We’re sure that you’re washing your hands every time you return home from grocery shopping or a light walk. Unfortunately, that’s not enough. Did you know that your digital gadgets and appliances are high-contact surfaces that could be a source of infection too? This means that such gadgets require frequent disinfection so that they remain safe to use. Here’s how you can clean and disinfect them, without causing them any damage.
Note: These are guidelines only, and need to be followed with caution. Before cleaning any of your expensive gadgets, please read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Before You Clean
To begin with, here is how you can make a cleaning solution at home.
- Take a clean dry bottle with a spray top.
- Mix one part of pure isopropyl alcohol with one part of water that has been first boiled and then cooled at room temperature.
- Spray the mixture on a clean microfiber cloth and use it to wipe your gadgets as described in the sections below.
Before you start cleaning any device,
- Make sure that it is unplugged.
- Remove any external devices that may be connected to it.
- Wear disposable gloves.
Most gadgets will not take kindly to water. Never spray the liquid directly on the device, and always use a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Spray the solution on the cloth to simply dampen it, but not soaking wet.
Mobiles and Tablets
Spray the alcohol solution on the microfiber cloth such that it is just damp. Thoroughly wipe the top and bottom of your mobiles or tablets that have tempered glass protectors. DO NOT spray the mixture directly on the gadget. Next, use a cotton ball sprayed with the cleaning mixture to wipe all crevices thoroughly.
Note, if you have an iPhone or iPad, it comes with an oleophobic coating that can get damaged when sprayed directly with a strong alcohol solution like hand sanitizer. Use a microfiber cloth as described above, but make sure that it’s just damp and not wet.
Laptops
Your laptop has a tendency to attract dust, which in turn can breed germs. Turn the keyboard upside down to remove dust or food particles that may be stuck in the crevices. Use a damp microfiber cloth, sprayed with an alcohol-based solution, to clean the keyboard. Clean the screen with a dry wipe only, after which you can remove any smudges using a spectacle-cleaning cloth. Never use any cleaning solution or even water on the screen as it can damage the surface.
TV and Remote
Remote controls are house of dust and germs, as they are used by everyone in the house. Start by removing the batteries. Turn the remote upside down and gently tap it to remove any dust or dirt. Use a damp microfiber cloth, sprayed with the alcohol solution, to wipe all the sides with care, and clean all the crevices with a damp cotton swab or a cotton earbud. The TV screen should be cleaned only with a dry wipe, as any damp or wet cleaners will damage the surface. Do not spray any liquid on the TV screen.
Desktop, CPU and Mouse
All the plastic parts of the CPU, mouse and keyboard can be thoroughly cleaned with a damp cloth that has been dipped in the alcohol mixture. The keyboard can be turned upside down and dusted. Use a cotton swab soaked in the cleaning solution to wipe between keys and in all crevices. Make sure that you have unplugged the wires before dusting them. Clean the flat screen TVs with a dry wipe only. You can use a spectacle-cleaning solution for removing smudges and marks. If your screen is made of glass, wipe it with a damp microfiber cloth.
Gaming Consoles
You can clean gaming consoles and controllers with the same mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water, sprayed on a microfiber cloth. Use a cotton swab to clean all the crevices.
After Cleaning
- Always remember to wear disposable gloves before you start cleaning your gadgets, and discard them safely in the trash when you are done.
- Wash the micro fiber cloth immediately after use in the hottest setting on your washing machine and hang it in the sun to dry. Never leave this cloth in the laundry basket for a long period of time as damp cloths can be a breeding space for germs.
- Wash your hands and elbows thoroughly with soap after finishing up with the cleaning of the house.
- Before using the devices after cleaning, make sure that they are completely dry.
We hope these tips will help you to keep your gadgets safely sanitized, without any damage to the items or to yourself. Set up a cleaning routine at regular intervals; at least once a week for appliances that are not portable, and daily for items that are taken out of the house on a regular basis. Stay safe!
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