How to clean your PCHow to clean your computer

Preparation

Before you start cleaning, shut down the computer and unplug it. You’ll need the following tools to clean your computer:

• Foam-tip applicators (eg eye shadow applicators) or cotton buds (be careful of leaving behind wispy bits of cotton).
• Lint-free cloth (or alternatively alcohol-free wipes).
• Vacuum cleaner (preferably with soft rubber or brush attachments).
• Computer brush (a retractable soft bristle anti-static brush for cleaning computer parts) or a new small household paintbrush with soft bristles or a large artists brush will do.
• Compressed air (available in pressurised cans from computer and electronics stores such as Maplin).
• Anti-static wrist strap (if cleaning inside the PC case).

Computer screen

Whether you have an old-style glass-front CRT monitor or newer flat LCD screen, the cleaning method is generally the same. 

LCD screens are particularly easy to damage, so go easy with the pressure when wiping. 

Start by gently wiping the screen with a soft, lint-free cloth. 

If needed, lightly dampen (not wet) the cloth with a small amount of water. 

Make sure the cloth is squeezed out thoroughly, as any excess liquid can find its way into the join at the edge of the monitor. 

Alternatively, use anti-static screen wipes, available from computer stores.

Go easy with pressure on LCD screens

Don'ts

• Don't use domestic cleaning products or wipes containing alcohol - these can damage the anti-glare coating on many screens.
• Don't use paper towels, as these can be abrasive.

Keyboard

Crumbs! You'd be surprised how many of these find their way inside your keyboard, especially if you eat lunch at your desk. 

One way of getting rid of them is to unplug your keyboard, turn it upside down and shake out any loose dust, dead skin and food crumbs inside. 

To remove the remaining debris, spray between the keys with a compressed air can, or vacuum it using a rubber or brush-type nozzle. 

Sweep away moisture-trapping dust

You can also use a computer brush (or new small paint brush) to sweep between the keys. Next, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth, or use foam-tip applicators lightly dampened with water. Once it’s clean, protect your keyboard in dirty or dusty environments with a soft, flexible keyboard ‘skin’, available from computer shops.

Alcohol wipes will rid your keyboard of the types of bacteria we found in our tests. Indeed, hospital computer keyboards are disinfected with alcohol wipes. Alcohol-free wipes are gentler on your keyboard and won't rub letters off but only alcohol wipes will rid your keyboard of germs.

Don'ts

• Don't use harsh domestic cleaning liquids as they can remove the letters from the keys.
• Don't pop your keyboard in the dishwasher to clean it. This is an internet myth. Your keyboard may sparkle but it probably won't work.

Slightly moist cotton buds clean well

Mouse

There are two different kinds of mouse – a ball mouse and an optical mouse – but cleaning methods are similar. Both can be wiped clean with a lightly dampened cloth and cleaned underneath with a damp foam-tipped applicator or cotton bud.

Ball mouse

Unlock and remove the ball and wipe it with a damp cloth then remove dust and grime from the rollers with a foam-tipped applicator, tweezers and compressed air.

Optical mouse

Use a puff of compressed air to blow lint and dust off the optical sensor or gently wipe it with a slightly damp foam-tipped applicator or cotton bud. Finally, clean any non-stick ‘feet’, as dirt can build up here.

Keep the area outside your computer clean

Computer casing

You can wipe over the outside case of a desktop or laptop with a damp cloth and use a vacuum cleaner to clear any vents of dust. Use a small brush head on the vacuum cleaner and run it slowly over the vents.

Keeping the area around your computer clean is vital to a healthy cooling system where fans suck air in through vents at the front of the case and expel it at the back, cooling the internal components along the way. If your computer is over a year old or in a dusty environment you may want to unplug it and remove the casing (if this doesn't void your warranty). 

Make sure you use an antistatic wrist strap (available from computer and electronics stores) and carefully clean the internal components using short bursts of compressed air.

Don'ts

• Never use a vacuum cleaner inside a PC, as you might suck up components.
• Don’t open a laptop computer case. Components are not generally accessible, and it can void your warranty.
• Don’t touch internal components.

CD or DVD drive

Dust, fibres and hair inside your drive can cause problems recording to and playing discs. Wipe the exterior opening and tray of your optical drive with a dry cloth. Use a CD/DVD cleaning disc to clean inside the disc drive.

Earphones

Headphones used by multiple people can spread germs or even head lice. Wipe them with a damp cloth, or preferably don't share with others.