Once there’s no more visible debris, start cleaning with a clean cloth, isopropyl alcohol, and cotton swabs. Using a can of compressed air, clear any crumbs from the surface of your keys. If you ever eat while working on your computer, your keyboard will likely need regular cleaning. Keep your keyboard spotlessĬrumbs, dust, and sticking keys happen to the best of us. Then, dampen the cloth with water-make sure the cloth isn’t too wet, as any dripping liquid may damage the internal parts of your computer. Wipe down your computer screen with a dry cloth to remove excess dust. Using the slightly moistened cloth, gently wipe the computer screen from right to left without too much pressure, making sure you've cleaned every inch of the surface.Defender makes security simple. And note: You should never spray a solution directly onto the screen, because you could end up spraying liquid into the speakers, camera, keyboard, or parts of the monitor that are not compatible with water, says Button. You only need a bit-a light misting will do. That may suffice for mildly dirty screens, but for a deeper clean you can spray another soft cloth with the cleaning solution outlined above. If you're using a water-based solution, spray it on the cloth, not your screen. Use a soft, dry cloth or cotton ball to gently wipe off any obvious dust, dirt, and debris, so as not to rub tiny specks of dust or dirt into the screen, says Button. Then, wipe off any dust, dirt, and debris.

Fingerprints and smudges are much more visible on a black screen.

This is not only safer if you're using any liquids, but it also makes cleaning easier. Ready to get started? Turn off the computer first. However, if you're adamant about getting a little extra cleaning power, you can try Lysol wipes or a 1:1 dilution of rubbing alcohol and water on non-LCD screens. But if your screen has some stubborn spots, water is the best alternative. Your dry cloth will pick up particles and germs, says Button. And skip things like eyeglass cleaner, which won't disinfect.

It's only made for glass, and can be too harsh for delicate computer screens, says Button. The bottom line: It depends on the type of computer screen you have, says Button.Īvoid using Windex on a screen. If you're concerned about germs, you might wonder whether you can use stronger household cleaners for the task. Play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play Instead of Windex and eyeglass cleaners, try water and alcohol.

How to clean your laptop screen