Caring for laptops and notebook computers properly is the key to keeping them in mint condition for the longest period possible. If you’re interested in learning how to clean a laptop or notebook in a safe and efficient manner, without harming any of its delicate components, you’ll benefit from our detailed and comprehensive guide created just for Simply Maid readers.
With technology become such prominent components of our every day lives, we thought it’d be imperative that we create this guide as a tool to further help our customers stay on top of their cleaning.
Without further ado, let’s talk about the best supplies for the job. Then, we’ll walk you through the process.
Step 1 – Gather the Right Supplies
First, you’ll need to invest in cleaning supplies which are safe to use on these forms of electronic hardware. A couple of microfiber clothes or towels should be purchased. You may typically find these at department stores or automotive supply stores.
Also, you should buy some canned air, which usually costs less than ten dollars per container. Also, pick up a bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol (you can easily pick one up from your local Bunnnings), with a concentration of eighty percent or higher. This typically is available for 10 bucks or less.
You may also want to find a clean towel and place your laptop or notebook on it. You should clean this piece of hardware in a place with good lighting, so you can see dust and dirt and then get rid of it.
Step 2- Prepare Your Laptop or Notebook
Next, you’ll need to get your laptop or notebook ready for the cleaning process. The best way to begin is to shut the unit off and unplug it. Next, take out the battery. It should be unattached and moved away so that it doesn’t come in contact with your cleaning supplies.
After this, hit the power button on your unit two or three times, to ensure that excess energy is cleared away. Lastly, place your computer on a clean towel to keep it from getting scratched while you’re working on it.
Before we begin, we should add a disclaimer. Our tips, while safe for most notebooks and laptops, may not be safe for every unit, so we can’t take responsibility for any damage which is caused during the cleaning process. We’ve had success with these methods, but everyone is different and every piece of hardware is different. Utilise these tips at your own risk. That being said, lots of people clean their hardware in this manner without problems. We do and you likely will, too.
Remove Dust and Grime from the Cooling Elements
Every laptop or notebook comes with cooling elements which, when they work together, form the cooling system. These items need a bit of cleaning now and then to perform as they should. Most notebooks are air-cooled designs which cool off components by moving heat away from the air around them. One component which is found in air-cooled laptop or notebooks is the fan element, which moves hot air away from the computer.
Dust may build up in the fan and this dust may impair its function. Dust which accumulates in the blades of fans or inside of heat-sinks which are found within the computer’s frame will decrease the cooling role of these components.
In order to remove this type of dust from the fan, you will need to blow it away with your bottle of canned air. This is a useful product which you may or may not have used in the past. When you point canned air towards the cooling system of a notebook, you’ll push dust away quickly and efficiently. The high-pressure nozzle of a bottle of canned air helps to move dust away in a very reliable fashion.
Here are some tips on how to use canned air safely.
Canned Air Safety Tips
Before you begin to use this type of product, you should aim it somewhere safe and then use the trigger two or three times. At this stage, a bit of moisture may be released. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
Once you’ve prepared the container by pushing the trigger a few times, you will be ready to use it to clean your computer’s fan and heat-sinks. When doing so, keep the container upright. If you don’t, moisture may seep up and this isn’t something that you want to drip onto your laptop or notebook.
You’ll probably notice that your canned air comes with a straw. It’s best to insert this straw into the bottle’s nozzle to focus high-pressure air. The straw will help to direct the canned air where it needs to go. Adding the straw should take just a second.
When you use canned air, utilise it in shorter bursts, for about half a second at a time. This is the best process for getting rid of dust which may be caked on. You’ll find that this method allows you to get rid of a lot of dirt, whereas using a continuous pull method may not be as efficient and effective.
You’ll probably notice that a can gets chilly to the touch when you use it for a reasonable period of time. If so, just let it sit for a bit until it’s a temperature which is more comfortable for you to hold. Always follow the safety directions on the label.
Now, let’s talk about exactly how to clean the cooling exhaust vent which is found on your electronic hardware, via your canned air. Move the nozzle of the canned air container against the vent and then pull the trigger a few times in succession. You should be creating short bursts.
Also, be sure to clean other areas – examples include USB ports, the fan and so on. Anywhere that dust is caked is a good place to aim your nozzle and do some short bursts. This is an excellent way to get harmful dust off of your device.
Step 3 – Clean Your Keyboard
Cleaning of a notebook or laptop keyboard usually requires a couple of steps and we’re going to talk about them today.
First, utilise the canned air to disperse a lot of dirt and dust from the areas around the keys. If you use your device a lot, you likely already know that stuff gets caught in there and it doesn’t look very nice. Canned air will get rid of it quickly. Just keep the can as upright as possible and utilise the straw to direct the air properly.
Next, do some disinfecting of the keyboard by using your Isopropyl Alcohol and one of your towels. As we stated earlier, the towel should be made from micro-fiber. Just a dime-sized amount of alcohol should be enough. Pour this amount on the clean towel and then gently clean the entire keyboard. Try not to get the fabric caught in the keys, as they are sometimes fragile. Once the towel stops getting dirty when you pass it over the keyboard, you’re done this step!
Step 4 – Clean Your Notebook or Laptop Screen
The third step will be cleaning your computer screen to get rid of dust and fingerprints. This stage will require usage of your second towel. However, you won’t need alcohol this time. Water is the best way to clean the screen, as long as the towel is fresh and immaculate. In fact, you should avoid using Isopropyl Alcohol on your screen as this is not a good cleanser to use on individual monitors.
Lastly, give the entire computer a dusting with your towel. It should be barely damp.
Now that you know the basics, you’ll be ready to perform step-by-step cleaning whenever you need to.
Step 5 – Collect the Right Materials Today
Now that you know the process, you’ll be ready to perform thorough cleaning whenever you want to. It’s just so easy to take care of a notebook or laptop. Hopefully, our cleaning guide has demystified the process so that it’s simple to understand.
You should be able to find all of the materials that you need online or right in your own community. The cost of these supplies is an investment in superior computer performance. Shopping online may be the best way to get great deals on these supplies. However, you’ll need to factor in shipping costs to come up with a realistic total for each item. Some online retailers offer deals on shipping or free shipping.
Some people don’t bother to clean their laptops or notebook computers. Over time, dust and grime build up and may contribute to overheating or other technical issues. It’s safe to say that cleaning off dust and debris is important. This is why we recommend scheduled cleaning, perhaps on a monthly basis (depending on the frequency of your laptop or computer use).
Once you’ve gotten the hang of cleaning your electronic devices, you’ll be ready to take care of them on a regular basis. We hope that our expert tips gave you the guidance that you were looking for!
For more household cleaning guides and tips, make sure to follow our blog. For more about our home cleaning services, check out our pricings and services and book a household cleaning today with Simply Maid.
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