Cleaning your Computer - Part 1
Even for cleaning there are rules.
Cleaning your computer and your computer components and peripherals helps keep the components and computer in good working condition and helps keep the computers from spreading germs. Depending on the environment that your computer operates in determines how often you should clean your computer case. The below list is my recommendation and may change depending upon your computer's environment.
User who does not smoke and has no pets - Clean the computer every five months.
User who does not smoke and has pets - Clean the computer every four months.
User who smokes but has no pets - Clean the computer every three months.
User who smokes and has pets - Clean the computer every two months.
Business with clean office environment - Clean the computers every five months.
Business with clean office environment; however, multiple users use each computer - Clean the computer every three months.
Business that is a factory environment or allows smoking - Clean the computer every two months.
School computers with young adult users - Clean the computer every three months.
School computers with pre-teen users - Clean the computer every month. In some cases, this may need to be weekly or daily.
Funonthenet users using computer with chips/drink in one hand and keyboard/mouse in other - Clean everyday
GENERAL CLEANING TIPS :
Below is a listing of general tips that should be taken when cleaning any of the components or peripherals of a computer as well as tips to help keep a computer clean.
Never spray or squirt any type of liquid onto any computer component. If a spray is needed, spray the liquid onto a cloth and then use that cloth to rub down the component.
Users can use a vacuum to suck up dirt, dust, or hair around their computer on the outside case and on their keyboards. However, do not use a vacuum for the inside of your computer as it generates a lot of static electricity that can damage the internal components of your computer.
If you need to use a vacuum to clean the inside of your computer, use a portable battery powered vacuum designed to do this job.
When cleaning a component and/or the computer, turn it off before cleaning.
Never get any component inside the computer or any other circuit board damp or wet.
Be cautious when using any type of cleaning solvents; some individuals may have allergic reactions to chemicals in cleaning solvents and some solvents can even damage the case. Try to always use water or a highly diluted solvent.
When cleaning, be careful not to accidentally adjust any knobs or controls. In addition, when cleaning the back of the computer, if anything is plugged in, make sure not to disconnect any of the plugs.
When cleaning fans, especially the smaller fans within a portable computer or laptop it's suggested that you either hold the fan or place something in-between the fan blades to prevent it from spinning.
Spraying compressed air into a fan or cleaning a fan with a vacuum may cause damage to some fans.
Never eat or drink around the computer.
Limit smoking around the computer.
CLEANING TOOLS :
Keep in mind that some components in your computer may only be able to be cleaned using a product designed for cleaning that component; if this is the case, it will be mentioned in the cleaning tips.
Cloth - A cloth is the best tool used when rubbing down a component; although paper towels can be used with most hardware, we recommend using a cloth when ever possible.
Water or rubbing alcohol - When moistening a cloth, it is best to use water or rubbing alcohol. Other solvents may be bad for the plastics used with your computer.
Portable Vacuum - Sucking the dust, dirt, hair, cigarette particles, and other particles out of a computer can be one of the best methods of cleaning a computer. Over time, these items can restrict the airflow in a computer and cause circuitry to corrode. Do not use a standard vacuum as it can generate a lot of static electricity that can damage your computer.
Cotton swabs - Cotton swaps moistened with rubbing alcohol or water are excellent tools for wiping hard to reach areas in your keyboard, mouse, and other locations.
Foam swabs - Whenever possible, it is better to use lint-free swabs such as foam swabs.
