CLEANING ISSUES TIPS TO CLEAN YOUR LAPTOP

You carry it around and make optimum use of it, but how often do you actually clean your laptop? Dirt can build up anywhere -- inside and on your laptop -- and this can mar your display, affect the performance of the fans and block or cause problems with I/O (input/output) ports.

What you would need to clean your laptop: compressed air, cotton swabs, cleaning solution, a soft cleaning cloth such as a cotton t-shirt.

To clean the exterior/casing:
• Use a soft damp cloth such as an old cotton t-shirt.
• Don't use harsh cleaning products or spray cleaning solution directly onto the casing -- spray onto a cloth first.

To clean the cooling vents:
• Use a can of compressed air to clean the cooling vents.
• Be careful not to spray the compressed air too hard and get liquid on the fan blades.
• Use cotton swabs to hold the fan in place while you clean it.

To clean the I/O ports:
• Use cotton swabs to wipe away large pieces of dirt that have accumulated.
• Compressed air can be used as well to blow the rest of the dirt away.
• Just be careful to not blow dirt into the I/O Ports.

To clean the screen:
• Turn off the laptop before cleaning the display. This will make the dirt more easily visible on the screen.
• Always use a non-abrasive cloth such as a cotton t-shirt. Never use paper towels or tissues to clean your display.
• Do not use any ammonia based cleaners on the display as they are known to leave a film.
• Always spray on a cloth first then wipe the screen from left to right, top to bottom.
• You can make your own cleaning solution using isopropyl alcohol and water. Mix them in the ratio 1:1.

To clean the keyboard:
• Compressed air can be used on the keyboard to get rid of dirt build-up.
• Cotton swabs are useful for cleaning in and around keys.

To Spruce Up A Dragging Mouse

Periodically, when you feel your mouse dragging, take the mouse apart. Turn it over in your hand, twist the ring around the mouse ball until it opens into your hand, turn the mouse upside down until the mouse ball falls into your hand, then blow out the inside of the mouse. Look inside at the rollers and wipe it with an anti-static wipe. Check for dirt that has built up on the rollers and scrape it off. Clean off the ball, put back into mouse and close it up.

Note: Never spray any kind of liquid (i.e. cleaning fluid) onto any part of the computer.

Keep all paint, glue, glitter, etc. away from a computer. Make sure the children have clean hands before using the computer.

KEEP YOUR CD CLEAN

Has your CD been exposed to dust, or did you touch it with slightly greasy fingers? When in doubt use water or isopropyl alcohol and wipe the CD from hub to edge with a clean cloth. Note that you MUST NOT rub in a circular pattern.