Cleaning your devices: Not as easy as it looks
Friday, 27 July 2018
Smartphones, laptops and other gadgets might be shiny and clean when you buy them but they quickly become grubby.
Keeping a device clean is important to keep it both looking good and to stop the spread of germs.
The statistics are quite gross: faecal matter can be found on one out of every six smartphones, and your device may be dirtier than a public toilet or the soles of your shoes.
This is because everything your device touches is covered in bacteria - including your hands. That means your gadget gets covered in oily fingerprints, dead skin, makeup, hair, food residue, saliva and dust.
READ MORE: Can bacteria living on mobile devices kill us?
Don't forget flu and allergy seasons. Dirty electronics are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
However, it's easy and affordable to keep the bugs and grime away to keep you healthy and your gadget running smoothly.
Computers
First shut down the computer and unplug it. This keeps it safe and also it's easier to clean the screen when it's black.
Start by wiping the screen with a microfibre cloth which is soft and won't scratch. They're relatively inexpensive and there's no need to buy a special version.
You can even use the microfibre cloth that comes with glasses.
Don't use paper towels as they can scratch and also avoid glass cleaner as the chemicals can ruin the surface.
Most dirt will just wipe away but if there's lots of smudges or fingerprints then use some distilled water to dampen the cloth.
Most modern computer screens have a coating that protects them and make them easy to clean so there's no need for special spray.
If you eat while you type then there are probably hundreds of crumbs between or inside your keyboard.
The best method is a can of compressed air (about $25) though you can use a straw and some deep breaths. Another option is to get some tape and use the sticky side to slide between the keys to remove crumbs. You can also turn a keyboard upside down, but don't bang it or you risk damaging it.
If you have a mouse, it'll need attention too. If it's an optical mouse, just give it a wipe as there are no moving parts. If you have a mechanical mouse then place it on a piece of paper and move it around so any dirt comes off the tracking ball.
Also, don't forget your mousepad. If it's more than a few years old it may be time for a replacement.
Smartphones
Cleaning your phone screen should be done a lot more regularly than your computer.
Use the same process for your smartphone as for your computer screen - a microfibre cloth.
That should be enough to clean it up. If not you can use a damp cloth. There's a lot of smartphone cleaner around but be careful before using. Some brands, such as Apple, advise against using them.
Another little-known option is scotch tape. Just stick the tape to the screen and peel it off and it'll remove any dirt and grime.
Televisions
A lot of new televisions come with their own cloth, but if yours doesn't then just use a microfibre one.
Once again, stay away from any sprays and use a damp cloth for any nagging smudges.
Also, don't forget to give your remote a good clean as it's probably home to lots of yucky germs.
The base and edges of your TV can be cleaned using household sprays but keep them away from your screen.
Earphones
Dirty earphones mean earwax. There's no way to avoid it but you can fight back with regular cleaning.
Earbuds which stick into your ear are worse than headphones which sit over your ear.
Try using some compressed air to clean it out first. Then you can use a piece of Blu-tack to dig out the rest of the wax. Don't use toothpicks or needles as you'll just push the wax deeper.
If you still can't get rid of it use a tiny bit of hydrogen peroxide which will dissolve ear wax. Be careful as you don't want excess liquid to flow inside.
A few don'ts
Don't use cotton buds to clean ports or any other areas as the cotton can come off and get stuck in your device.
Don't use a lot of water on your cloth as any drips can cause problems with electronics.
Don't try and take your device apart unless instructions are provided. If you do, you risk causing damage and it may void your warranty.
Don't spend a lot of money on cleaners. There are a lot of expensive specialist cleaning products but they aren't necessary. Stick with a microfibre cloth.