How to Clean a Laptop Without Damaging It
Laptops get dirty quickly, and that dirt can get everywhere, from the outer case to the screen, keyboard, and ports. The laptop that comes with you collects dust (and crumbs and oils from your hands) along with you.
Chances are your laptop is a little dirty if you look closely. But cleaning and organizing it won’t take as long as you think. All you need is a rag, some rubbing alcohol and a rag.
What you need before cleaning your laptop
Here’s what you should gather before you start cleaning your laptop.
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First, a lint-free microfiber cloth is the best choice here.
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70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol is the best liquid to use because it evaporates almost instantly and there is virtually no risk of damaging the laptop’s internal components when cleaning the ports or keyboard.
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A vacuum cleaner will be very useful. You can use a regular can of compressed air, but it’s better to use a cordless electric air duster , which comes with a variety of bristles for cleaning, is not as harsh as a can of compressed air, and will last much longer.
And, of course, before you begin, turn off your laptop and unplug the power cord.
How to clean an Apple MacBook laptop
Apple suggests using a damp, lint-free cloth to clean the outside of your MacBook. It doesn’t have to be a $19 Apple polishing cloth —it can be any microfiber cloth.
Apple suggests cleaning your MacBook screen only with a cloth dampened with water. Dampen a clean cloth and wipe the screen and that’s all there is to it. And remember: damp , not wet. The goal is to prevent moisture from entering any openings. Never spray liquid directly onto the computer.
If there are smudges that won’t come off, or fingerprints or marks that are difficult to remove, you can use a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution and gently wipe the display or exterior of your MacBook with it. Do not use aerosol cans, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners that contain hydrogen peroxide, as they may damage the finish of your MacBook.
Apple doesn’t provide instructions for cleaning the ports or vents located behind the hinges of some MacBooks. The vacuum cleaner we mentioned above will help you here. You’re going to blow compressed air through the vents and ports – just make sure you do it from a distance so dust doesn’t get into the ports.
How to Clean Dell, HP or Other Windows Laptops
The instructions for cleaning a Windows laptop are similar. Companies like Dell and HP suggest using a 70% isopropyl alcohol mixture for most cleaning. And you should use a damp microfiber cloth (not wet). Spray the solution onto the cloth, not the laptop.
You can use this mixture and a cloth to clean the outside of your laptop, screen, and keyboard. Because isopropyl alcohol dries quickly, it will not cause problems with internal components.
The rest of the work can be done using a vacuum cleaner. Use compressed air to remove debris or debris stuck in the spaces between the keys. You can also use a brush to clean the ports and vents on the back of your laptop.
Keep isopropyl alcohol, a microfiber cloth, and a rag on hand so you can clean your laptop every couple of weeks.