Maintaining The Physical Cleanliness Of Your Computer

Dust isn't just unsightly; it can also damage or even destroy parts of your computer. Cleaning your computer on a regular basis will help you keep it running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.

Sanitising The Keyboard.

Dust, food, liquid, and other particles can become lodged beneath the keys of your keyboard, causing it to malfunction. The basic cleaning tips provided below can assist you in keeping your keyboard clean.

1. Take the keyboard out of the USB or PS/2 port. If the keyboard is connected to the PS/2 port, you must first turn off the computer before unplugging it.
2. To remove dirt and dust, turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it.
3. To clean between the keys, use a can of compressed air.
4. Clean the tops of the keys with a cotton cloth or paper towel dampened with rubbing alcohol. Pour no alcohol or other liquid directly on the keys.
5. Once dry, reconnect the keyboard to the computer. If you are connecting it to a PS/2 port, you must do so before powering on the computer.

Taking Care Of Liquids.

If you spill liquid on the keyboard, immediately turn off the computer and remove the keyboard. Then, turn the keyboard upside down to drain the liquid.

If the liquid is sticky, you will need to rinse it away by holding the keyboard on its side under running water. Then, for two days, turn the keyboard upside down to drain before reconnecting it. Please keep in mind that the keyboard may not be repairable at this time, but the method outlined above is likely the best option.

Cleaning Up After The Mouse.

There are two types of mice: optical and mechanical. Each is cleaned in essentially the same manner, with the mechanical mouse requiring slightly more effort.

• Optical mice do not require internal cleaning because there are no rotating parts; however, they can become sticky over time as dust accumulates near the light emitter. This can result in erratic cursor movement or the mouse not working properly.
• Mechanical mice are especially susceptible to dust and particles that can accumulate inside the mouse, making proper tracking—or movement—difficult. If the mouse pointer moves jerkily, the mouse may need to be cleaned.

1. The following basic cleaning tips will assist you in keeping your mouse clean:
2. Remove the mouse from its USB or PS/2 port. If the mouse is connected to the PS/2 port, you must first turn off the computer before unplugging it.
3. Clean the top and bottom of the mouse with a cotton cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.
4. Remove the tracking ball from a mechanical mouse by turning the ball-cover ring counter-clockwise. Then, using a cotton cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol, clean the tracking ball and the inside of the mouse.
5. Allow the mouse to dry completely before reassembling and reconnecting it. If you are connecting it to a PS/2 port, you must do so before powering on the computer.

Cleaning The Computer Monitor.

Dirt, fingerprints, and dust can make your computer screen difficult to read; however, cleaning your screen is simple when necessary. You can purchase monitor cleaning kits, but they may damage your monitor if they are designed for a different type of monitor. A monitor cleaner designed for glass screens, for example, may not work with some non-glass LCD screens. The most secure method is to use a soft, clean cloth dampened with water.

• A monitor should not be cleaned with glass cleaner. Glass cleaner can damage anti-glare coatings on many screens.
• Switch off the computer.
• Remove the monitor from the power supply. Unplug your laptop if you are using one.
• Wipe the screen clean with a soft, clean cloth dampened with water.
• Spraying liquids directly onto the screen is not recommended. The liquid could leak into the monitor, causing internal components to fail.

Cleaning Tips For Other Computer Surfaces.

To avoid dust and dirt buildup, clean your computer case as well as the sides and back of the monitor on a regular basis. Here are some cleaning suggestions for these surfaces.

• The main enemy of your computer is dust. Dust your computer case lightly with an anti-static cloth. Use no strong solvents or furniture cleaners.
• Blow debris out of the air intake slots with a can of compressed air.
• A safe cleaning solution for computer surfaces is ammonia diluted with water or glass cleaner made mostly of ammonia and water. The less harsh the solution, the better.
• Spray a safe cleaning solution onto a paper towel or anti-static cloth and wipe in a downward motion to clean the monitor housing and case (but not the monitor screen).

Maintain Your Cool.

Airflow should not be restricted around your computer. Because a computer generates a lot of heat, the casing has fans to keep it from overheating. Keep papers, books, and other items away from your computer.

A closed compartment for the computer case is common on many computer desks. If you have this type of desk, you should position the case so that it does not touch the back of the desk. If the compartment has a door, you should leave it open to allow for better airflow.