Cleaning Electronics: 5 Key Points to Remember

Electronics remain susceptible to damage. Dust stands as the biggest concern, although other threats remain. Dust, if left to sit on electronics, may block important components and cause the device to fail. Spills and contamination serve as other concerns. How can a person clean their electronics? What can they do to protect them? 

Ultrasonic Cleaning

High-value electronics benefit from ultrasonic cleaning. These devices emit sound pulses to clean the device quickly and efficiently. They remove contaminants without harming the device and address a wide range of contaminants. This includes grease, oil, dirt, dust, and soot. The cleaner reaches into areas other tools cannot access, such as cracks and crevices that may build up contaminants and do harm to the device. If you are interested in ultrasonic cleaning systems for your electronics, research the various devices available to find one that meets your needs and fits within your budget. 

Dusting

Screens attract dust and dirt, and owners should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning each specific device. However, never use a spray cleaner because it is difficult to control the spray. Any excess may drip into the device and do harm. If using a spray cleaner, spray it on a rag and wipe the screen using a circular motion. Furthermore, don’t use paper towels because they can damage the surface. 

Dirt and Debris

Dirt and debris may make their way into cracks and crevices of electronics or between the keys of a keyboard. Try to remove the contaminants with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Unplug the device or remove the batteries before doing so to prevent shocks. Canned air becomes of great help in removing contaminants that remain stuck after using the cotton swab. Next, use a rag dipped in the isopropyl alcohol to wipe the keys after making certain the alcohol won’t remove the letters.

Spills

Keep all food and liquid away from electronics. However, spills happen, and the owner must try to minimize the damage. Unplug the device immediately, and wipe up the spill right away to prevent it from spreading. Surface spills don’t need to be of much concern, but the owner should take more care in the future. If liquid makes its way into the device, try to dry it out or remove the cover and wipe up the spill. However, this could void the warranty. If the spill makes it into the device, call a professional for help.  

Disinfecting

Cleaning electronics may not be enough, especially handheld devices that come in frequent contact with your hands or surfaces. They need to be disinfected. A smartphone has more bacteria than the average toilet and the same holds for tablets. Invest in an antimicrobial spray designed specifically for touchscreens and microfiber cloths. Turn the device off, and dampen the microfiber cloth with the spray. Don’t saturate the cloth because any excess could make its way into the device. 

Thoroughly wipe the screen without touching the openings and ports. Let the spray sit for the recommended time on the product package. Use a fresh cloth to wipe the device clean. 

Keep electronics clean to prevent the spread of germs within a household or office. People often neglect their devices, particularly mobile ones, when cleaning. Doing so can be a mistake, as they tend to get dirty quickly. Incorporate electronics cleaning into your regular routine and consider investing in an ultrasonic device to make the process easier. No price can be put on your health.