Kelvin Chan, Associated Press
London (AP) – Smartphones, laptops, headphones and other electronic devices are essential for playing in work and in your daily life. But all the while spent typing, scrolling, or listening means that our devices gradually build up dirt that needs to be cleaned.
While you may not be thinking much about cleaning your devices, Logitech, who makes keyboards, webcams and other computer peripherals, says:
“Regular cleaning and proper maintenance not only make your gadget look untouched, but it also helps you earn hygiene points, as well as improve performance and last longer,” the company says. “For devices such as earphones, accumulated bacteria and debris can even cause health problems and discomfort.”
Here are some pointers for cleaning your technique:
Get started
Always check if the manufacturer has specific guidelines for cleaning.
Assemble basic cleaning equipment and materials that need to include soft, lint-free cleaning cloths such as microfiber cloths. Cotton swabs; Soft aging brushes like toothbrushes, paintbrushes, and make-up brushes. Compressed air and isopropyl alcohol.
Isopropyl, or friction alcohols, are preservatives and non-antibacterial, non-toxic cleaning solvents. Electronics are popular for cleaning electronic devices because they dry quickly without leaving any residue. However, you may want to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation. Instead of pouring it directly onto the device, drip a portion of it onto the fabric. Also be aware of some of the more specific warnings below:
Water and mild soap can help clean dirty surfaces, but isopropyl alcohol is recommended for cleaning the inside of the device, says Alex Diaz-Kokaisl, senior technical writer at IFIXIT, an electronics repair company.
“There are no strict rules for cleaning electronic devices, but we generally use concentrated isopropyl alcohol (over 90%). “The faster the liquid evaporates, the less likely it is to affect the components that lead to electricity.”
For devices that clean, disconnect, or turn off the power first. Remove cases, plugs, covers and accessories.
Computer and laptop
When using a computer, the keyboard and mouse are the parts you touch most frequently and therefore require the most frequent cleaning. And all these gaps between the keys on the keyboard definitely catch the crumbs.
To remove loose debris, IFIXIT’s official in-house cleaning guide recommends using cans of compressed air. Run the spray back and forth across the key to blow any bits away. If possible, turn the keyboard upside down so that the debris falls off.
If the air is not compressed, Logitech suggests using a hair dryer in a cold air setting. Some social media users also recommend handheld balloon pumps.
Next, moisten the washing cloth with water and gently wipe the keyboard and mouse.
According to Logitech, friction alcohols can also be used, but it is recommended to test them first in an inconspicuous place.
Anti-Bacterial Baby Wipes could also work on devices like mouse. Diaz-Kokaisl said.
“There should not be enough liquid to pass through the cracks in the shell, and the residue usually evaporates faster than using soap and water,” he said.
For laptop screens or external monitors, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any dirt from your fingerprints.
If you have more stubborn spots, such as food stains or sputtering like sneezing, moisten the cloth with distilled or 50/50 solution of distilled water and vinegar.
Computer maker Lenovo says, “The mild sourness of vinegar helps break down the oil and fingerprints.” Avoid using household glass cleaners that may contain ammonia, which can damage the screen. The same applies to paper towels, allowing you to scratch the screen. HP also warns against the use of friction alcohols.
Airpods and earphones
Many people listen to music and podcasts through earphones, but that also means that regular cleaning is required to remove earwax, natural skin oils, or other horrifying buildups.
If your earphones have silicon tips, remove them. Cleaning procedures vary by brand and model. Logitech and Bose recommend using soapy water. However, Sony warns against water or wet wipes, as it can speed up deterioration and recommends using a dry cloth instead.
Use a cotton swab to wipe the earphone nozzle cleanly.
Apple Airpods owners need to follow much more elaborate steps to clean the mesh. You will need a child’s toothbrush, two small cups, a paper towel, distilled water and micellar water. It is usually used as a facial cleanser.
Pour micellar water into the cup, soak the toothbrush, polish the various mesh parts of the AirPod and dry them over paper. Repeat twice. Then repeat the procedure, but use distilled water to flush the micellar water. Finally, let the AirPod dry for at least 2 hours.
Use a damp cloth to clean the rest of the AirPod body. Don’t forget the charging case. Apple recommends brushing the debris and then wiping it with a dry cloth. Moisten with isopropyl alcohol if necessary.
How about over the ear headphones? Bose says you should wipe it down at least once a week, especially after a workout, to remove any dirt and bacteria hidden in the corners. Remove the pads and clean using a cloth dampened with soapy water.
Smartphone
Apple has issued certain instructions on its website to clean various iPhone models. Samsung has posted similar guidelines for its Galaxy lineup.
They both recommend gently wipe the outside of the phone using a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a lens cleaning cloth. Apple prevents the use of cleaning products that can erode the oil repeat coating that most iPhones come with.
Both companies say it’s okay to use disinfectants such as friction alcohols to gently clean the outside, but avoid bleach and hydrogen peroxide.
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Original issue: July 21, 2025 11:40am EDT
