dirt collects in your computer hardware. Then cleaning is the order of the day. But there is a lot you can do wrong. That’s how it works.

A computer and its accessories must withstand quite a lot. And whether in the open-plan office or at home: The devices should be cleaned from time to time. Because you can damage a lot with water and cleaning agents here, there are a few things to consider.

How To Physically Clean Your Computer [Simple Guide]

It is important that the device is disconnected from all power sources, devices and cables before cleaning, especially wet cleaning. And there must be enough time to dry before restarting.

Never apply liquids directly and do not let them get into openings, otherwise the guarantee is void. Solvents and abrasives can also attack surfaces.

Keyboards can transmit infections

Dirt and germs accumulate on and in keyboards in particular. Infections can also be transmitted at desks with changing users. In any case, keyboards should be cleaned of dust and dirt, also to avoid skin irritation. While washing the keyboard under the tap water is NOT advisable, you can still clean your keyboard with a disinfectant like alcohol and use a reliable handheld vacuum (https://bypurify.com/best-handheld-vacuum/) in between the keys to remove dust.

While the buttons are in the machine, you can wipe the frame with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Special cleaning clay can help with crumbs and coarse dirt.

Cleaning kits for your mouse

The mouse is also in constant use – therefore occasional cleaning does not hurt either. If the model is not complicatedly shaped, rags and cleaning agents are sufficient.

There are also cleaning sets with cloths – these can often also be used for keyboards and screens. Important: Do not touch the mouse soaking wet, just wipe it with a damp cloth. A toothpick helps with dirt in the cracks.

Cleaning the monitor

If you still have an old tube monitor, you can clean it with a glass cleaner. Spray on the glass cleaner and carefully wipe it off, it will be streak-free with a kitchen towel. The corners are cleaned with fingernails or toothpicks.

Use a gentle cleanser for flat screens. Don’t work with too much pressure on TFTs. You always have to treat them with care, otherwise, something will be damaged.

Lint-free connections

From now on we come to areas that should be let in the office by experts. At home, you have to do it yourself. Connections for HDMI, USB or LAN can be cleaned with caution and a small, pointed object. First, loosen the dust, then you can suck it in.

You can use the vacuum cleaner with care. If you move it on the fan, this can sometimes induce a voltage, and then the mainboard may be shot so disassemble the device first, hold the fan and only then remove the dust with the vacuum – the propeller should not move. This is more difficult for notebooks, where customer service can help.