Are your gadgets looking a bit worse for wear? You’re not alone – unless you keep up with regular maintenance, they can start to look pretty grimy. In this article, we’ll take a look at 8 common cleaning mistakes so you can keep your devices looking sharp and new.
Contents
Using the Wrong Cleaning Solution
When cleaning our devices, it’s important to remember that not all cleaning solutions are made the same. Using harsh or abrasive chemicals can scratch your device or damage its sensitive components. Instead, you should look for cleaning wipes specially formulated to clean electronic surfaces. Furthermore, make sure the product is safe for LCD and LED screens as well as other components such as keyboards or mouse pads.
Also avoid using household cleaners such as bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, or even glass cleaner – many of these contain corrosive ingredients that aren’t compatible with your electronics. If none of these options appeal to you, you can also make your own solution using a mixture of seven parts water and one part vinegar – just be sure to test out the solution on a small patch first before applying your mixture over your device with a soft cloth!
If you’re not comfortable cleaning your electronics yourself, it’s best to leave it to the experts and hire professional cleaners who specialize in electronic cleaning.
Neglecting to Turn Off Your Device
Before you begin cleaning the outside of your device, make sure that it is turned off. While it may seem obvious to some, many people forget to do this, and can damage the device if they start to clean while it is powered on. Also, many devices are sensitive to water, so be sure to dry off any excess moisture quickly and thoroughly. Using a soft lint-free cloth can also help ensure you don’t scratch your device while cleaning.
Scrubbing Too Hard or With Abrasive Materials
When cleaning your tech gadgets, it’s important to exercise caution when scrubbing or using abrasive materials. Abrasive materials – such as paper towels, steel wool, and even brushes – can remove resistors on circuit boards and damage sensitive capacitors. They also can cause permanent scratches on glossy surfaces, making them difficult and/or impossible to remove.
To avoid scratching the surface of your devices, use a gentle cloth or a cotton swab with warm water or an alcohol-based cleaning solution if necessary. Be sure to dab rather than rub when cleaning screens, keyboards, and other surfaces.
Not Considering the Manufacturer’s Recommendations
When cleaning your gadgets, it’s important to consider the manufacturer’s instructions. Every device is different, and not all cleaning solutions or methods are suitable for each piece of technology. Some devices may require special cleaners or may be damaged by water or other liquids. Even using a cloth that’s too abrasive for a particular device could cause scratches and mechanical damage.
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before starting any cleaning regimen, and eliminate any materials that aren’t recommended from your toolbox of supplies. Also be aware that while some companies might include general “cleaning” instructions in their product manuals, they are often more concerned with the safety than the aesthetics of their products. Therefore, try to find detailed tutorials specifically related to your device (For example, searching on YouTube) in order to ensure that you understand the most appropriate methods for maintaining it properly and safely.
Not Cleaning Your Screen Regularly
It’s easy to forget to clean your phone, tablet, or laptop’s screen, but this is a mistake you don’t want to make! Doing so regularly can help you keep your device functioning at its potential and looking as nice as the day you purchased it.
Make sure you power off the device before starting the cleaning process and begin by using a damp microfiber cloth or screen wipe to get it to look sparkling clean. To remove smudges and fingerprints, use gentle pressure in a circular motion in one area of the screen. Be careful not to press down too hard or use any harsh materials when wiping the surface of your device’s display, as they could damage it. You may also want to avoid using products with ammonia or alcohol, as these chemicals could cause harm if used with certain devices.
Not Cleaning Your Keyboard or Buttons
It is important to not overlook the keyboard or buttons of your gadgets when it comes to cleaning. Not only can dirt and dust accumulate on them, but hand oils can also build up over time. For example, if you use a laptop or tablet, its keys will probably be quite dirty after some time of usage.
Cleaning these parts requires caution because the wrong cleaning products could damage them. A variety of methods are available for different types of keyboards and buttons. If you’re cleaning a laptop keyboard, for instance, it is often advisable to use an electronic vacuum cleaner to remove any debris from between the keys without disturbing them; after that, use a soft cloth sprayed with appropriate cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe away any residue or dust.
Buttons such as volume and power controls usually need to be cleaned using q-tips and alcohol wipes. Additionally, conductive contact cleaners should be used when cleaning audio jacks in order to avoid damaging other components on the device.
Not Properly Cleaning Charging Ports
Charging ports – the vulnerable low spots found on almost every device where dust and grime can settle in – are particularly important to clean thoroughly. If dust accumulates here, it can ruin the port or interfere with the charging process.
To keep your ports in working order, use a cotton swab or a soft-bristled brush to sweep away any dirt buildup. You can also use compressed air to remove any stuck-on particles. Avoid using excess water or liquid, as moisture can damage the circuitry and lead to irreparable damage.
Additionally, avoid using any type of cleaner that contains alcohol or ammonia as these could corrode any metallic components in your device’s charging ports or other openings. Soft is always best when cleaning these sensitive parts of your gadgets!
Not Regularly Cleaning Your Device’s Case or Cover
Regularly cleaning your device’s case or cover is an important part of ensuring that it looks new and performs optimally. Dust, dirt, and other debris can find their way into the crevices of your device, so it’s important that you take the time to wipe down the outside of your gadget regularly.
A dust-free environment is especially important when it comes to electronic devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. To make sure you aren’t trapping dirt inside your device or putting them at risk for permanent damage, you should start cleaning off the exterior whenever you see dust or dirt building up.
For hard plastic cases or covers, a damp cloth should do the trick but be careful not to get too much liquid around buttons or ports. If necessary, use a soft-bristled brush to get all the stubborn dust away from crevices, but don’t scrub too hard! For leather cases or covers, use a specific leather cleaner and some cotton pads to avoid staining or discoloration. The same is true for any fabric cases and covers— extreme caution should be used when tackling those materials with cleaners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my gadgets?
You should clean your gadgets at least once every two weeks to keep them free from dirt and grime.
What materials should I use to clean my gadgets?
It is best to use a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to clean your gadgets.
Is it safe to use water to clean my gadgets?
No, it is not safe to use water to clean your gadgets as it can cause damage to the components.
Conclusion
Keeping your electronics clean and free of dirt, dust, and bacteria is an essential part of maintaining their appearance and ensuring they last as long as possible. While there are lots of products on the market designed to help with cleaning your gadgets, there are also some do’s and don’ts to pay attention to:
- Do use a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution for screens and surfaces.
- Do use compressed air to remove dust from vents and crevices.
- Do use a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- Don’t spray cleaning solutions directly onto the device.
- Don’t use paper towels or other rough materials.
By avoiding the above mistakes you can ensure that your electronic devices are kept in top condition without suffering any damage or deteriorating quickly due to poor cleaning techniques. It’s also important to remember that electronics need to be cleaned regularly – especially things like keyboards and screens – for optimal functionality.