Cleaning your Tech

As many of us are spending more time at home, we’re also using our tech devices more than ever, so it’s especially important to keep those devices clean, both internally and externally.

Disinfect your devices

1. Turn your device off and unplug it before you start cleaning it. Let it completely air dry before turning it back on.

2. Use alcohol-based disinfectant wipes to clean your tech (avoiding any openings) and tech accessories (e.g., charging cables, computer mouse).

3. Wipe down your screens using a microfibre cloth or specific screen-cleaning wipes.

4. Never apply liquid directly to your tech, and only use household cleaners if they’re specifically designed for tech.

5. Use a can of compressed air to remove dust from your technology’s inner components. This can also be used for your keyboards and routers.

6. Clean your phone or tablet case using warm water and soap if it’s a plastic case and a cloth, warm water and laundry detergent if it’s a fabric one.
   
   

Do a digital deep clean

1. Clean up your desktop by deleting things you don’t need and organising your files into folders.

2. Delete apps you don’t use or update them to the newest version.

3. Update your software, both your operating system and virus protection, to the most current version.

4. Run diagnostics tests, which can be found in your computer’s settings, to ensure everything’s operating properly.

5. Clear up space by uploading your photos and videos to a cloud storage service and deleting old text messages and emails.

6. Upgrade your security by changing your passwords and checking what personal information different apps and websites have access to (this can be done in your device settings).

7. Backup your data using physical storage (such as an external hard drive) or digital storage (such as a cloud service).

Cleaning and organising your tech may seem like a daunting task, but you’ll feel so much better once it’s done. Here are more tips for maintaining your tech.

Household rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol is great for cleaning electronics

It kills fungus, bacteria and viruses, including E. coli, S. aureus, and the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

• Screen Spray is a special alcohol-free cleaner that is specially made to clean screens.

• Disposable Screen Wipes are perfect for keeping in your purse for wiping down your cell phone while you’re out and about.

• Canned air is an essential when cleaning out dust in small spaces. It doesn’t work for every task, but it’s essential enough that we always keep a can on hand.

• Cotton Pads are a good, soft, cleaning tool. You’ll spray these with the rubbing alcohol, or water, instead of spraying the liquid directly on the tech.

• Rubbing Alcohol is another essential but there are certain items that should not be cleaned with rubbing alcohol so ensure that it can be used.

• Microfibre Cloths are extra soft and won’t leave lint when you use them and also prevent scratches when you’re cleaning monitors and other screens.

• Soft Brushes, the kind you use for makeup, are probably my favorite tool for cleaning technology. It is essential for dusting and is very gentle, especially for cameras and keyboards.

• Tweezers are used for delicately grabbing flakes or dust bunnies that get lodged in crevices.

• Ear buds are good for gathering dust in small places.

• Toothpicks are great for scraping out small areas where grime can hide.

• Lint-free Lens Cloths are essential for making sure your cameras see clearly. Use one from your glasses if you don't have one on hand specifically for a camera.