How Often Should You Clean Your Computer?
Everything needs to be cleaned regularly, including your computer, whether you have a laptop or a desktop with a tower. So, whether you're working, gaming, or streaming, get ready to clean your computer. According to a 2018 study published in the "International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health," researchers took samples from the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy employees' computer keyboards. They found that 96% of the keyboards were contaminated with bacteria. No bacteria was found after disinfecting the keyboards with antibacterial wet wipes. Researchers recommend using 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes for keyboards.
The more people that use your computer, the more often you need to clean it, and not just the keyboard — your mouse, screen, and rest of the computer surface too. Reader's Digest recommends cleaning your computer every two weeks. So get ready to clean off that dust, bacteria, and any food particles. It won't take long. Here's how.
How to clean your computer
According to Driver Support, you'll need a can of compressed air, 70% isopropyl alcohol, a microfiber cloth, and some cotton swabs. Unplug your keyboard if you're using a separate keyboard. If you're using a laptop, shut it down. Turn your keyboard or laptop upside down and shake loose anything that might be stuck in there. Be more gentle with a laptop. Spray the compressed air while holding the nozzle about half an inch away from the keys. This will remove more particles. Turn it over and shake again. Use a cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean in between keys.
HP recommends using a microfiber cloth and screen-safe cleaner — such as isopropyl alcohol — to clean your laptop or monitor screen. Alternatively, you could use 70% isopropyl alcohol wet wipes. Apply some cleaner to the cloth, but just enough to dampen it. Never spray anything directly on your screen or keyboard. Avoid using anything dripping wet. Instead, wipe down the screen using circular motions until it's clean, whether that's with the cloth or wet wipes. Do the same thing with your mouse, keyboard, and other computer surfaces. Mark your calendar for two weeks from now to do it again. It only takes a few minutes.