How to Clean Your Electronics Safely

Keeping your electronics clean isn’t just about appearance - dust and grime can cause overheating, poor connections, and premature failure. But cleaning electronics incorrectly can cause just as much damage. Here’s how to clean your devices safely.

General Safety Rules

Before cleaning any electronic device:

• Power off and unplug the device
• Wait for it to cool if it’s been running
• Remove batteries when possible
• Never spray liquids directly onto electronics
• Use minimal moisture - damp, not wet
• Avoid paper towels - they can scratch screens

Cleaning Screens and Displays

TVs, monitors, laptops, phones, and tablets all require gentle screen care.

What to Use

• Microfiber cloths (the only safe choice)
• Distilled water for light cleaning
• 50/50 mix of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol for stubborn spots
• Screen-specific cleaners (optional)

What to Avoid

• Paper towels (cause micro-scratches)
• Tissues or napkins
• Glass cleaners like Windex (contain ammonia)
• Rubbing alcohol directly on screens
• Abrasive cloths or scrubbers

Cleaning Technique

1. Power off the display
2. Dust first with a dry microfiber cloth
3. For smudges, slightly dampen the cloth
4. Wipe in one direction, not circles
5. Use a dry microfiber to buff and remove streaks
6. Let dry completely before powering on

Cleaning Keyboards

Keyboards accumulate more debris than almost any other device.

Routine Cleaning

• Turn the keyboard upside down and shake gently
• Use compressed air between keys (short bursts)
• Wipe key surfaces with a slightly damp microfiber
• Use a cotton swab for edges and crevices

Deep Cleaning

For heavily soiled keyboards:

• Remove keycaps if possible (take a photo first for layout)
• Clean keycaps with mild soap and water
• Let keycaps dry completely before replacing
• Clean the base with compressed air and cotton swabs
• Never submerge a keyboard in water

Cleaning Computers

Laptop Exterior

• Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth
• Use cotton swabs for ports and crevices
• Clean the keyboard as described above
• Screen cleaning as described above

Desktop Computers

• Unplug and open the case
• Use compressed air to remove dust (work outside if possible)
• Blow air away from components, not into them
• Pay attention to fans, heatsinks, and vents
• Consider professional cleaning for heavy buildup

Laptop Vents

• Use compressed air in short bursts
• Hold fans in place while cleaning (prevents damage)
• Don’t insert anything into the vents
• Regular vent cleaning prevents overheating

Cleaning Audio Equipment

Speakers

• Dust with a soft brush or microfiber
• Use compressed air for grilles
• Don’t poke into speaker cones
• Wipe plastic/metal surfaces with damp cloth

Headphones

• Wipe ear pads with a slightly damp cloth
• Remove ear pads if possible for deeper cleaning
• Clean mesh grilles with a dry soft brush
• Never submerge headphones

Turntables

• Dust the platter and plinth with microfiber
• Clean the stylus with a dedicated stylus brush
• Wipe the tonearm with a dry cloth
• Never touch the stylus with your fingers

Cleaning Remote Controls

Remotes harbor significant bacteria and grime:

• Remove batteries
• Shake out debris
• Clean button crevices with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol
• Wipe surfaces with a disinfecting wipe or damp cloth
• Let dry completely before replacing batteries

Cleaning Gaming Consoles

Exterior

• Wipe with a dry microfiber first
• Use a slightly damp cloth for stubborn spots
• Clean vents with compressed air
• Keep controllers clean to prevent transferring oils

Controllers

• Wipe surfaces with isopropyl alcohol
• Use cotton swabs around buttons
• Clean thumbstick edges with a toothpick (carefully)
• Don’t get liquid into thumbstick mechanisms

Cleaning Cables and Connectors

Dirty connections cause signal problems:

• Unplug cables before cleaning
• Use isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab
• Clean connector pins gently
• Let dry before reconnecting
• Don’t use water on connectors

How Often to Clean

Weekly:

• Screens (quick dust)
• Keyboards (light cleaning)
• Remote controls

Monthly:

• Full screen cleaning
• Keyboard deep clean
• Computer vents
• Audio equipment dusting

Quarterly:

• Console and computer interiors
• Cable connections
• Full electronics inventory

Professional Cleaning

Consider professional help when:

• Dust is inside sealed devices
• Thermal paste needs replacement
• Vintage equipment needs careful attention
• You’re not comfortable opening devices

We offer deep cleaning services for computers, gaming systems, and audio equipment. Sometimes a professional cleaning can resolve issues you thought required repair.

Prevention Tips

Reduce how often you need to clean:

• Keep food and drinks away from electronics
• Wash hands before using devices
• Use dust covers when equipment isn’t in use
• Maintain good air quality with air purifiers
• Position equipment away from dust sources

Have electronics that need more than a cleaning? Bring them in for a free diagnosis and we’ll help determine if cleaning or repair is needed.