Think about it: You probably touch your tablet, computer keyboard, and remote control more regularly than any other items in the house. And—brace yourself—did you know your smartphone harbors 18 times more germs than a toilet handle? Eek! Use these handy guidelines to clean your electronics safely.
Of course we wash our hands on the regular, scrub out our sinks, and even clean our coffeemakers. But when it comes to cleaning, how often do you think about technology? Thing is, since we touch our devices throughout the day—and every day—experts recommend giving them a quick clean about once a week.Here’s what you’ll need:• A micro-fiber cloth• Alcohol wipes• Or, you could pick up a cleaning kit manufactured specifically for cleaning delicate electronics. It’s not necessary, but some folks prefer to pay a little more for the convenience of an all-in-one kit.The most important thing to keep in mind? Read over the manual for any device you’d like to clean beforehand, to double check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. First up: Your smartphone.
Do a little research on your phone and double-check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning. You could spring for a cleaning kit (like this $13 Tech Armor set) or stock up on special electronic wipes (Windex makes a nice one). But the cheapest and most effective move? Plain old alcohol wipes, says Jolie Kerr, author of My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag…And Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha. The little antiseptic clothes (such as these Curad wipes) come individually wrapped and easily sanitize your device.
Clean the screen and all the other surfaces on your phone with an alcohol wipe. Once you’ve de-germed, use a microfiber cloth to remove any streaks. Aim to clean your phone—and, while we’re at it, all the electronic devices your family uses regularly—about once a week.
First things first: If you have a laptop, shut it down. If you’re cleaning a desktop keyboard, unplug it from the computer. Turn the keyboard upside down over a trashcan or kitchen sink and shake it to remove any loose debris. Using a can of compressed air, spray the area around each key to remove any dust or dirt.Next, take an alcohol wipe (or electronic wipe) and clean the keys. For particular gunky keys or areas, a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol will do the trick. For scuffs or accidental pen marks on the bezel, use a Magic Eraser.