Computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and televisions are some electronic devices you probably own and use on a daily basis for school, work, entertainment, and other purposes. You spend most of your waking hours using these devices, but how much time do you dedicate to giving them a good cleaning? Perhaps you merely wipe them occasionally to get rid of visible dust and dirt. If so, consider doing more. Otherwise, they can become breeding grounds for disease-causing germs and bacteria and put your health at risk.

Before you dismiss this possibility, remember that microbes are present even if you can’t see them. One British study commissioned by a consumer advocacy group tested computer keyboards from a typical London office and found some units to be potential health hazards. In fact, one keyboard even contained more germs than a toilet seat because most users rarely cleaned their keyboards. 

If you want to know how to keep your electronics clean and in good condition to prevent such issues, read on. This piece will provide pointers on how to properly clean different devices as well as tips for protecting your electronics from dirt and dust. You can even use the methods here as a maintenance guide for when you buy Android TV and other latest technologies in the future.

How to clean and disinfect different devices

While wiping the surfaces of your electronics now and then may seem sufficient, it’s actually not enough. There’s a great chance you’re missing dirt and grime in some hidden spots. While these corners may be out of sight and therefore not a nuisance to look at, the buildup of debris can have a negative effect on the functionality of your device. So to guide you on how to clean and sanitize your expensive devices properly, keep the pointers below in mind:

Laptop

Because your laptop travels frequently and has many crevices, it probably picks up tons of dirt and bacteria on a regular basis. As such, you may want to give it a deep cleaning once a month, or every two weeks if you tend to eat while using your laptop.  

To clean this handy gadget, start by turning it off first. Then, turn your laptop upside down and give it a gentle shake to get rid of crumbs and dirt particles trapped in between the keys of the keyboard. Afterward, use a soft brush or dry cotton bud to remove the remaining dust and grime buildup in the keyboard and the crevices of the touchpad.

Lastly, wipe the screen and laptop surface using a microfiber cloth moistened with a rubbing alcohol and water solution. Air dry your device and then wipe again with a dry microfiber cloth.

Desktop Computer

Clean your desktop computer in the same manner as your laptop. Turn the keyboard upside down to shake off dirt particles and clean in between the keys. Aside from wiping the monitor and the keyboard with a soft microfiber cloth dampened with an alcohol and water solution, remember to do the same with the computer tower, mouse, and all other surfaces. 

Make sure to clean the power cords as well, as they often harbor dust and dirt. To keep your desktop computer in good condition, clean it every three to six months, or more frequently if it’s in a dust-prone area. 

Mobile Phone and Tablet

Your mobile phone and tablet are hotbeds for bacteria and viruses since you touch and hold them frequently. That’s why you should clean these devices several times a week to prevent dirt and germ buildup. 

Start by turning your phone or tablet off and removing the case. Using a soft microfiber cloth, wipe away sweat, oil, and fingerprints from the surface of the device. Following that, lightly dampen a clean microfiber cloth with an alcohol and water solution and sanitize both the device and its case. Disinfect your earphones and headphones using this method or by thoroughly wiping them with disinfecting wipes. Allow everything to dry completely before using.

Television

Because modern TV screens are more sensitive than those of older models, you need to clean and handle them with additional care and attention. Instead of spritzing the TV directly with a harsh glass cleaner, you may want to wipe the surface gently using a dry microfiber cloth. Remember to apply light pressure as you clean the screen to prevent any issues. Finish by disinfecting all surfaces and remote controls using a microfiber cloth sprayed with an alcohol and water solution.

5 tips to keep devices free from dirt and dust

Aside from cleaning your electronic devices regularly, you may want to adopt good habits to prevent dirt, dust, and germ buildup. Here are some of them:

• Use dust covers to protect your computer, TV, and similar devices when you’re not using them.
• Don’t eat in front of your computer/laptop or place beverages near them.
• Never place your devices on the floor. 
• Avoid sharing your earphones/headphones with other people to prevent the transfer of germs and bacteria.
• Keep your computers and other devices away from doors and windows as these openings can increase their exposure to dust.

Most of your electronic devices are dirt, dust, and bacteria magnets because you touch and use them frequently. This buildup can be bad for your health, and it can interfere with how well your electronics work as well. As such, you may want to clean and disinfect them regularly to get rid of disease-causing germs and keep your electronics in tip-top shape.