They’re in our hands, day after day: our smartphones, laptops, and tablets. They’ve become vital parts of our lives, but do you take the time to clean them like you do with your kitchen, bathroom, or car? Probably not. Here are some tips and tricks to get those devices sparkling like new again.

One important thing to always remember when cleaning your device: Never, ever, ever put liquid directly on the device. Only ever put it on the cloth you’re using to clean.

Laptops

  1. Before you get started, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning your device. Some manufacturers have different recommendations for different surfaces and materials.
  2. Use condensed air to blow the dust, crumbs, and pet hair out of your keyboard. Before you get started, turn off your laptop and disconnect the power cord. Using a can of air (make sure you follow the instructions on the can), blow out the space around the keys, the various outlets, and those other cracks and crevices. Use short bursts of air to avoid creating condensation. Also, remember to invert and angle the laptop itself, not the can of air. Keeping the can of air upright will also keep from creating condensation.
  3. Clean the outside and inside case. Use a microfiber cloth, or cotton ball or swab, and dip it in water or isopropyl alcohol (90% is best), but make sure to check your make and model’s recommended cleaning materials (Apple recommends against using anything but water). Wring out the excess liquid (and again, never put a cleaning liquid straight on the device!) and use it to clean the hard surfaces of your laptop. It may take some extra work to get all the grime, depending on the condition.
  4. Clean the screen and bezel with a dry microfiber cloth. Don’t be tempted to use a harsh cleaner like window or surface cleaner. It’s not good for your screen! You should be able to clean the screen with a dry microfiber cloth. If you need a little more cleaning power, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth (but make sure you check your make and model for the recommended cleaning materials. Here are Apple’s recommendations.).

Mobile Phones and Tablets

  1. If you use a case, remove it first and clean it. There’s no use cleaning your device only to put it back in a dirty case. Don’t use anything to clean your case that you wouldn’t use to clean your phone. Remaining residue could get on your device and ruin the screen or other surfaces.
  2. Using a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth, clean the surfaces of your device with water.
  3. Don’t use condensed air on your phone. Instead, use a dry cotton swab to clean those smaller openings that are harder to reach.

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