How To Safely Clean Your Computer And Keyboard

We live and die by computers but do you know how to safely clean your computer and keyboard?   We tell you how below.

How To Safely Clean Your Computer: The Why

Not only is important to know how to safely clean your computer and keyboard in order to keep them functioning, it will even keep you safe.  ABC News reported that studies found that keyboards were on average dirtier than a toilet seat.  ABC New reported:

"It turns out that your computer keyboard could put a host of potentially harmful bacteria -- including E. coli and staph -- quite literally at your fingertips."

Taking a little extra time to keep your electronics clean could help keep you free of disease.

How To Safely Clean Your Computer: Apple Products

Apple recommends cleaning their electronic products in this way:

"Apple products are made with a variety of materials, and each product might have specific cleaning requirements which vary by the part you're cleaning. To get started, here are some tips that apply to all products:

• Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, and similar items that might cause damage. 
• Unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables.
• Keep liquids away from the product.
• Don't get moisture into any openings.
• Don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives.
• Don't spray cleaners directly onto the item."

How To Safely Clean Your Computer: Electronic Wipes

Another hack for how to safely clean your computer and keyboard are electronic wipes!  These handy tools are possibly one of the best inventions of our generation. Windex sells electronic wipes and they describe them this way:

"Windex® Electronics Wipes gently remove smudges, fingerprints and dust, leaving behind only streak-free shine. Use them to clean smartphones, tablets, e-readers, laptops, cameras, televisions and more. Carry the pouch in your purse, backpack, briefcase or laptop bag so you can lighten and brighten your screen at any time."

How To Safely Clean Your Computer: Q-Tips

Another great hack in cleaning your keyboard is to simply use Q-Tips!  Q-Tips are an easy way to reach those tiny places on your computer and keyboard nothing else can reach.  Use a slightly moistened Q-Tip to run off dirt and get in between those keys.

Apple has a guide for cleaning keyboard that is great advice for anyone cleaning electronic accessories:

"First, power off the device. If your device uses removable batteries, remove the batteries. (If your device is wired, simply unplug it from your computer.)

Next, clean the outside of your device with a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water. Don't get moisture in any openings or use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide."

How To Safely Clean Your Computer: Canned Air

Finally, the tried and true trick in how to safely clean your computer is : canned air, of course!  Canned Air has been used to clean computers almost since computers were around and there is a reason why - it's effective and generally safe for your computer.  Simply point the canned air bottle and spray all the dirt away.

Find a YouTube video review of a canned air cleaner HERE

In addition, you can visit Keylock Storage Blog for more interesting articles about organization and lifestyle: keylockstorage.com/blogs