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Electronics from home are a central part of our daily lives. We touch them repeatedly, share them with other family members, and leave them out to collect dust and grime, and yet we don’t generally include them in our regular cleaning routine—and that’s a big mistake. As important as it is to keep your hands clean, it’s just as important to keep your electronics clean so they don’t become reservoirs for germs. Here are some easy-to-use cleaning tips for common household electronics to keep your devices clean and dust-free.
Be aware that your electronic devices may have special finishes, and could be sensitive to harsh cleaners or abrasives. When determining how to clean electronics in your home, it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions before you try to clean a device to ensure that you don’t damage it in the process.
Most basic cleaning does not reveal a device’s interior electronic components and should not void your warranty; however, if you go beyond basic cleaning, check the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that your cleaning approach will not void the warranty.
1. Tablets and cell phones
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It’s not just a dirty rumor: Every square inch of your cell phone is covered with roughly 25,127 bacteria. That’s more bacteria than are found on a public doorknob. Keep your tablets and cell phones clean by wiping them down regularly. While you can purchase specialty cleaning fluid or UV lights to disinfect your screens, it’s easier to dampen a microfiber cloth with a mix of 60 percent water and 40 percent isopropyl alcohol, and clean your screens daily. Because they are non-scratch, microfiber cloths work best. Be sure to power down your phone or tablet prior to cleaning, just in case there’s a spill.
2. Computers and Laptops
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You don’t touch your computer or laptop screen as often as you touch your cell phone, but those screens can still collect fingerprints and dust. You can clean your monitors by turning off your computer or laptop and then mixing a little dish soap with a few cups warm water. Mix the ingredients with a microfiber towel. Then squeeze out excess water. To remove dirt and smudges, wipe the screens clean with a microfiber cloth. Next, rinse the cloth with clean water. To remove any moisture lingering and to eliminate streaks, use a microfiber cloth. Woosh! is another popular cleaning product. The 2.0 Screen Cleaner Kit can be safely used on both laptops and computers. No matter what route you take to clean your screen, make sure you dampen the cloth using the cleaning solution of your choice. Do not spray liquid directly onto the screen.
Pay attention to the tower if you own a desktop computer. The tower contains vents that allow heat to be expelled and the system to cool. These vents can become blocked with dust and affect the computer’s ability to run. Clean the vents with a vacuum cleaner or a dusting cloth. Next, wipe the tower clean using a microfiber cloth. If there is a lot dust inside the tower you might need to open it. If you’d rather not remove the cover, you can schedule a professional cleaning service for your computer. Dust your computer tower at least once per month.
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3. Keyboard, mouse, and trackpad
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Research from the University of Arizona has shown that a desktop computer can harbour 400 times more bacteria than a seat in a bathroom. Many bacteria also settle on keyboards, trackpads, and mouse buttons. This gear is frequently touched and should be cleaned to prevent germs.
First, disconnect the power supply from the keyboard to clean it. You can use compressed air to clean the spaces between the keys. Use a cotton swab to lightly dip each key in rubbing alcohol. Next, clean them with a light circular motion using a microfiber cloth. Spray the mouse with rubbing alcohol, then wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth. You can clean the trackpad by using a soft cloth that has been moistened with some water or isopropyl alcohol. You should clean these touch points every week. If you are sick, it’s best to clean them after each use.
4. Printer
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While home printers don’t get as germy or dirty as other electronics they are less likely to become dusty. Dusting your printer regularly is a good way to keep it in top shape. Most printers have a cleaning function that takes care of the ink nozzles, so you probably don’t have to mess with them. But it’s a good idea to use a can of compressed air or a small handheld vacuum cleaner to remove any dust that builds up inside the printer. You can clean the printer’s outside with a soft cloth dampened in water. This will remove dirt, fingerprints, ink smudges, and other contaminants. It is best to dust the printer at least once a week, and then wipe it clean every other month.
If your printer has a built-in fax machine, you’ll also want to clean this area. Before cleaning the device, make sure it is off and unplugged. Next, wipe the dust off the vents with compressed air or clean the area with a damp cloth. Please don’t attempt to clean any locked-away areas, as the manufacturer keeps them sealed for a reason.
5. Earphones & Headphones
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Earphones and headphones are in direct contact with your skin. They can get clogged with sweat, wax, dirt, and dust over time. Ew. It is best to clean headphones that are over-the-ear with a microfiber cloth, dampened with some soap and then allow them to air dry.
You should only clean earbuds that are inside your ear (AirPods) with a microfiber cloth. Use water and no cleaning solution. You can remove wax and dust buildup by using cleaning putty to rub the affected areas. You can remove rubber covers from earbuds that cover the speaker and clean them separately. Apple AirPods and other similar products come with mesh. You can clean it with a dry cotton cloth. Regular cleaning of the wireless earbud cases is recommended. Use a soft cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol to wipe the case down. Next, use a soft-bristled dry brush to clean the Lightning connector.
No matter which type you have, clean your headphones, earphones and earbuds every week.
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6. Flat-Screen TVs & Remote Controls
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The TV screen should be cleaned in the same manner as a computer or laptop screen. Use a microfiber cloth, warm water and a little dish soap to clean it. However, cleaning the remote control takes more work. First, open the back of the remote. Next, remove the batteries. To loosen any crumbs from the remote, gently shake it. Next, use compressed air to clean any remaining debris from the spaces between the buttons. Next, soak a microfiber cloth with a 60-70 percent solution of rubbing alcohol. Wipe down the surface. To clean around buttons, dip a cotton scraper in rubbing alcohol. Allow the remote to air dry before replacing the batteries. It’s important to clean TV screens and remotes weekly. If someone in the house is sick, it’s a good idea to wipe the remote down every day.
7. Smart Speakers
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A microfiber cloth and a damp microfiber cloth are all you need to clean smart speakers like the Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Google Home. You can clean a device with a screen just like you would a computer monitor. Smart speakers should always be cleaned.
8. Game consoles and controllers
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To keep germs under control, game consoles and controllers must be cleaned frequently to ensure they function well. You should clean the controllers the same as a remote and treat the console the way you would a computer tower. You should not open the console for cleaning; that is the job of professionals. Clean consoles and wipe them clean every week. If you or someone in your household is ill, however, clean the controllers after each use.
9. Modems & Routers
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Most people don’t think much about routers or modems until they stop functioning. They are often hidden away in a corner. Those that live on the ground are often covered with pet hair and dust. These boxes, like computer towers have vents that help to release the heat they produce. To keep your router or modem in top working order, give it a once-a-month dusting and a dry microfiber cloth wipe down.
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10. Streaming Devices
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Streaming devices like Amazon Fire sticks and Roku bring your favorite Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video shows to your living room, but are almost always overlooked when you’re cleaning. A simple wipe down when you’re dusting the TV will keep these gadgets in good condition.
11. Smart Doorbells
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Smart doorbells with cameras built in, such as Ring and Google Nest video doorsbells, provide some security to your home. However, they don’t protect against bacteria or germs. Friends, neighbors, delivery drivers, and others press that button, and you can’t be sure about the cleanliness of their hands. Cleaning your smart doorbell regularly will not only stop germs from spreading, but you’ll also prevent the video feed from becoming blurry. Video doorbell manufacturer Ring says that it’s OK to sanitize the bell’s housing and button with a disinfecting wipe (stick with the wipes—don’t spray disinfectant on the bell, because the spray can seep inside).
Don’t use a disinfecting wipe on the doorbell’s lens, either. Instead, wipe down the camera lens, and doorbell body, with a soft, non-linty cloth. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to remove stubborn dirt and grime. To prevent damage, do not use harsh chemicals on the lens; you can, however, use a cleanser that’s made for eyeglasses, camera lenses, and other optical gear.
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12. Cameras
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Cameras can be infected with bacteria. Think about it: You take these devices all over the place, and they acquire bacteria—sometimes scary bacteria—along the way. A Chicago Tribune article about the bacteria found on one photographer’s camera discovered that the most abundant presence was mycoplasma, a type of bacteria unaffected by many antibiotics.
To clean a camera, brush away any dirt from the camera’s exterior and use an alcohol wipe to clean the camera’s surface. Next, use a soft cloth dampened with lens cleaner to clean the lens. Use circular motions to clean it. Take out any removable lenses. Use a small blower to remove dirt from the lens.
13. Virtual Reality Headsets
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Virtual reality (VR) headsets like the Google Meta Quest 2 are a fun way to immerse yourself in a gaming universe, but they’re magnets for all kinds of grime. Because they’re worn over the face, headsets can collect a buildup of facial oils, sweat, dirt, and microorganisms—disgusting to think about, especially if you share your headset with other players.
These sets are very easy to clean. You can gently wipe the exterior cameras and lenses with a microfiber towel. You can wipe the headset with alcohol-free wipes, focusing on the areas that touch the skin. You can clean the head strap with antibacterial wipes. Before you use the headset again, let it dry completely.
14. Smart Watches
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Your smartwatch is worn every day, so if it appears clean, it probably is. One study found that smart watches have 3,746 times more bacteria than toilet seats.
This will encourage you to clean the smartwatch more frequently, but it is best to only clean it once per week. Clean the screen separately from the band. You can wipe the screen clean with a microfiber towel. For a more thorough clean, wet the cloth with some water. Cleaning the band is dependent on its material. Refer to the instructions provided with the band.
15. Speaker Grilles
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The speaker grille, or mesh covering, your home speakers is a trap for dust, dirt and other allergens. It can harbor mold. You can make your home healthier and have better speaker sound by cleaning it regularly.
Removable grilles are a hallmark of high-quality speakers. You should be able to pop them off with light pressure (don’t force them!). Regularly remove dust from the speaker and grille using a damp cloth, dusting cloth, feather duster, or vacuum on low power—but don’t use the vaccum near the speaker drivers. To clean the grilles more thoroughly, use a soapy sponge or a damp sponge to gently scrub them. After rinsing, dry the mesh with a fan or in the sun. Once the mesh has dried completely, you can reattach it to your speaker.