How to Clean a Laptop

You wouldn't wear dirty clothes to work, so why would a dirty laptop be acceptable? A dirty laptop can be unsightly and unappealing and by cleaning the exterior of your laptop, you can keep it looking fresh and new. There are several benefits other than just appearance that makes cleaning your laptop on a regular basis extremely important.

A dirty laptop can harbor bacteria and germs, which can be harmful if you come into contact with them. By cleaning your laptop regularly, you can help reduce the risk of illness and improve your overall health.

Also, dust and debris can accumulate inside your laptop and cause the internal components to overheat, which can lead to slower performance and even permanent damage. By cleaning the inside of your laptop and removing dust from the fans and heat sink, you can help improve its performance and extend its lifespan. Dust and debris may also accumulate on the keyboard and other external surfaces, which can cause keys to stick or interfere with the proper functioning of your laptop. By cleaning these surfaces, you can help prevent damage and ensure that your laptop continues to work properly.

Please note, before following any of the steps below power off your laptop and remove the battery. Failure to do so may result in damage to your device and/or electrocution.

Cleaning Fans and the Heatsink

To clean the fan inside your laptop, follow these steps:

1. Find the screws that hold the bottom panel in place and remove them with a screwdriver.
2. Gently lift the bottom panel off and set it aside.
3. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the inside of the laptop, paying special attention to the fans and heat sink. Always use the clean edge of the cloth to avoid simply moving dust around the inside of your laptop.Top tip: Hold the fan down with one finger to keep it from turning while you clean it.
4. Use a can of compressed air to blow any remaining dust from out of the fan. Be careful not to hold the can too close, and gently blow the air; releasing a large amount of air at once which can damage the internal components.
5. Wipe clear all vents on the laptop, including on the bottom panel.
6. Replace the bottom panel and screw into place.

It's important to handle the internal components of your laptop with care, as they can be delicate and easily damaged. Make sure to power down your laptop and unplug it before cleaning the fan to prevent any accidental short circuits or electric shocks.

Cleaning the Laptop Exterior

The outside of your laptop is the most noticable area for dirt. Clean the exterior as below:

1. Dilute a computer-safe cleaning solution according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never overdilute - it can result in a sticky surface after cleaning.
2. Apply the cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth and gently wipe down the exterior of the laptop, including the bezel, top and bottom casing. Avoid using too much liquid and spray lightly on the microfibre cloth, as it may drip into the internal components and cause damage.
3. Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining cleaning solution and dry off the laptop.
4. Turn your laptop upside-down and lightly tap it to remove dust and debris from under the keys. Do this over a paper towel so you can easily dispose of the dirt into the bin.
5. Use a can of compressed air to blow any remaining dust out of the keyboard. Spray gently into the keyboard, otherwise the canister may release a large amount of air at once which can damage the internal components.
   If you've not got any compressed air, fold a sticky note in half with the sticky strip facing outwards, and run this between the keys toi collect any debris.
6. Finally, use a sanitising wipe across the keys and touchpad to kill and germs and bacteria (keyboards are perfect for harbouring germs as they are the most touched surfaces on the device.)