General Electronic Cleaning
Have you ever stopped and thought about how many different types of electronics we have in our lives? Things like laptops, PCs, televisions, iPods, radios, DVD players, and so many other things that we end up using during the course of the day are all electronic in nature. With so many different kinds of electronics in our lives, it only makes sense that we need to know how to clean them. Luckily there are some general steps that you can take to care of your electronics. General electronic cleaning is going to be pretty much the same regardless of what kind of electronic device you are using.
- Dusting. Everything has a tendency to collect dust, and this is especially true about electronic devices. If you aren't careful and do some regular dusting, then over time the dust will settle and thicken enough to block or clog important parts and components. Regularly dust your electronic devices, at least once a week. This will help avoid these devices getting fried and needing to be replaced.
- Spills. While it should be needless to say, liquids really don't mix with electronics. While most people would never think of taking a laptop or other electronic device anywhere near a bathtub, pool, or sink, no one really stops to think about drinking near their electronics. In the event of an accidental spill, the first thing that you need to do is limit the amount of damage that could happen; do this by unplugging or disconnecting the power source. Try to dry out the equipment as much as possible, and wipe off any excess liquids that you find. Once everything has completely dried out, try reconnecting the power source. If everything is working fine, then you were lucky. In the event that there has been some kind of damage, then you will need to consult with a repairman.
- Screens. Screens have a tendency to collect all kinds of dirt and grime. In large part this is from the static electricity that builds up when they are in use, and another reason is because we have a tendency to touch screens. The dirt and oils from our fingers will leave smudges that can attract even more dirt and dust. When cleaning screens only use glass cleaners that are free from any ammonia, or isopropyl alcohol. Never spray these cleaners directly onto the screen (remember liquids and electronics don't mix). Rather spray it onto a rag or cloth and then wipe the screen clean.
- Keyboards. Usually all you will need to do to clean a keyboard is periodically dust it, and use some compressed air to get the dust out of the nooks and crannies. However, if you find yourself needing some deeper cleaning then make sure that you disconnect the keyboard from the computer first to help prevent any electrical accidents. In the event that you find a stuck or dead key, then try turning the keyboard over and shaking it. This should dislodge a majority of the debris that may be trapped under the keys. If you still have problems, then take it to a professional to be cleaned. You can use a damp cloth to clean sticky messes, or other caked on dirt from a keyboard only if the cloth is damp (not wet), and the board has been disconnected from any power source.