How to Clean a Laptop: The Key Steps

How dirty is the average laptop?

According to researchers at the University of Arizona, there are 400 times more bacteria on a laptop keyboard than on a toilet seat.

You need to keep your laptop clean - not just for aesthetic or health reasons, but for optimal performance. Over time, dust and dirt can build up in the vents, causing your laptop to run slower and putting it at risk of overheating.

So do you know how to clean a laptop? You must follow a few key steps to clean it correctly. Read on for our complete laptop care guide.

What You'll Need

Before you start cleaning a laptop, you'll need to gather a few supplies. You can get any of these items at a grocery or dollar store. You'll need the following items:

Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes

Isopropyl alcohol wipes are great for cleaning your laptop because they remove dust, dirt, and other debris. They help disinfect your laptop's surface and kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present.

Compressed Air Can

Compressed air is excellent for removing dust and other small particles from your laptop without causing any damage. It can also help to clean out the vents, which can get clogged over time.

Microfiber Cloth

A microfiber cloth is a soft, lint-free cloth that won't scratch your laptop's surface. It's perfect for dusting or wiping the screen.

Dental Brush

A dental brush is a tool made to clean between teeth. They look like little eyelash brushes. They're great for getting into small spaces and removing dust and dirt that a cloth or compressed air can't reach.

Never use household cleaners to clean your laptop. These products can damage your laptop and even cause it to malfunction.

Now that you have all the supplies you need for laptop maintenance; let's move on to the cleaning process.

Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug Your Laptop

The first step is to turn off your laptop and unplug it from any power source. That will ensure you don't accidentally damage your laptop while cleaning it.

Step 2: Clean the Vent

Once you turn off and unplug your laptop, you can remove any dust or dirt.

The most important area to clean is the vents. Dust and dirt can build up in the vents and cause your laptop to overheat. If you clean nothing else, at least clean the vents!

You can use the compressed air can to blast out dust and dirt. Use the little "straw" that comes with it for a targeted burst of air.

Be prepared for the dust to come out of the vents when you do this. It's normal, which means the compressed air is doing its job.

Only spray for a second at a time. Otherwise, you'll get unwanted condensation inside your laptop. You can use the dental brush to get into the nooks and crannies.

If your laptop is overheating even after you've cleaned the vents, you may need to take it apart and clean the interior fan. Instructions will vary depending on your laptop model, and you may need other supplies. So consult your owner's manual or find a good tutorial online.

Step 3: Clean Your Keyboard

Your keyboard is one of the dirtiest parts of your laptop, so it's important to give it a good clean. It would be best if you disinfected this area often. But we'll get to that in a moment.

Laptop keyboards aren't the same as regular keyboards. The keys don't pop off for easy cleaning. That means your cleaning efforts must work around the keys.

Compressed air can blow away any dust or dirt stuck between or under the keys. Follow up with the dental brush to pick up any other debris. Carefully brush around and under the keys' edges to find the most stubborn crumbs.

Disinfect Your Keyboard

As we mentioned earlier, your laptop's keyboard is one of the germiest areas. You should disinfect it often to prevent the spread of illness.

The best way to disinfect your keyboard is with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. Dab a little bit onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down the keys. You don't need to use a lot of alcohol, just enough to get the job done.

Step 4: Clean Your Screen

Your laptop's screen is another area that tends to collect dust and dirt. If you've ever tried to use your laptop in a sunny spot, you'll notice how annoying it is when fingerprints, dust, and dirt are all over the screen.

The best way to clean your laptop's screen is with a microfiber cloth. Gently wipe down the entire surface of the screen, taking care not to press too hard. You want to protect the delicate screen.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Exterior

If there's any dirt or debris that won't come off with the cloth, you can use a little bit of isopropyl alcohol. Dab a small amount onto the fabric and wipe down the screen.

Be careful not to use too much alcohol, as you don't want any liquid getting inside your laptop. Then, follow up with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any residue.

And That's How to Clean a Laptop

And that's it! Your laptop is now clean and ready for use. Be sure to disinfect it regularly to prevent the build-up of dirt and debris.

Following these steps on how to clean a laptop, you can clean it the right way and keep it running like new. Regular cleaning will help to extend its lifespan and keep it looking its best.

If you need any other accessories or are ready to upgrade, Tech Bitz n PC's is here to help. Visit our website for the latest types of laptops, tablets, and accessories. And be sure to check out our how-to guides to learn more about caring for a laptop.