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The more we use them, the more our computers attract dirt and grime. Shiny surfaces such as screens and laptop lids are magnets for fingerprints, while keyboards can become trays for collecting biscuit crumbs.
Cleaning your computer on a regular basis isn't just about making it look good, either. Neglecting your cleaning duties means dust can build up around the vents of your computer, causing the machine to overheat. Plus, dirt that gets trapped underneath your keyboard makes the keys harder to press.
But be careful - using the wrong cleaning method could end up doing more harm than good to your electronics. Keep scrolling and check in with our list of common mistakes to avoid.
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We've seen some articles online that suggest using compressed air is the right move if you want to blow dust away from laptop vents. This sounds logical, but our advice is to avoid compressed air entirely.
Using compressed air means you might blow dust back inside your computer, which is damaging for sensitive components. Plus a powerful blast of air could cause damage to your fan blades.
If you don't want to buy new cleaning equipment to give your laptop a refresh, you might be tempted to call upon your trusty vacuum cleaner.
However, using a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from your laptop is a bad idea. Doing so can create static electricity which, like compressed air, can potentially cause harm to the inside of your laptop.
Prevention is the best cure for dust. Avoid using the laptop on a dust-filled surface such as bedding or carpet. You also need to make sure there's plenty of room around the vents when the computer is in use.
If you're thinking about replacing your current laptop entirely, we can help. Use our expert laptop reviews to find the best for your budget.
The process behind cleaning a desktop is essentially the same as a laptop. Again, you'll want to avoid using your vacuum cleaner.
It's often possible to remove a desktop PC's casing, allowing you to clean the dust from inside. Make sure you wear an anti-static wrist strap - this is important if you're going to be touching internal components such as your graphics card or a fan. You can buy an anti-static wrist strap for around £5.
A speedy desktop PC can be the perfect working from home companion. If your current machine is feeling a little dated, consult our advice on the best desktop PCs.
Whether you use a laptop or a desktop computer, a dirty screen can leave you squinting at text through grime and smears, which isn't a pleasant experience.
We suggest you avoid using a kitchen towel to remove the dirt - these are slightly abrasive and can scratch the surface of your screen, which is damage you can't undo.
Although computer shops sell a wide variety of screen-cleaning products, they're not essential.
Never spray window cleaner directly on to your screen, or use any potentially corrosive cleaning chemicals. These are highly likely to damage the coating on your display and make visibility even worse.
If you're currently working from home, investing in a second display can make your work easier as it gives you more space for multiple windows. See our guide to the best computer monitors.
No, really. One popular keyboard-cleaning 'hack' involves popping off the keys from your keyboard and chucking them in the dishwasher.
This is obviously a bad idea, particularly as some keyboards don't have removable keys. Even on an older mechanical keyboard, it's not advisable - it's easy to break the keys when taking them off, and putting them through a dishwasher could end up removing the lettering from the keys.
Before you can start cleaning your keyboard, you need to identify if it's a mechanical model or a low-profile model.
Whatever type of keyboard you're dealing with, you'll need to disinfect it with an alcohol solution - we suggest 70% isopropyl.
Your computer mouse is usually the most unhygienic area of your computer, simply because this is the part we touch the most. Grease or germs from our fingertips can easily transfer to these surfaces as we merrily type, swipe or click away.
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Additional reporting by Tom Morgan