Overview: How to Clean your Computer
How often: Generally you should try to clean your computer every 3-6 months. If you use your computer often and if it's in a very dusty environment then you should clean it sooner (every 3-4 months) if you use your computer sparingly in a fairly dust free environment you don't need to clean it as often (every 5-6 months).
What you need: # Screwdriver (to open up the computer case) # Can of Compressed air (to blow away dust inside the computer) # Cleaning Liquid: Rubbing alcohol or mild cleaning agent (dish detergent mixed with water...). # Cotton swabs (Q-tips) # Paper towel or cotton cloth
Make sure your computer is turned off before you begin the cleaning process!
Notes 1. A computer on the ground attracts more dust than one elevated on a platform.
2. Static attracts dust. Wiping down your computer with a solution of one half vinegar and one half water will minimize static.
Clean Computer Inside
Benefits: The inside of the computer is the most important part of the computer that needs to be cleaned. Removing dust from the computer vents increases the internal air circulation. If you don't remove the dust the circuit boards it can slow down or interfere with the connections running through the circuit boards. Dusting the inside of your computer also prevents it from overheating.
Cleaning the Inside of The Computer 1. Turn off and unplug the computer.
2. Remove the casing of the computer (directions should be in your computer manual). It is recommended that you bring the computer outside at this point because in the next step there'll be a lot of dust coming out of your computer.
3. Use the can of air to clean out the dust from the vents and the fan in the back of the computer.
4. Use a can of air to blow the dust out of the computer going in one direction while using short bursts of air (you want to clean all the circuit boards, underneath the motherboard, the bottom of the case, get rid of dust on any of your drives and blow air into the power supply box). You want to try to get as much dust out of the computer as you can, if there is dust on the inside of the case you should try to get that out of there as well. Try to avoid any direct physical contact with any circuits in the computer.
5. Put the case back on.
Computer Keyboard Cleaning
Benefits: Cleaning your computer keyboard will not only result in sticky-free keys but also ensure that your keyboard will continue to function properly by removing dirt, dust and other particles that can damage the keyboard's circuits.
Cleaning the Keyboard 1. Unplug the keyboard and turn it upside down and shake to remove and dust/dirt/crumbs that may be stuck in the keyboard. (It is advised that you do this outside or over a garbage can.)
2. Take a can of compressed air and spray in between and around keys while holding the keyboard upside down to remove any remaining unwanted particles. (You can use the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner and vacuum out the junk instead of using a can of compressed air.)
3. Wrap a cotton cloth or paper towel around your pointer finger and moisten it with a mild cleaning agent or rubbing alcohol and use it to clean the top of the keys. (Be careful to not add too much liquid or else it may drip into the spaces between the keys and damage the circuits.)
4. Take a cotton swab and moisten it with a mild cleaning agent or rubbing alcohol. Use this to clean in between the spaces of the keys.
5. Let your keyboard dry and plug it back into the computer.
Spills: If you spill a liquid onto your keyboard (or laptop), disconnect the keyboard (or remove the batteries in a wireless keyboard), turn it upside down and shake it gently to get as much liquid out of the keyboard as you can. With the keyboard turned upside down use a paper towel or cloth moistened with water and try to wipe off the top of the keyboard. Let the keyboard sit upside down overnight to dry off. (Blowing the keyboard with a blow-dryer can quicken the drying process)
Note: Purchasing a keyboard cover or protector will protect your keyboard from dust and any unexpected spills that may occur.
Computer Mouse Cleaning
Benefits: For a mechanical mouse cleaning it will make the mouse run smoother and for all mousses in general cleaning it will improve it's appearance and give it a feeling of cleanliness.
Cleaning the Mouse 1. Unplug the mouse.
2.Dampen a paper towel or cotton cloth with a mild cleaning agent and wipe down the top and bottom of the mouse. (If you are using an optical mouse then this is all you need to do.)
3. Turn the mouse upside down and remove the circular mouse cover on the back by turning the cover counter-clockwise, once you have opened it the ball should come out of the mouse.
4. You should see two rollers inside of the mouse, use your fingernail and remove as much gunk as you can from the wheels.
5. Next take a cotton swab and dampen it with mild cleaning agent and clean the two wheels.
6. To clean the ball just use your finger and take off any dirt/hair that you see on it (alternatively you can just use a piece of tape to grab any particles that may be on the mouse ball) and run it under water. After it dries you can put the ball back into the mouse and plug the mouse back into the computer.
Cleaning Monitor-Screen (LCD, flat panel)
Benefits: A clean screen on your monitor gives you a clearer view of the items displayed on your computer.
Cleaning the Screen 1. Turn off the monitor
2. Dampen a clean soft cotton cloth with water and gently wipe the screen starting from the top of the screen to bottom wiping in a downward motion. For LCD (laptop and flat panel) screens be careful not to press too hard or else you may damage the screen. (Using a paper towel or dirty cloth can scratch the screen, also using methyl chloride, acetone, ethyl acid, ethyl alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners can damage the screen, LCD monitors are especially sensitive to these agents.)
Cleaning the Monitor Casing 1. Turn off the monitor
2. Dampen a cloth or paper towel with a mild cleaning agent and wipe down the casing, especially the top as this is where most of the dust tends to be. Don't put too much liquid on the cloth where it might drip through the holes and into the computer monitor.
3. Use a can of air and blow in the holes to get the any dust that may be in there out (Alternatively you can use a vacuum cleaner and suck the dust out).
Cleaning a DVD or CD-Rom Drive
Benefits: Prevents disc read errors.
Cleaning the Lens with air 1. Open your CD/DVD drive.
2. Take a can of air and blow it into the drive. (If you are still having disc read errors it is recommended that you purchase a commercial CD/DVD drive cleaning kit.)
Cleaning a CD or DVD disc. 1. Take a clean cotton cloth and dampen it with warm water.
2. Wipe the disc from the center towards the edge of the CD (wiping along the track of the disc can cause scratches).
Laptop Cleaning
Benefits: Laptop cleaning is a quick fix for sticky keys and blurred screens. In just a few minutes, cleaning also can improve the overall performance of your notebook.
Cleaning Tools Tools for cleaning a laptop are easy to find and inexpensive. A lint free cloth and an old toothbrush will generally do the job. However, for some areas of cleaning, in place of the toothbrush you may want to use compressed air or invest in a computer vacuum.
1. Turn off your laptop. Give it a minute or so to totally power down and then unplug it.
2. Clean your screen. LCD screens are fragile. Do check your manufacturers recommendation for the best way to clean yours. However, in most cases, all you need do is wipe it with a damp cloth, making sure to wring out all excess moisture. Most importantly, unless you manufacturer recommends differently, dont use alcohol or ammonia based cleaners.
3. Wipe down the keyboard. Remove crumbs and debris using your toothbrush (or compressed air or vacuum). Wipe again.
4. Remove dust and debris from vents with the toothbrush. The propellant in compressed air may contain moisture. Some manufacturers suggest that computer vacuums may damage electronic components. Remember always to check your manufacturers recommendations.
Tip: Always use a lint free cloth to clean your computer. Instead of picking up debris, paper toweling can scratch your screen and leave paper lint on your machine. Tip: Never spray any cleaner directly onto your computer. Always wet the cloth with the cleaner whether using water, a homemade solution, or a commercial preparation.
Cleaning a Printer
Benefits: When your print job isnt up to par, you can get rid of smudges, white lines and reduce paper jams by simply cleaning your printer. Of course, the real benefit of cleaning is that it saves you money by prolonging the life of your printer!
Your first step in cleaning a printer is always to check your manufacturers documentation. If you dont have a written manual, most manufacturers provide tips on what not to do and provide support for even older printer models on their web sites. Use only the cleaners that your manufacturer recommends and clean only recommended areas of your printer.
Tip: Search for terms like printer maintenance, printer cleaning, and troubleshooting. Tip: Always check both your manufacturers documentation and warnings and advisories on cleaning products to be sure they are compatible with your printer and the cleaning job that needs to be done.
Cleaning the Outside of Your Printer 1. Turn your printer off before cleaning.
2. Clean the outside of your printer with a moist, lint-free cloth. Flour sacking or 100% cotton white t-shirt material works well.
3. Usually a solution of one part vinegar and one part water is safe to use, but when moistening a cloth, be sure to wring out all the excess. Distilled or RO (reverse osmosis) water minimizes mineral residues. If you do use a prepared cleaner, make sure it is safe for both electronics and plastics.
4. Always moisten the cloth. Never spray an aerosol directly onto your printer.
Cleaning a Laser Printer 1. Turn the printer off, unplug it, and allow it to cool down before you begin.
2. Remove the internal paper trays.
3. Remove the toner cartridge and place it on a piece of clean paper.
4. Clean inside the toner cavity with a dry, lint-free cloth and printer brush.
5. Clean the printer mirror gently with the brush. Don't touch the mirror if a brush isn't provided.
6. Wipe away dust and spilled toner. Remove paper fragments.
7. Clean the rollers, but dont touch the transfer (sponge) roller.
8. Replace the toner cartridge.
Tip: Exposure to light can damage toner cartridges. Always cover your toner cartridge with an extra lint-free cloth or piece of paper after removing it.
Cleaning an Inkjet Printer Most inkjets have a self-cleaning process you can access from your printers control panel. If that process doesnt remedy the problem, try one of the following. Remember to check your manufacturers documentation and the product documentation to be sure it is right for your printer.
1. Inkjet cleaning cartridges flush dirt and debris out of clogged printer nozzles, restoring the quality of your prints and prolonging the life of your print heads. However, take care that the cleaning fluid you use is approved for your brand and model of printer.
2. Before cleaning inside your inkjet, turn it off and unplug it. Let it cool down if necessary.
3. Dust, hair, and lint from inexpensive papers can gum up your printers rollers. A computer vacuum is usually a safe way to remove debris.
4. Roller cleaning sheets can help in cleaning print rollers. Again, check documentation before use.
Tip: Most manufacturers recommend against using compressed air since the propellant may add moisture to the inside of your printer.
|
Posted By thegeek on