Alejandra Zelaya

September 15, 2023

Cleaning Electronics 101: Everything You Need to Know

Written by Camila Sosa

Last Updated: December 8, 2023

Nowadays, almost each and every home has more than one electronic device. Whether you use it for amusement, work, or for educational purposes, it is all fun and games until you realize how dirty your keyboard is, how greasy the mouse pad looks, and how dusty the screen seems.

But before you get all the way into cleaning your electronic devices, we bring you an article with useful tricks related to how to clean electronics and what products you can use to do so without damaging them. Also, keep in mind that, even though you can always do the cleaning by yourself, at Fresh Home Cleaning we are the know-it-alls about cleaning, so you can count on us to keep your house pristine for you so that you can enjoy your daily routine without bothering about the dust and germs accumulating everywhere.

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Table Of Contents

How to Clean Electronics | The Dos and the Don’ts

How to Clean Electronics | The Dos and the Don’ts

If you are wondering what to use to clean electronics, the answer depends on what electronic device you are about to clean.

Let’s start with the basics. The first five steps you have to take are the following ones:

ALWAYS check the user manual first.
ALWAYS unplug the electronic device and/or remove its battery before cleaning it.
NEVER spray any cleaning solution or water directly onto your device.
NEVER clean screens with alcohol.
The best solution you can use to disinfect your devices is an equal-part mixture of water and rubbing alcohol.

Now that you are all safe and clear, let’s dive right in.

How to clean electronics: we show you how to clean your remote — Remotes can be sanitized with a damp cloth and cotton swabs in a water and rubbing alcohol solution.

1. Smartphones & Tablets

Smartphones and tablets have become essential companions in our daily lives. However, as these sleek and powerful devices keep us connected, informed, and entertained, they tend to accumulate lots of dirt, dust, and smudges over time.

Properly cleaning your smartphones and tablets is not only crucial for maintaining their appearance, but also for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. To clean this type of electronics, you can do the following:

Wipe the screen and the plastic parts with a damp microfiber cloth.
To clean crevices and the edges of the screen, use cotton swabs.
To disinfect the device, spray the water and alcohol solution onto the clean piece of cloth you will use to wipe down your phone or tablet.

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2. Laptops

Cleaning your laptop is vital, as dust and debris can accumulate in the keyboard and vents, leading to overheating and potential hardware damage. Here’s what you can do to keep it clean:

Shake out the keyboard gently to get rid of crumbs, and use compressed air to clean under the keys.
With a damp microfiber cloth, remove the dust and smudges from the screen.
Apply water or eyeglass cleaner to a piece of microfiber cloth to clean touchscreens.
Wipe down the keyboard with a cloth sprayed with the water and rubbing alcohol solution to disinfect it.

Remember that cleaning your laptop regularly not only keeps it nice, but doing so also helps prevent issues and extends its lifespan. Plus, it can save you from expensive repairs or replacing it.

A senior woman showing how to clean electronics, in this case a laptop's keyboard — Cleaning your laptop is vital since dust and debris can accumulate on the keyboard and vents.

3. Desktop Computers

Frequently cleaning your desktop computer is essential to ensuring its dependability and optimal operation. The accumulation of dust can block internal parts, resulting in overheating and decreased performance. Below are our recommendations on how to clean your desktop computer:

With a damp microfiber cloth, remove the dust and smudges from the screen.
Shake out the keyboard gently to get rid of crumbs, and use compressed air to clean under the keys.
Wipe down the mouse, use a cotton swab to get into crevices, and disinfect it with the water and rubbing alcohol solution.
Vacuum the front panel and ventilation panels to clean the tower, wipe everything down with a damp cloth, and then disinfect it with the water and rubbing alcohol solution.

Bear in mind that a well-maintained desktop stays cooler, enjoys a longer lifespan, and delivers superior performance, safeguarding your investment and minimizing the likelihood of hardware malfunctions or expensive repairs over time.

Want to know more about how to clean your desk?

4. TVs

Keeping your TV clean promotes a hygienic environment, reduces allergy triggers, and enhances your overall well-being by ensuring a clear and enjoyable viewing experience. Below, we tell you what you can do to keep it pristine:

With a damp microfiber cloth, remove the dust and smudges from the screen. Avoid using any harsh chemicals to clean the screen, as they can damage the anti-reflective coating.
Use compressed air to clean the buttons, and use cotton swabs for the crevices.
For the remote, use compressed air to clean under the buttons. Then, wipe down the remote with a damp cloth and cotton swabs using the water and rubbing alcohol solution.

A woman showing how to clean electronics, in this case a TV — Avoid using any harsh chemicals to clean the screen, as they can damage the anti-reflective coating.

5. Smart Devices & Bluetooth Speakers

In every house there’s more than one smart device and Bluetooth speaker. And, as people are always in contact with them, it is indispensable to clean them frequently. Doing so reduces the risk of germs spreading from frequently touched surfaces, promoting a healthier tech environment. These are our tips for cleaning them:

To clean any device with a screen, remove the dust and smudges from the screen with a damp microfiber cloth. Note: If your device has any parts covered with fabric or made of plastic, you can clean them with the same piece of microfiber cloth.
Use compressed air and cotton swabs to clean crevices and grooves.
To finish it up, wipe everything down with a damp cloth using the water and rubbing alcohol solution. Note: Don’t wipe down the screen with this solution.

How to clean electronics: we show you how to clean wireless electronics and speakers — As people are always in contact with wireless speakers and Bluetooth devices, it is very important to clean them frequently.

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6. Cables & Cords

Finally, let’s not forget about the cables and cords! Keeping them clean is very important because it ensures uninterrupted power supply and device connectivity. Dust and debris can affect performance and pose safety risks. Moreover, regular cleaning not only enhances the device’s functionality, but it also reduces fire hazards and prolongs the lifespan of electronic equipment, ensuring a reliable and safe setup.

Our suggestions to clean your electronic devices’ cables and cords are the following ones:

To remove dust from all your cords and cables, use a dry microfiber cloth.
For the desktop system cables and cords, use a damp cloth.
Sanitize the power cords of your mobile electronic devices after you clean them with a piece of cloth and the water and alcohol solution.

In a Nutshell

Keeping your electronic devices clean is essential for their longevity and your health. Remember to follow the dos and don’ts on how to clean electronics and on what to use to clean electronics, consult your user manual, and unplug your device before cleaning. Use a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol for disinfection, and always be gentle with screens. Whether it’s your smartphone, laptop, desktop computer, TV, or smart devices, these cleaning tips will help you maintain a spotless and germ-free tech environment. And if you ever need a professional touch, Fresh Home Cleaning is here to assist you. Happy cleaning!

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FAQs

Q1: Can I clean electronic devices with water?

Water typically contains conductive minerals, and these conductive materials produce short circuits. The ions, minerals, and contaminants in water conduct electricity, short-circuiting and destroying the circuit inside electrical devices.

Q2: What kind of wipes are safe for cleaning electronics?

Grit and residue can be easily removed with some toweling, but you must employ other methods to get rid of bacteria. Therefore, manufacturers have now recognized that you can use 70% alcohol wipes and disinfection wipes on your gadgets without endangering their circuitry.

Q3: What can I use to clean electronics?

Electronics may be cleaned using isopropyl alcohol because it eliminates soldering flux, oils, adhesives, fingerprints, and other impurities.

Q3: What is the best way to clean electronics?

With just a simple microfiber towel, you can properly clean your electronic devices. Most of the dirt and dust will be eliminated this way. However, you should also use an isopropyl alcohol solution or disinfectant wipe that contains no bleach to sanitize your gadgets.