The following steps are intended as guidelines to follow when cleaning your computer equipment. The best approach is to read your manufacturer's instructions before cleaning any of your computer components as your particular piece of equipment may have specific cleaning instructions. These steps are considered both accurate and safe for most makes and models of equipment and Vital Knowledge Software Inc. is in no way responsible for any damage that may be caused by not following the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.
Please select a piece of equipment to learn how to clean from the following menu:
Monitor | Mouse | Keyboard | External Devices
Monitor
- Never use alcohol, ammonia-based liquid, or aerosol spray to clean the monitor! These liquids will damage the surface of the monitor.
- Check the instructions before using any over-the-counter cleaning product for electronics. These products generally are designed for very specific uses and not all are safe to use on glass surfaces.
- The user's manual that came with your monitor should contain cleaning instructions.
- Turn the monitor off and unplug it from its outlet. Let the monitor cool down before cleaning.
To Clean the Case:
- Wipe the monitor's cabinet with a cloth dampened with either water or household glass cleaner. Do not spray cleaner directly onto the case's surface and make sure that the cloth is not wet enough to let liquid drip into the vents as this can damage the internal circuits.
- If the case is very dirty, you can use a cloth dampened with soapy water to wipe it. Use very little soap and make sure it is mild (e.g. dishwashing detergent). Wipe the surface again with a damp clean cloth to remove any soap residue.
To Clean the Screen: (Use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the screen)
- There are some monitors that have a delicate anti-glare coating on which you cannot use household glass cleaner. This is very rare, however it is best the consult the user manual that came with your monitor to make sure that using glass cleaner is safe. If it is not safe to use glass cleaner then follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.
- In most cases you can use household glass cleaner on a soft cloth to wipe the monitor's screen. It is important to never spray cleaner directly onto the screen as this can cause liquid to drip into the monitor / computer and damage the internal circuits.
Mouse
The mouse contains a small ball that must roll smoothly in order for the mouse to work properly. The best way to keep your mouse working properly is to use it on a clean, lint-free surface (mouse pad) and clean it routinely. This preventative maintenance can increase the life of your mouse.
To Clean the Mouse:
- Turn off your computer and disconnect the mouse from the computer.
- Turn the mouse upside-down and turn or press (this will depend on the type of mouse you have) the plastic ring that holds the mouse ball in place to remove the ball.
- Use a cotton swab moistened with water or isopropyl alcohol to wipe the three small rollers inside the mouse. Make sure to rotate the rollers to clean all around them and free any dirt that has built up or wrapped around them.
- Wipe the mouse ball with a soft, lint-free cloth that is both clean and dry. If the mouse ball is very dirty, you can use a mild soap (dishwashing liquid) to wash it with warm soapy water. Make sure to dry the mouse thoroughly after washing it.
- Blow gently into the mouse case to free any dust that has collected inside.
- Put the mouse ball back into the case and replace the ring.
- Make sure to reconnect the mouse to the computer before turning the computer back on.
Keyboard
The keyboard contains many areas between the keys that can trap dust and crumbs. In order to keep your keyboard functioning properly it should be kept clear of dust and dirt. It is a good practice not to eat or drink while at your computer as food particles and liquids can damage the keyboard and other computer components. This preventative maintenance can increase the life of your keyboard.
To Clean the Keyboard:
- Turn off your computer and disconnect the keyboard.
- Gently, turn the keyboard upside-down and shake it lightly to free any loose debris.
- If there is still a great deal of dust / debris between the keys of the keyboard, you can use a can of compressed air to carefully blow out any dust that remains between the keys.
- Wipe the surface of the keyboard gently using a soft cloth slightly dampened with water, household glass cleaner, or isopropyl alcohol. Make sure that the cloth is only slightly damp so that liquid does not drip into the grooves between the keys. If the keyboard is particularly dirty, mild soapy water may be used.
- Once you have finished cleaning the keyboard, run the cloth over the cable to clean off any dust or dirt.
- Reconnect the keyboard to the computer before turning the computer back on.
External Devices
- Never use alcohol, ammonia-based liquid, or aerosol spray to clean the case! These liquids will damage the surface.
- Check the instructions before using any over-the-counter cleaning product for electronics.
- The user's manual that came with your computer should have instructions for cleaning your equipment.
- Turn the computer off and unplug it from its outlet.
To Clean the Case and Exterior of External Devices:
- Wipe the surface with a cloth dampened with either water or household glass cleaner. Make sure that the cloth is only slightly damp so that liquid will not drip into openings in the computer's case or into the drives where it can damage the internal circuits.