How to Clean Your Laptop

Cleaning a laptop computer is a simple process that can help to improve the overall performance of your notebook. It's an important maintenance task to do regularly - yearly or more frequently as needed, to get rid of dirt and dust that can damage your display or other parts, affecting your laptop's performance.  

Materials

You'll need the following things to clean your laptop:

•Isopropyl alcohol. Because it evaporates quickly and doesn't leave a residue, isopropyl alcohol is safe to use on electronic equipment and LCD displays. Do not use: ammonia, tap water, mineral water, and household window cleaners.

 •Distilled or purified water or bottled water. Do not use: Tap water (can leave permanent mineral spots)

 •Can of compressed air, commonly available at office supply stores.

 •Lint-free cloth, like the kind used for cleaning eyeglasses. In a pinch you can use a soft, 100% cotton cloth. Do not use: paper towels, facial tissues, or scratchy or abrasive cloths.

 Prepare to Clean

 •Make sure the computer is off and unplugged, and remove the battery.

 •Make a 1:1 cleaning solution using the water and alcohol.

 •Dampen the cloth with the cleaning solution--it should be slightly moistened rather than very wet. Also, never spray anything directly on the computer; the liquid should go on the cloth first.

Laptop Parts to Clean - The general parts of the laptop you should keep clean are: the case, the LCD screen, the laptop keyboard (and touchpad), the ports, and the cooling vents.

1.      Clean the Laptop Case- Use the damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the laptop. This will help you make it look brand-new again. Then open the lid and wipe the areas around your keyboard.

2.      Clean the LCD Screen - Clean the display using the same cloth or a new moistened one if the original is too grimy (again, don't spray any solution directly on the screen). Use gentle circular motions or wipe the screen from left to right, top to bottom.

3.      Clean the Keyboard and Touchpad - Use a can of compressed air to loosen and remove dirt, crumbs, and everything else that may be stuck in the keys. Alternately, you can use an old toothbrush to loosen debris.

4.      Clean the Ports and Cooling Vents - Use the can of compressed air to clean the case openings: the ports and cooling vents. Spray from an angle so the debris is blown away from the computer, rather than into it. Finally, use the damp cloth to wipe the keys and the touchpad.

Also, be careful when spraying the fans, because if you spray too hard liquid may get in the fan blades. To prevent the fans from overspinning while you're blowing the air on them (which can damage the fans), place a cotton swab or toothpick between the fan blades to hold them in place.

Last But Not Least - Make sure your laptop is completely dry before turning it on.

- Janet F, Marketing Coordinator

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
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Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca  or service@northerncomputer.ca
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