Useful Tips

To clean the screen of a monitor, a laptop or other devices, do not use strong cleaning solutions.  Use a soft cloth and some mild solution meant for this purpose.  Other solutions that can be used are glass cleaner or cleaning vinegar.  Avoid soapy products as which will result with some streaks on the screen.  If some spots on the surface seem difficult to get rid of, use a small amount of cleaning solution on the cleaning cloth and scrub repeatedly adding just a bit of pressure until the spots are gone.  Adding too much pressure can permanently damage the screen.

To clean the keyboard of a computer or a laptop, do not use solutions that can leave a buildup or coating around and under the keys.  First, use compressed air to dislodge any dirt or debris from under the keys.  Use a small brush and gently brush around each key to loosen any dirt.  Be careful not to pull the keys off as they are often difficult to reset in place.  A small amount of cleaning solution or alcohol can be spray on the brush to help clean more in depth (DO NOT spray any liquid or solution directly on the keyboard).  Then use compressed air again to remove any residue left and to dry off the solution if you have used any.

As there are many different types of casing for computers and laptops such as metal, plastic, painted with a glossy and matte varnish, the type of cleaning solution used may vary.  Generally, mild solutions such as glass cleaner or cleaning vinegar are safe to use.  Plastic and metal casing are usually resistant to several types of cleansers but it is best to avoid strong solutions.  Painted casings are more vulnerable; a strong solution may remove a layer of varnish and even the paint itself if scrubbed heavily or repeatedly.  Avoid using solutions or soapy substances that can leave a coating on the surface.

To clean the fan of a laptop or similar device from outside, use compressed air shooting air directly through the opening in the casing.  If a fan is noisy before this process, compare the change before and after shooting the air in.  If a fan is still noisy after this process, you will probably need to have an internal cleaning done.  If the fan produces a rattling sound, it likely needs to be replaced.  It is a good idea to clean the fan regularly at least externally with compressed air.  Keeping a the fan of a device clean helps prevent overheating of the device’s other internal components.

For desktop computers, it is a good idea to use compressed air to clean regularly the fan of power supplies that are accessible from outside the casing.  Cooling fans facing outward on such devices are generally more open and push the air out from the whole casing. Consequently, if compressed air is used to clean this type fan, the dirt from it will be spread over the components inside the casing.  It is therefore better to occasionally open the casing and clean the fan with a small brush and then with compressed air.  As this process can generate a certain amount of dust coming out of the device, you may consider wearing a dust mask and it is advised to do this process outdoor or in a place where dust coming out would not be an issue.