Cleaning Your Computer

There are many areas in a computer that can amass dirt, dust, and grime. Leaving a computer unclean can lead to restricted airflow in the machine which can slow down or overheat your computer. This could lead to damaged hardware that costs thousands to repair and you may lose all the precious items you have stored.

Since we invest so much time and money into our computers, it’s important to keep them clean to increase performance and life-span.

Can I DIY Clean My Computer?

Absolutely! A DIY clean is a great way to make sure your computer stays in tip-top shape. Different areas of the computer require different knowledge and tools. This article will discuss how to clean different areas of a computer.

What Should I Clean?

Exterior surface areas of computers can often get dirty, leading to smudged screens, dust-filled keyboards and a mouse swarming with germs. Frequently-touched surfaces of the computer can lead to a build-up of bacteria, germs, and viruses which can cause illness. If you are confident in your skills, then the inside of a PC is also an important area to clean. Here, built-up dirt, dust, and grime can slow performance and cause your computer to overheat which can cause many computer issues.

How to Clean the Outside of a Computer

Keeping exterior areas of a computer clean is important to maintaining computer quality and warding off any viruses or germs that may make users sick. Below are important areas to keep clean and how to properly clean them:

Keyboard

An easy solution to any build-up of dirt and dust is to blow compressed air around the keyboard. You can take this one step further by first removing all of the keys from a mechanical keyboard. However, you should take a picture of your keyboard so you know where all of the keys go when you’re finished.

However, since computers are frequently touched surfaces, you should also disinfect the keyboard. Disinfectant wipes are good tools for this, but be sure the wipes don’t contain bleach as they could damage the finish of the keyboard.

First unplug your keyboard and wring the wipes to make sure there isn’t any excess liquid. Next, gently apply the wipes to all of the surfaces of the keyboard.

Mouse

The first step to cleaning a mouse is to unplug the mouse and take out any batteries.

Next, thoroughly wipe the mouse with a disinfectant wipe. Ensure that the wipe is not overly-damp.

Be careful not to get moisture into any openings.

Computer Screen

First, check your computer’s manual to check for any cleaning product restrictions.

Next, turn off your monitor.

Now, wipe the screen with a dry cotton ball or cloth to remove any dust.

Make a simple cleaning solution of a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol. The isopropyl alcohol can also be substituted with vinegar.

Dip a cotton ball or cloth in the solution and wring to make sure there is no excess liquid.

Wipe the screen gently in a circular motion and let dry.

How to Clean the Inside of a Computer

Though overlooked by many, cleaning the inside of a computer is just as important as keeping the outside clean. Many people feel nervous to open their computer up so they either skip cleaning inside or bring it to a professional to clean. Bringing your computer to a professional is always a good choice, but with some DIY tips cleaning the inside of your computer may not be as difficult as you think.

Below are the steps to clean the inside of a computer:

Step One: Turn off and unplug your computer. You should also unplug all accessories such as the mouse and monitor.

Step Two: Use a screwdriver to open your computer.

Step Three: Use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of the machine. Start from the top and slowly move towards the bottom. Avoid touching the inside if possible.

Step Four: Check to make sure the fan is clean. A dirty fan will cause computers to overheat and reduce performance.

Step Five: Screw the computer closed and you’re finished!

Should I Hire a Professional to Clean My Computer?

Hiring a professional is always a good idea since they have the skills, knowledge and equipment to properly clean a computer.

DIY cleaning your computer can save money and time but there’s always the chance of damaging your computer. If you’re not confident, hiring a professional may be a good idea. It’s a good idea to keep the area around your computer clean since dirty surroundings will lead to quicker build-up of dust, dirt and grime.

Hiring a professional domestic or office cleaner will help keep your computers immaculately clean, leading to a longer lasting computer.

Whether you decide to DIY clean or have a professional take care of the job, be sure to first backup your photos and documents to the Cloud or an external hard drive to avoid any loses.

You want to feel confident you can trust the professional to give your computer a quality clean. Hiring a professional also means they have access to personal files on your computer as well, so it’s important to find someone you trust. When hiring a professional cleaning service or computer cleaning specialist, you should research multiple services in your area and opt for a service which has a lot of great reviews.