Of course, we wash our hands on the regular, scrub out our sinks, and even clean our coffeemakers. But when it comes to cleaning, how often do you think about technology? The thing is, since we touch our devices throughout the day—and every day—experts recommend giving them a quick clean about once a week.
Here’s what you’ll need:
• A micro-fiber cloth
• Alcohol wipes
• Or, you could pick up a cleaning kit manufactured specifically for cleaning delicate electronics. It’s not necessary, but some folks prefer to pay a little more for the convenience of an all-in-one kit.
The most important thing to keep in mind? Read over the manual for any device you’d like to clean beforehand, to double-check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. First up: Your smartphone.
Do a little research on your phone and double-check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning. You could spring for a cleaning kit or stock up on special electronic wipes. But the cheapest and most effective move? Plain old alcohol wipes, says Jolie Kerr, author of My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag…And Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha. The little antiseptic clothes come individually wrapped and easily sanitize your device.
Clean the screen and all the other surfaces on your phone with an alcohol wipe. Once you’ve de-germed, use a microfiber cloth to remove any streaks. Aim to clean your phone—and, while we’re at it, all the electronic devices your family uses regularly—about once a week.
How to Clean Your Computer Keyboard
First things first: If you have a laptop, shut it down. If you’re cleaning a desktop keyboard, unplug it from the computer. Turn the keyboard upside down over a trashcan or kitchen sink and shake it to remove any loose debris. Using a can of compressed air, spray the area around each key to remove any dust or dirt.
Next, take an alcohol wipe (or electronic wipe) and clean the keys. For particular gunky keys or areas, a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol will do the trick. For scuffs or accidental pen marks on the bezel, use a Magic Eraser.
How to Clean Your Tablet
“Microfiber cloths are the way to go for getting smudges, fingerprints, and spittle from errant sneezes off of a tablet, phone, or computer screen,” says Kerr. “Just keep in mind that the microfiber won’t remove the germs that go along with these things.”
Knock out both issues with Kerr’s go-to system: Wipe with a microfiber cloth, then clean the screen with an alcohol wipe (or electronic cleaning wipe). Finish with a clean microfiber cloth to polish off any remaining smudges or streaks.
How to Clean Your Computer Screen
Computer screens are sturdier than delicate keyboards and touch-sensitive smartphone screens, but they still require careful cleaning. Wipe the screen with a lint-free or microfiber cloth to remove any dust or dirt, then carefully swipe an alcohol wipe over the surface to de-germ. Finish with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any moisture or smears.
If your computer’s in a high-traffic area of the house—or if your kids use it often and tend to touch the screen—aim to clean it once a week.
How to Clean Your Earbuds
Earbuds take a lot of abuse. They get thrown in a purse or gym bag, shoved in our ears, rolled up into a ball. No matter what you read elsewhere, never submerge your earbuds in soapy water or hold them under running water. Any cleaning tactics that involve too much liquid will ruin the wiring.
Kerr advises to turn, again, to the trusty alcohol wipe. Clean the section that actually goes in your ear, then run a clean wipe down the length of the cord to remove any germs that have latched on. If your earbuds have any removable covers, take them off and clean them separately. Notice any wax (ew!) building up in the crevices? Use a dry toothbrush to dislodge any buildup.
You might be surprised how much more clearly you can hear your tunes post-cleaning.
How to Clean Your Computer Mouse
Unplug your mouse and remove any batteries. Wipe the computer mouse down with a micro-fiber or lint-free cloth on all sides. Now do the same with an alcohol wipe or disinfecting wipe. If any moisture remains, swipe a clean micro-fiber cloth back over the top and bottom of the mouse before plugging it back in. To banish germs between cleanings, unplug the mouse and run a disinfecting wipe over the top, holding your hand (with the wipe between it and the mouse) as if you were using the device to be sure you touch each spot your fingers typically touch.
How to Clean Your TV Screen
The TVs of yesteryear, with their glass screens, were pretty low-maintenance. Today’s plasma and LCD flat screens require a little more TLC; an abrasive cleaner or scrubber can easily damage the surface. As always, check your manual for any specific cleaning instructions.
Your TV screen probably gets dusty—but not exactly dirty. Take a clean, soft, lint-free cloth and lightly wipe the screen. If there’s a smudge or a more stubborn spot, dampen a corner of the cloth with a tiny bit of water, and lightly wipe the spot with that corner, followed by a dry corner of the cloth. Be careful not to press too hard, which could damage the screen.
While you’re at it, dust the unit your TV sits on, along with the cable box, consoles, and other surfaces in the area; televisions act as a magnet for dust.
How to Clean Your Remote Control and Video-Game Controllers
Disconnect your remote or game controller from their power sources. Take out any batteries, and unplug any hard-wired devices. Over a trashcan or kitchen sink, use a clean, dry toothbrush to brush any dust or dirt out from large buttons or joysticks. (A can of compressed air will work here, too.) Do you see any crevices or seams along the side of their device? Fold a piece of printer paper in half a few times, to create a thick, sturdy point; use the corner of the paper to scrape along the seam, releasing any grime that might have lodged itself inside.
Take a disinfecting wipe or alcohol wipe and clean the entire thing, buttons, and all. Let any lingering liquid evaporate before replacing the batteries or plugging the controllers back in. This is another chore to add to the weekly list, especially if you’ve got avid gamers in the house.