Completely turn off and unplug your notebook before cleaning. (One such example is CleanScreen.) When in doubt, stick to products that are skin-safe. For the laptop panel, electronics stores sell dedicated screen cleaner solution (usually in a pump-spray form) in case you prefer a specialized product. These are too harsh for many surfaces, especially the screen. The alcohol has the nice side benefit of drying quickly.ĭefinitely avoid ammonia and bleach-based products. In addition, isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are effective for disinfecting the keyboard.

Dish soap (a strong mix at first, diluted 50/50 with water) and vinegar are appropriate for any surface. But water alone doesn’t disinfect or remove oil and other substances particularly well. (And the leftovers are great for teeth, too.)įor cleaning solutions, tap water or distilled water can be used for just about everything. They can coax hairs, crumbs, and other stubborn debris from their hiding places. You’ll also want to buy a packet of plastic dental cleaners, the type with tiny bristles, like miniature bottle brushes.

It’s quite effective for blasting debris from hard-to-reach spaces-with a key caveat we'll get into in a moment. Next, invest in a can of pressurized canned air, found online and in grocery and electronics stores. The least expensive microfiber will work fine. It’s easily found from major e-commerce sellers like Amazon or in grocery, automotive-supply, and dollar stores. Instead of a cotton rag or paper towels, which can leave behind dusty debris (some brands are better than others), use microfiber. Most of the cleaning supplies you need might already be in your home. On Your Marks, Get Your Cleaning Supplies We show you what to do and what to avoid, as well as share some handy tips on keeping your laptop looking clean all the time-not just when it achieves grungy critical mass. This guide goes through all aspects of laptop cleaning, including how to deal with its screen, the keyboard, the outside surfaces, the vents, and the ports. Basic cleaning supplies and 15 minutes of time can make your laptop look brand-new again.

Dust, coffee stains, oil from your fingertips, food particles, plain old grime: If your laptop shows any of those, it’s time to clean and disinfect.

How to clean your laptop screen