If you’re wondering how to best sanitize a computer screen, you’re not alone. The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the importance of getting rid of the viruses, bacteria, and germs that can lurk on surfaces, including a computer screen, keyboard, and mouse.
Whether you share a computer with someone else or not, contamination can pose health risks, and the buildup of dirt can even compromise the performance of your technology. Because of this, all computer users need to know how to clean and disinfect electronic devices.
How to Sanitize a Computer Screen Safely
Even if you never touch your laptop or desktop screen, it can still end up with smears and smudges. And your computer screen can get downright gross and toxic if you use your system while sick or have small children with sticky fingers (especially during the boiling Arizona summer days when kids tend to live off popsicles and ice cream). Here are the steps to sanitize a computer and laptop screen for fewer germs and a clearer view:
- Turn off your power and unplug your device to prevent a nasty shock and potential damage. If you have a laptop with a removable battery, it’s a good idea to take it out temporarily.
- Using a microfiber cloth, gently wipe your screen to clean off dust and smears.
- According to CNET, you can also use a solution of one drop of dish soap to a bowl of warm water.
- With a dampened cloth, gently wipe your computer screen and then wipe it again with only warm water.
- One last time, gently wipe your screen using a microfiber cloth.
Thoroughly Cleaning Your Keyboard
People commonly snack throughout the day while working and even eat full meals over their keyboards, which can lead to sticky and dirty keys. Follow the steps below to disinfect and bring new life back into your keyboard.
- First, power down. Again, if you use a laptop, unplug it and take out the battery when possible. If you have a wireless keyboard, remove the battery before cleaning.
- Spray your keyboard with canned air to remove any dust or leftover crumbs.
- Lightly dab a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently swab each key in a circular motion. Do this carefully to ensure your efforts don’t remove the lettering.
- Using a microfiber cloth, dry the keyboard. Wait until everything is completely dry to replace your battery and use your system again.
Disinfecting Your Computer Mouse
With the wide variety of computer mice available, there isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution to disinfecting all of them. For example, an angular “gamer” mouse with a ton of buttons will be harder to clean (just take a look at this one!) than a small, ergonomic, mouse. But, here are some general steps you can take to sanitize a mouse:
- As with any other piece of electronics, unplug it before you clean it.
- First, take a lint-free, damp cloth to the surface of your mouse so you can dislodge any obvious grime.
- Next, consider using an alcohol-based spray that you leave on for a few minutes and then wipe off with a clean cloth. Don’t forget to spray and wipe down the cord.
- Finally, you can take a toothpick to any seams or grips where dirt can build up.
Final Thoughts on Sanitizing a Computer
Keeping your technology thoroughly wiped down can go a long way towards reducing the spread of germs in a home or workplace. You can use these tips to sanitize a computer and its components, but you might need some additional assistance.
At DML Computer Repair, we deliver personalized computer repair solutions to customers throughout the Colorado Springs area. As a locally-owned and operated business, our goal is to provide the highest level of service at an affordable price.
Contact us today for a free computer diagnosis.
Read More on Computer Maintenance
5 Things You’re Doing Wrong That Could Damage Your Computer Beyond Repair