How to Clean Your Electronic Devices
DISCLAIMER
These are merely tips on how to clean your devices and RPI Group, Inc. is not responsible for any positive or negative outcomes that may result in device cleaning.
In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s important to keep our electronics clean so we don’t continue to transfer or harbor germs. Electronics can include your cell phone, laptop or desktop, iPads or other tablets, keyboards, TV remotes, and game controllers just to name a few.
CLEANING PREP
Before cleaning any electronics, please make sure they are not plugged in and do not spray the cleaner or water onto the electronics directly. We also recommend you always check the manufacturer’s manual before doing any cleaning.
Lastly, ensure your hands are clean! Wash or sanitize your hands before and after cleaning any devices.
TOOLS
We recommend using a microfiber cloth or cloth of some kind as paper towels can be rough and abrasive to some screens. Don’t have a microfiber cloth? An old t-shirt could work too.
Use a bleach-free or electronic screen spray. If you don’t have one, you can make your own. Mix 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% distilled water in a spray bottle or a solution of one part distilled vinegar to six parts water.
The CDC recommends a disinfecting wipe or alcohol solution of 70%.
For iPhones or iPads, which have a difference screen coating that can be damaged by alcohol, refer to Apple for more instruction. Be careful not to void your warranty.
As always to determine what tool to use it is important to check the manufacturer’s manual prior to cleaning.
BASIC DOS & DON’TS
Don’t spray the liquid directly onto the device. Spray it onto the microfiber or soft cloth and then wipe the device down.
Do use a toothpick to gently nudge dirt from around or underneath the buttons of a keyboard or TV remote. Be gentle to avoid any injury or harm or accidentally dislodging any keys or buttons.
Do use a can of compressed air to blow out dust or particles and blow the air away from you.
Do avoid putting too much pressure on keyboards, laptops or screens.
Don’t get liquid in the edges of phone screens. These can be dangerous points of moisture. Use a dry Q-tip to remove dirt from edges.
Don’t use a wet cloth; make sure it is only damp as to not get the electronic wet.
Don’t use glass cleaner, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, make-up remover, solvents, powdered cleaners or disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizing gel.
Do try to clean your devices on a weekly basis, and your phones on a daily basis and when you are cleaning your phones don’t forget to take them out of their cases and clean that as well.