Cleaning the computer and its components

Updated: 12/01/2019 by Computer Hope
Cleaning your computer, components, and peripherals help keep everything in good working condition, helps prevent
germs from spreading, and helps allow proper air flow

Computer mouse cleaning

Optical or laser mouse

Why? A dirty optical or laser mouse can cause the mouse cursor to be difficult to move or move erratically.

Procedure: Use a can of compressed air that is designed for use with electronic equipment, spraying around the optical
sensor on the bottom of the mouse. Blowing air on the bottom of the mouse clears away any dirt, dust, hair, or other
obstructions that may be blocking the optical sensor.

Avoid using any cleaning chemicals or wiping a cloth directly on the optical sensor, as it could scratch or damage the
optical sensor.

Note

Cleaning your mouse pad with a damp cloth can also help improve a computer's mouse movement.

Procedure: Use a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol or warm water and rub the surface of the mouse and each of its
buttons.

Headphones cleaning

Why? Headphones and headsets can be used by many different people and may need to be frequently cleaned to help
prevent the spreading of germs and head lice.

Procedure: If the headphones being used are plastic or vinyl, moisten a cloth with warm water and rub the head and
earpieces of the headphones.

Note

If the headphones are being used for a library or school, do not use any disinfectant or cleaning solvent since some
people can have allergic reactions to the chemicals they contain.

Headphones that have cushions also have the availability of having the cushions replaced. Replacing these cushions can
also help keep the headphones clean.
Finally, in regards to headphones spreading head lice. If different students use the same headphones, have students use
their own headphones, place bags over the headphones, or using headphones that can be wiped with warm water after
each use.

Keyboard cleaning

The computer keyboard is usually the most germ infected items in your home or office. A keyboard may even contain
more bacteria than your toilet seat. Cleaning it helps remove any dangerous bacteria and keeps the keyboard working
properly.

Procedure: Before cleaning the keyboard, first turn off the computer or if you are using a USB keyboard unplug it from
the computer. Not unplugging the keyboard can cause other computer problems as you may press keys that cause the
computer to perform a task you do not want it to perform.

Many people clean the keyboard by turning it upside down and shaking. A more efficient method is to use compressed
air. Compressed air is pressurized air contained in a can with a very long nozzle. To clean a keyboard using compressed
air, aim between the keys and blow away all the dust and debris that has gathered there. A vacuum cleaner can also be
used, but make sure the keyboard does not have loose "pop off" keys can be sucked up by the vacuum.

If you want to clean the keyboard more extensively, remove the keys from the keyboard.

After the dust, dirt, and hair have been removed. Spray a disinfectant onto a cloth or use disinfectant cloths and rub
each of the keys on the keyboard. As mentioned in our general cleaning tips, never spray any liquid onto the keyboard.

Substance spilled into the keyboard

If the keyboard has anything spilled on it (e.g., pop, cola, Pepsi, Coke, beer, wine, coffee, and milk), not taking the proper
steps can destroy the keyboard.

Procedure: Below is recommendations that can help prevent a keyboard from becoming bad after something has spilled
into the keys.

If anything is spilled onto the keyboard, turn the computer off immediately or at the very least disconnect the keyboard
from the computer. Once done flip the keyboard over to prevent the substance from penetrating circuits. While the
keyboard is upside down, shake the keyboard over a surface that can be cleaned later. While still upside down, use a
cloth to start cleaning the keys. After the keyboard is cleaned, leave the keyboard upside down for at least two days
allowing it to dry. Once dry, continue cleaning the keyboard with any remaining substance.

If after cleaning the keyboard keys are sticking, remove the keys and clean below the keys and the bottom portion of the
key.
Finally, if the keyboard still works but remains dirty or sticky before discarding the keyboard as a last resort try washing
the keyboard in the dishwasher.

If after doing all the above steps the keyboard still does not work, we recommend buying a new keyboard.

LCD/LED cleaning

Why? Dirt, dust, and fingerprints can cause the computer screen to be difficult to read.

Procedure: Unlike a CRT computer monitor, the LCD or LED monitor is not glass and requires special cleaning
procedures.

When cleaning the LCD or LED screen, it is important to remember to not spray any liquids onto the screen directly.
Press gently while cleaning and do not use a paper towel since it can scratch the screen.

To clean the LCD or LED screen, use a non-rugged microfiber cloth, soft cotton cloth, or Swiffer duster. If a dry cloth does
not completely clean the screen, you can apply rubbing alcohol to the cloth and wipe the screen with a damp cloth.
Rubbing alcohol is used to clean LCD and LED monitors before it leaves the factory.

CRT monitor cleaning

Tip

This section is for CRT computer monitors. If you have a flat screen monitor, see the LCD/LED cleaning section.

Why? Dirt, dust, and fingerprints can cause the computer screen to be difficult to read.

Procedure: A glass monitor screen can be cleaned with ordinary household glass cleaner. Be sure to unplug the power
cord from the monitor and spray the cleaner onto a lint-free cloth so the fluid does not leak into the electrical
components inside the monitor. Vacuum off any dust that has settled on top of the monitor and make sure no books or
papers are covering the air vents. Obstructed monitor vents can cause the monitor to overheat or even catch on fire.

Caution

We suggest only using a cloth dampened with water when cleaning non-glass monitors or any anti-glare screens. Using
ordinary household glass cleaner on special screens, especially cleaners with ammonia, can remove anti-glare protection
or other special surfaces.

Case cleaning
Why? Cleaning your case keeps the appearance of the computer looking new. While cleaning, if you see ventilation slots,
these can be cleaned or cleared to help keep a steady airflow into the computer and keep all components cool.

Procedure: The plastic case that houses the PC components can be cleaned with a slightly damp lint-free cloth. For
stubborn stains, add a little household detergent to the cloth. You should not use a solvent cleaner on plastics.

Make sure all vents and air holes are hair and lint-free by rubbing a cloth over the holes and vents. It is also helpful to
take a vacuum around each of the hole, vents, and crevices on the computer. It is safe to use a standard vacuum when
cleaning the outside vents of a computer.

If you are looking for steps on cleaning the inside of the computer, see the motherboard cleaning section.

Motherboard cleaning

Why? Dust and especially particles of cigarette smoke can build up and corrode circuitry, causing various problems such
as computer lockups.

Caution

When inside the computer, take the necessary ESD precautions and try to avoid unplugging any cables or other
connections.

Procedure: Our recommendation when cleaning the motherboard from dust, dirt, or hair is to use compressed air. When
using compressed air, hold it upright to prevent any of the chemicals from coming out of the container, which may
damage or corrode the motherboard or other components. Also, ensure when using compressed air that you always
blow the dust or dirt away from the motherboard or out of the case.

Another good alternative to compressed air is a portable battery powered vacuum. Portable vacuums can effectively
remove the dust, dirt, and hair from the motherboard completely and prevent it from getting trapped in the case.

Warning

Never use an electrically powered vacuum, as it can cause static electricity that can damage the computer. When using a
battery powered vacuum, keep it a couple of inches away from the components to prevent damage and anything from
being sucked into the vacuum (e.g., jumpers).

Tip

When cleaning the inside of the case, also look at any fans or heat sinks. Dust, dirt, and hair can collect around these
components the most.
Printer cleaning

Why? Cleaning the outside of a printer can help keep the printer's appearance looking good and if used by many
different people keep the printer clean of germs.

Procedure: First, make sure to turn off the printer before cleaning it. Dampen a cloth with water or rubbing alcohol and
wipe the case and each of the buttons or knobs on the printer. As mentioned earlier, never spray any liquid directly onto
the printer.

Why? Some printers require the inside to be cleaned to help keep the printer running smoothly.

Computer scanner cleaning

Why? Flatbed scanners commonly become dirty with dust, fingerprints, and hair. When the scanner is dirty, the images
may have distortions.

Procedure: Clean a flatbed scanner's surface by spraying a window cleaner onto a paper towel or cotton cloth and wipe
the glass until clean. As mentioned earlier, never spray a liquid directly onto the component.

The same towel or cotton cloth can also be used to clean the outside of the scanner.