Safely Disinfecting Your Devices
**Disclaimer**
Before you clean your phone, laptop, or keyboard it is important to check the cleaning instructions for your specific device. Although these cleaning tips work in general, every device is different.
SMART DEVICES
Most smart devices such as iPhones and Androids have something that is called an OLEOPHOBIC coating. This is used to help keep fingerprints and oils from your fingers/face from smudging up your phone. Acidic cleaners like bleach may break down that coating.
However, Apple and Samsung have updated their cleaning guidelines. * Apple approves a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution or (bleach-free) Clorox Disinfecting wipes. *Samsung has approved 70% isopropyl or ethanol solution as well as other disinfectants.
First, it’s important to shut off your device before cleaning it and make sure its unplugged from the charger. While you should definitely avoid getting any fluids inside your device, such as the charger port, making sure the device is off and unplugged can protect it from shorting out if you do. If you have a case, be sure to take it off and clean it separately.
When using cloth to clean your device, make sure you use lint free and non-abrasive materials. Microfiber cloths are a great option. Paper towels, however, can cause scratches and leave particles behind.
Avoid direct application when using harsh cleaners. (don’t apply it directly to your device) Spray a small amount onto your cloth and use that to wipe down your surface. If you are using alcohol or disinfecting wipes, wring them out before using. Also, avoid using compressed air or aerosol sprays. The force from these products can force liquid or dirt into small spaces and compromise your device.
When cleaning a phone, laptop or tablet screen, don’t use too much pressure. Gently wiping with your cloth and cleaning product is more than enough. Too much pressure can damage your screen.
Now that you’ve cleaned your device, make sure to allow plenty of time to air dry before turning it back on or charging it. Also, let your case completely dry before you put it back on to avoid trapping liquid.
CLEANING YOUR LAPTOP AND KEYBOARD
Just like cleaning your phones and tablets, before cleaning your laptop, shut it off and unplug the power supply. If you can, also remove the battery. Whether you’re cleaning the keyboard or your laptop screen, make sure to use a cloth that won’t scratch or leave little pieces of lint behind. Again, Microfiber is a good option.
If you’re spraying a cleaning solution on a cloth or using disinfecting wipes, it’s important that you wring out excess liquid. Make sure that the cloth is damp, but not saturated. This is very important when wiping down a keyboard.
After wiping your keyboard and screen with your disinfectant, use a lint free cloth to remove any excess liquid. It’s important to make sure that cleaning liquids aren’t allowed to pool on any surface as they may seep into cracks. Most of the time, you don’t need to completely remove the keys, and sometimes it isn’t a good idea. Many laptops don’t have keyboards that are designed for that level of disassembly, and so removing the keys may ruin them. Make sure you check with a professional before doing so.
However, if you are certain it is safe and want to get in that extra level of cleaning, removing keys is usually very easy. Take a flat tool, like flathead screwdriver and gently pry the key out. Make sure to keep one hand above the key as you do this so that it doesn’t fly out and get lost.
Before cleaning, make sure the keyboard isn’t getting any power, either by unplugging it or by turning it off. You can clean each key and get into those hard to reach places. After you’re done, make sure the keys are dry before replacing them.
If you have a separate mouse for your computer or laptop, you may want to clean it as well. You should first unplug it. If it’s a wireless mouse, shut it off and remove the batteries if possible. You can then use the same cleaning supplies, to clean your mouse. Just like your other devices, you’ll want to make sure you avoid getting liquid inside your mouse and let it dry before turning it on again.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.