By Jesus Anaya
•
25 Jun, 2020
How To Keep Your Tech Squeaky Clean Our tech is something we use every day, but did you know it’s also the most disgusting? Your screen may look clean, but some studies show that a mobile phone may be up to 18x dirtier than a public restroom! It gets worse. You know that keyboard you tap at while eating your morning toast? It’s probably the biggest bacterial threat in your house, with up to 20,000 times more germs than a toilet seat, or more if you have kids! It’s not just for our own protection, but because as dust builds up inside gadgets, they also slow down, malfunction, or overheat. Your device essentially chokes, as vents and filters are clogged by sucking in pet hair and floating debris. Fortunately, there is something you can do! Here’s how to clean your essential tech items without damaging them: 1. Skip the household cleaners: Most cleaning products are too harsh for use on tech and can end up causing permanent damage. The goal is kill germs and remove everyday grime, without scratching or leaving behind residue. Your best bet is to simply use isopropyl alcohol! 2. Power down completely: Turn your tech off all the way, not just sleeping, and unplug from any power sources. Switch wireless keyboards, mice, etc off or remove the batteries. 3. Remove any cases or covers: Undress your device as much as you can, but leave screen protectors on (unless there’s grime underneath). If your screen protector needs replacing, have a new one ready to apply. 4. Grab a microfiber cloth: Dampen the cloth with Alcohol and wipe down your screens and external surfaces gently. Severe build-up may require extra effort. 5. Go deep: Use a toothbrush or a Q-tip to clean hard to reach places. Some areas will need more effort than others. We don't advise using a vacuum, as some are too powerful and they end up sucking keyboard keys loose, or damaging loose internal components! Expert tip: Use a can of compressed air to blow the dust out. You can get these from many stores and they come with a long nozzle so you can really get in and direct the pressure. You’ll be surprised what flies out, so it’s best to do this outside! We don’t recommend using compressed air on your computer’s internal fans though, as this can make them spin too fast and damage them. How often you clean your tech is up to you. Remember, it’s a good idea to blow out computer dust every few months and wiping your tech down once or twice per week. It's an easy way minimize germs and grime!