How to Clean Your Gadgets Safely

Over the years, your electronics, including your phone, laptop, headphones, and game controller, will accumulate grime. We bring them with us everywhere we go, we are in constant contact with them, and we don’t always give them the care in terms of cleaning that we do to other everyday items. Also, we clean our tech beyond aesthetic reasons; it is for that extra performance out of them, better functionality, and to keep them in good health.

We often see as routine what, in fact, is not. Gadgets are very delicate, which also is to say they are made up of many different components and sensitive parts. If you do it the wrong way you run the risk of damage.

This guide will walk you through what to do for safe and effective tech cleaning which in turn will prevent damage.

How to Keep Your Gadgets in Good Condition.

Before getting into how to clean them, it is also important to know why cleaning these gadgets is so necessary.

• Prolongs device life: Dust, oil, and dirt which are the cause of clogging of ports also cause issues with overheating.
• Improves performance: A properly maintained device will not have sticky keys, dusty fans, or slow sensor response.
• Reduces germs: Your hands which are home to oils and bacteria transfer that to what you touch and screens.
• Looks better: People hate to see crumbs between keys.

Here is the guide — step by step and safely.

1. Before you clean any electronic device.

Here is what you should keep in mind before you start to clean any electronic device:

• Turn it off and unplug it: Never when a device is on or charging.
• Use minimal liquid: Moisture can get into openings and ruin circuits.
• Be gentle: Using excessive pressure or rough materials will cause surfaces to scratch or protective finishes to wear out.
• Avoid spraying directly: First use the solution on a cloth. Do not test on the device.

2. Wiping Your Phone.

Your cell phone is the one that gets the most use out of all your devices and also happens to be the dirtiest.

What You’ll Need:

• Microfiber cloth
• A bit of water mixed with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
• Cotton swabs or a soft brush

Steps:

1. Unplug your phone.
2. Wipe down the screen and body with a microfiber cloth which should just be a little wet. Also, alcohol does an excellent job at getting rid of oils and killing most bacteria.
3. Clean out the charging port and speaker grilles with a dry cotton swab or soft brush. Do not insert anything sharp into the holes.
4. Let it sit for a few minutes before you turn it back on.

What to Avoid:

• Never use window cleaner, bleach, or vinegar pure.
• Do not get your phone wet even if it is waterproof.

3. Cleaning of Your Computer (Laptop or Desktop).

During professional and gaming use your laptop and desktop keyboard, screen, trackpad, and also the air around your machine which is filled with dust, crumbs, and prints, get very dirty.

What You’ll Need:

• Microfiber cloth
• Compressed air can
• Cotton swabs
• Small brush
• 70% isopropanol (diluted lightly if required).

Steps:

Screen:

• Wipe out in a rotational motion with a soft microfiber cloth.
• For marks use a cleaning cloth or a screen safe cleanser.

Keyboard:

• Turn off and shut down.
• Use compressed air can to clear out between keys.
• Use a gentle brush or cotton swab which you have moistened in alcohol to clean the keys.

After which you may use a microfiber towel to wipe the surface.

Trackpad and Body:

Use a solution of water and alcohol to wipe the surfaces then dry with the other clean section of the cloth.

What to Avoid:

• Do not push in too hard on the screen.
• Do not put liquid near vents or keys.

4. Cleaning Your Earphones and Headphones.

These devices that go in or over your ears also end up covered in sweat, wax and dust.

What You’ll Need:

• Cotton swabs
• Soft brush or old toothbrush
• Toothpick (optional)
• Soft cloth

Steps:

Earphones (In-ear):

• Take out the silicone tips that may still be on and wash them with warm soapy water. Allow them to dry completely.
• Use a dry toothbrush or small brush for the grilles.
• Use a toothpick to gently clean out any wax or debris.
• Dampen a cloth in alcohol and wipe the cords.

Headphones (Over-ear):

• Wipe down the ear cushions.
• Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the headband and exterior shells.

If you put your cushions in the washing machine they will come out cleaner (just see to it that you fully dry them out before putting them back).

5. Game Controller and Console Cleaning.

Controllers in that time also see lots of use from the constant push of buttons. Also, we see to have left a good deal of dust collected around the consoles’ vents.

What You’ll Need:

• Isopropyl alcohol (70%)
• Microfiber cloth
• Toothpick or cotton swabs
• Compressed air

Steps:

Controllers:

• Turn off and unplug.
• Use a cloth which is soaked in alcohol to wipe.
• Use a toothpick or swab to clean out around buttons and in crevices. Use a toothpick or swab to clean the buttons out and in between.
• Wipe it off with a clean cloth.

Consoles:

• The vents may be cleaned with a can of compressed air.
• Clean the surface with a dry or wet cloth.
• Do not open or break into the console if you are not trained to do so.

6. Cleaning of Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers.

These days wearables are in action also during exercise which includes when you are lathered in sweat and oil.

What You’ll Need:

• Soft cloth
• Mild soap and water
• Isopropyl alcohol (optional)
• Toothbrush

Steps:

• If possible remove the band and clean it out.
• Wipe the watch case with a damp cloth which isn’t very wet. If for a waterproof model go ahead and rinse it gently under water.
• Use a toothbrush for tight areas.
• Dry completely before reassembling and wearing.

Cleaning of TVs and Monitors.

These are particles of dust and fingerprints which collect on the screens.

What You’ll Need:

• Microfiber cloth
• Screen cleaner or water
• Compressed air (optional)

Steps:

• Plug out the TV or monitor.
• Gently stroke the screen in one direction with a dry microfiber cloth.
• If required, wipe the cloth slightly wet to remove smudges.
• Use a can of air duster to clean out ports and vents.

What Not to Do.

No matter what the platform is, here are issues to avoid:

• Do not use paper towels or tough cloths they will scratch surfaces.
• Stay away from products like Windex or bleach.
• Do not overfill with liquids; moisture does not mix well with electronics.
• Do not use heat to dry your gadgets.

Break the Routine.

Cleaning out your gadgets should be a regular thing. Put it on your calendar:

• Daily: Tidy up your phone screen and keyboard.
• Weekly: Wipe clean your headsets, mice, and trackpads.
• Monthly: Empty out your laptops, game controllers, smartwatches and more.

Set reminders for yourself if you must. A little bit of maintenance goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

The care of your gadgets is in your hands. By taking the time for safe care you improve their look and performance which in turn also reduces wear and tear. You don’t need fancy tools or expensive products — just the right techniques and a little care.

When you find your phone’s screen is a magnet for grease, your keyboard is home to a dust storm, or your headphones have a slight odor, that’s when you’ll know what to do and how to approach it without damage.