Cleaning your best laptop is a necessary chore that should be done on a regular basis.
Not only will it help your laptop run faster and smoother, but it will also help keep your data safe.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the entire process of how to clean a laptop.
We’ll cover everything from the basics, like wiping down the screen and keyboard, to more advanced tasks like removing dust from the inside of the computer.
By following our tips and tricks, you can keep your laptop running like new for years to come.
Why should laptops be cleaned?
There are so many reasons why you should keep your laptop clean.
First and foremost, it will help extend the lifespan of your laptop.
By regularly cleaning your laptop, you can prevent dust and dirt from buildup and clogging up the internals.
This will also help improve airflow, which is essential for keeping your laptop cool and preventing overheating.
Not to mention, a clean laptop just looks and feels better.
No one wants to use a computer that’s covered in fingerprints and dust!
Plus, when you take the time to clean your laptop, it’ll be easier to spot any potential problems.
For example, if you notice that the fan is starting to make a lot of noise, you can take action before the problem gets worse.
How to Clean a Laptop step by step
It’s no secret that laptops can get dirty – especially if you use them all the time as I do.
In this section of the blog post, I’m going to teach you how to clean a laptop and get it looking and running like new again.
Heed my advice, and your laptop will be good as new in no time. So buckle up your seat and hold tight…
Step one: Gather your Supplies
Before starting the cleaning process you will have to ensure that you have all of the necessary supplies.
You will need:
-A can of compressed air
-A clean microfiber cloth
-An old toothbrush (optional)
-Rubbing alcohol (optional)
-Q-tips (optional)
Step two: Unplug & Shut down the laptop
To avoid any accidents, it’s important to unplug your laptop and shut it down before beginning the cleaning process.
This will prevent any static electricity from damaging the internals of your computer.
Step three: clean your computer screen
At this stage, the cleaning process has begun. The first task is to take your can of compressed air and give the screen a good once-over.
This will remove any dust or dirt that has built upon the surface. Once you’re done with the compressed air, use your microfiber cloth to wipe down the screen.
Wipe the screen up to the edge. I have seen people who wipe just when the screen display covers. Please do it all irrespective of the screen size.
If there are any stubborn fingerprints or smudges, you can lightly dampen the cloth with rubbing alcohol. Be sure not to use too much though, as this could damage the screen.
Remember the quality of your must be maintained.
Related Guide: How to Clean a Laptop Screen in 4 Simple Steps and Expert Tips
Step four: clean your laptop keyboard
After you’ve tackled the screen, it’s time to move on to the keyboard.
Use the can of compressed air to remove any dust or dirt from in between the keys. You can also use an old toothbrush (or a new one if you prefer) to get rid of any crumbs or debris that might be hiding in there.
Once you’re satisfied that the keyboard is clean, use your microfiber cloth to give it a once-over.
Again, if there are any stubborn fingerprints or smudges, you can lightly dampen the cloth with rubbing alcohol.
Just be sure not to use too much as it could damage the keyboard.
Related Guide:
How to Clean a Laptop Keyboard
How to Clean a Laptop Keyboard After a Spill
Step five: Clean your laptop touchpad
Your touch is so important to how you use your laptop that it can’t be overlooked during the cleaning process.
To clean your touchpad, simply use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface.
If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them.
Related Guide: How to Clean a Laptop Touchpad
Step six: Clean your laptop charging port
At times our laptops fail to charge and we wonder why. This may be as a result of the dirt that has built up in the charging port.
To clean it, use a can of compressed air to remove any dust or dirt from the area. You can also use a Q-tip if needed.
You have to be very careful when cleaning the charging port, as you don’t want to damage it in any way and prevent your laptop from charging.
Related Guide: How to Clean a Laptop Charging Port in 3 steps
Step seven: Clean your laptop USB ports
The USB ports are another important port in any laptop. Just like the charging port, they too can get clogged with dust and dirt over time.
To clean them, use a can of compressed air to remove any debris from the area. You can also use a Q-tip if needed.
As always, be very careful when cleaning around sensitive areas such as this one.
When USB ports are clogged with dirt and dust, it can prevent devices from being able to connect to the laptop. So as a matter of fact it is a must-do to keep them clean.
At this point, we have cleaned our laptop externally and now it’s time for me to guide you on how to clean your laptop internally. Proceed to the next step
Related Guide: How to Clean Laptop USB Ports
Step eight: Clean your laptop Fan
Your laptop fan is also very crucial in its own way. A laptop fan helps to keep the internals of your computer cool and prevents it from overheating.
Here I will guide you on how to clean laptop fans
To clean your fan, you need to open up your laptop and take a look at it. If there is a lot of dust and dirt, you can use a can of compressed air to clean it out.
You can also use an old toothbrush (or a new one if you prefer) to remove any debris that might be stuck in there.
When cleaning the fan, be very careful not to damage it in any way.
Related Guide: How to Clean a Laptop Fan
Step nine: Clean your laptop heatsink
The laptop heatsink is located under the fan. It helps to dissipate heat away from the CPU and other sensitive components.
The heatsink also has a tendency to accumulate dust and dirt over time.
To clean it, you need to open up your laptop by removing the screws. Then you need to unscrew the laptop fan so that you also be able to remove the heatsink.
Once you have the heatsink out, you can use a can of compressed air to clean it off. You might also need to use a Q-tip if there is any dirt or debris that’s hard to remove.
Be very careful when cleaning the heatsink, as you don’t want to damage any of the delicate components.
If the heatsink is not clean, it can lead to your laptop overheating and eventually causing damage.
Related Guide: How to Clean a Laptop Heatsink
Step ten: Clean your laptop Gear
Cleaning your laptop accessories is important to prolong their lifespan and maintain their original condition.
Your laptop gear can get pretty dirty, and if you’re not careful, it can start to affect your laptop’s performance.
For instance, imagine having a dirty laptop bag.
You put your laptop in there and over time, the dirt and grime from the bag start to rub off on your computer.
The same goes for your laptop mouse and other accessories.
To clean them, simply use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them.
And that’s it! Those are the steps you need to follow to clean your laptop.
Related Guide:
How to Clean a Laptop Bag: The 2022 Ultimate Guide
How to Clean a Laptop Cooling Pad: 2022 Ultimate Guide
Estimated Cost: 30 USD
Supply:
- A can of compressed air
- A clean microfiber cloth
- An old toothbrush (optional)
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
- Q-tips (optional)
Tools:
- Screw drive
Materials: microfibre cloth
Tips for keeping your laptop clean at all times
Now that you know how to clean your laptop, it’s important to keep it clean at all times.
Here are a few tips for doing just that:
- Always use a microfiber cloth when cleaning your laptop screen. It will help to prevent any scratches from happening.
- Be very careful when cleaning around sensitive ports like the charging port, as you don’t want to damage it.
- Make sure to clean your laptop on a regular basis, at least once a month. This will help to prevent any dirt and grime from building up over time.
- If you’re using a laptop bag, make sure to empty it out on a regular basis and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
- Keep your laptop mouse and other accessories clean by using a microfiber cloth or rubbing alcohol.
- Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean your laptop. They can damage the surface and cause permanent scratches.
By following these tips, you can keep your laptop in top condition for years to come. Do not forget to clean your RAM for more performance boosts. You refer to our guide on How to Clean a Laptop Memory
Conclusion on how to clean your laptop
Cleaning your laptop is an important part of keeping it running smoothly.
Not only will regular cleaning help to keep your computer looking its best, but it will also help to prevent any long-term damage.
There are a few different ways to clean your laptop, and we’ve outlined the most common methods in this post.
Be sure to use a gentle touch when cleaning your computer and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Have you cleaned your laptop recently? What method did you use? we would love to know the answers in the comment section below.
References
- https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Laptop
- https://www.howtogeek.com/426448/how-to-properly-clean-your-gross-laptop/
- https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-to-clean-your-laptop
Laptop cleaning FAQs
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What should I use to clean my laptop?
There are a few different things you can use to clean your laptop, including a microfiber cloth, compressed air, and rubbing alcohol.
However, it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s instructions before using any chemicals or abrasive materials on your computer.
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Can I use water to clean my laptop?
It is not recommended to use water to clean your laptop. Water can damage the surface and cause permanent scratches.
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How often should I clean my laptop?
It’s recommended to clean your laptop at least once a month, but you may need to do it more or less depending on how dirty it gets.
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How do I clean a dirty laptop?
You can use the same procedure I have used in this laptop cleaning guide. You can also consult your laptop’s manual for more specific instructions.
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Can you use cleaning wipes on laptop?
The answer is no. You should never use cleaning wipes on your laptop as they can damage the surface.
To be very precise do not use cleaning wipes on screen because they active ingredients that can cause damage
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Is alcohol good for cleaning laptop?
Yes, alcohol is good for cleaning laptops because it can help to remove stubborn stains.
However, you should be careful not to use too much as it can damage the surface.
