How to Clean Your Laptop | Prism Specialties

How to Clean Your Laptop

Knowing how to clean your laptop will keep your computer in good working condition. Regular cleaning may even prolong the life of your computer by keeping ports and keys clear of debris. Keeping a clean laptop will also protect your health by preventing germs from accumulating on the unit.
Ready to learn how to clean the various parts of your laptop without damaging the unit? Shut down your computer, unplug the unit, remove the battery, and get ready to clean your laptop like it’s never been cleaned before.


If you need immediate help cleaning electronic devices, call Prism Specialties at 888-826-9429


Clean vs. Disinfect Your Laptop: What’s the Difference?

First, let’s explore the difference between cleaning and disinfecting.

› Cleaning your laptop involves removing dirt, dust, crumbs and fingerprints from your computer. This is a process you should perform routinely to promote good hygiene and prevent problems like sticky keys.

› Disinfecting your laptop means using chemicals to kill and remove germs from the unit. Disinfecting your laptop is especially important following an illness, traveling or letting someone else use the computer. This process will protect your health by preventing the transfer of disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Always wear gloves when disinfecting surfaces.

Cleaning dirt and dust off your laptop first will make the disinfecting process more effective. This resource will offer tips for both cleaning and disinfecting laptop computers.

How to Clean and Disinfect a Laptop’s Exterior

The outer shell of your laptop is a hard, non-porous surface. This means that many standard household liquid cleaners can be used to safely clean your laptop’s exterior. A damp cloth may be all it takes to clean grime from a laptop’s outer surface. Use a little dusting spray or all-purpose cleaner on stubborn spots. Use a vacuum brush attachment to suction dust out of the fan housing.
It is always best to research your specific device before choosing the type of cleaner you will use, but in most cases, a simple solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol with 30% distilled water is a safe choice. Test the solution on a small area of the computer’s exterior, because this solution could cause discoloration of some computer surfaces.

How to Clean and Disinfect Laptop Keyboards

The first step in cleaning a laptop keyboard is to clean under the keys. A can of compressed air is the best tool for this job. Tilt the laptop on an angle with one hand, and spray compressed air downward around all the keys. You may be shocked (and disgusted) by all the debris that comes out of your keyboard

If there is visible grime on the laptop keys, use an all-purpose cleaner and a paper towel to clean the keys. Remember, clean surfaces are more effectively disinfected.

To disinfect a laptop keyboard, use the same solution you made for cleaning the outer shell. However, because the computer’s electronic components are right underneath the keyboard, be very careful about applying the solution to the keys and be mindful that the touchpad is especially sensitive. Wring out your cloth well before wiping the keyboard with the disinfecting solution. Repeat this step a few times to ensure that the entire keyboard surface is disinfected.


Did you use too much cleaning solution? Learn how to dry electronics quickly and effectively.


How to Clean Laptop Screens

First, a few notes about how NOT to clean a laptop screen:

› Do NOT use a bleach solution or ammonia-based window cleaning sprays on your laptop screen, because it can permanently damage the surface.

› Do NOT use a paper towel to clean your laptop screen, because it can scratch the screen.

› Do NOT use tap water on your laptop screen, because the minerals in the water can also scratch the screen.

To clean dust and fingerprints off your laptop screen, dampen a microfiber cloth with distilled water and gently wipe the surface. For stubborn smudges, use a cleaner made specifically for cleaning screens and follow the products recommended directions.

To disinfect the laptop screen, make a solution of 50% distilled water and 50% isopropyl alcohol. Dampen the same microfiber cloth and carefully wipe down the screen with the alcohol solution. Always wipe from the top of the screen to the bottom. Let the screen air-dry. If streaks remain on the screen, use a glass cleaning product specially designed for display surfaces.

Professional Laptop Cleaning and Disinfecting Services

Do you represent an organization, such as a school or business, that needs help cleaning and sanitizing a large number of laptops, calculators, or other electronic devices? Electronic Restoration Service’s industry experts will clean and sanitize your devices using industry-leading chemicals and a process idealized for technology. Let our team help you prepare to get back to work safely and germ-free. Complete our online form today to request service from your local Prism Specialties. Or, call us at 888-826-9429 to speak to an expert right away.