How to Sanitize a Laptop Safely and Effectively

The need for disinfecting and sanitizing surfaces took on a new level of importance with the COVID-19 outbreak from a couple years ago, and computers and laptops are no exception. Even as much of the initial (justified) panic from the pandemic has worn down and we've come to understand more about how to fight it, keeping computer surfaces clean and free of possible disease spread and contaminants is very important.

At PC Laptops, we're happy to provide use and care tips for any of our quality laptops and desktop computers, including for those who want to keep their devices clean and sanitized -- without damaging or ruining any part of their operations. Why is this sort of thing important, and how can you go about doing it? Here's a rundown.

Why Cleaning and Sanitizing Your Laptop is Important

To be clear, the reasons behind the importance of regular cleaning and sanitization for your laptop go well beyond COVID and related health concerns. Even in more ordinary times, it's good practice to keep your devices clean as a matter of general hygiene; after all, you probably don't want to be putting your face right next to a screen that hasn't been cleaned in weeks or even months. But the outbreak of a novel coronavirus and the ensuing pandemic have only made this more pressing and important, as laptops (like all other surfaces) can become contaminated with the virus.

Of course, you don't need to go overboard and start scrubbing your laptop down with bleach every day. But it is important to develop and stick to a regular cleaning schedule, both for your own health and that of others around you.

Checking Manufacturer Guidelines

We'll get into some specific practical steps for disinfection and cleaning here in a moment, but first we wanted to note the importance of checking your manufacturer guidelines before using any kind of chemical or other substance on your laptop. Different laptops will have different construction materials, coatings, and so on, and not all of them will be able to withstand the same kind of cleaning without being damaged or otherwise rendered less effective.

For instance, many touchscreen laptops now use a special coating (usually Gorilla Glass) on their screens that helps to resist scratches and other damage. But this same coating can be damaged by some cleaning chemicals, rendering the touchscreen less effective or even unusable. So before you start spraying anything on your laptop, make sure to check what the manufacturer has to say about it first.

Practical Steps for Cleaning and Sanitizing Your Laptop

With that said, here are some of the general steps and tips for sanitizing and cleaning any part of your laptop -- both the outside and the inside:

• Power down first: No matter what part of your laptop you're cleaning, it's always best to power down the device first. This eliminates the risk of damaging any delicate electronic parts with water or chemicals.
• Remove protective case: If you have a protective case or skin on your laptop, now is the time to remove it. Not only will this give you better access to all parts of the device, but it will also protect the case from any damage that might be caused by cleaning chemicals.
• Start with a microfiber cloth: The best way to clean any laptop surface -- whether it's the screen, keyboard, touchpad, or exterior case -- is with a soft, microfiber cloth. You can use this to gently remove any dirt, dust, or other debris from the surface. If the surface is particularly dirty, you may need to use a slightly dampened cloth (just be sure not to get any water inside the device!).
• Use distilled water for cleaning: If you do need to use a slightly dampened cloth, be sure to use distilled water rather than tap water. This will help to avoid any damage that might be caused by minerals in the water.
• Don't spray directly: When using any kind of cleaning solution or disinfectant, it's important not to spray it directly onto the surface of the device. Instead, apply it to your cloth first and then use the cloth to wipe down the surface. This will help to avoid any damage that might be caused by the chemicals in the solution.
• Pay special attention to high-touch areas: When cleaning your laptop, pay special attention to high-touch areas like the keyboard, touchpad, and screen. These are the parts of the device that you're most likely to come into contact with, so it's important to make sure they're clean and free of contaminants.
• Avoid openings or gaps: When cleaning or disinfecting your laptop, be sure to avoid any openings or gaps in the device. This includes things like the vents, ports, and speakers. spraying any kind of liquid into these areas could damage the device.
• Let it air dry: After you've finished cleaning or disinfecting any part of your laptop, be sure to let it air dry completely before powering it back on. This will help to avoid any damage that might be caused by water getting inside the device.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to clean and disinfect any part of your laptop safely and effectively. Remember to always check your manufacturer guidelines before cleaning, and never spray any kind of liquid directly onto the surface.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our computer products or repair services, speak to the team at PC Laptops today.