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Keeping your computer clean in the office

If you work in an office, your PC is the centre of your world. And it’s because of this, that dirt tends to build up in and on your computer; we often forget that we should clean and disinfect areas and surfaces we use and touch the most. 

 

Step 1: Turn it off

You’ll need to turn your computer off and unplug the monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Turning everything off helps avoid any damage to the computer, the monitor, the keyboard or the mouse.

It is also a good idea to look at the care instructions for your PC. Every PC is different, and it may have some needs which aren’t covered here.

 

Step 2: Cleaning the keyboard

Things you’ll need:

  • Compressed air Can
  • Hand-held vacuum
  • Soft cloth
  • Cotton bud
  • Water
  • Washing-up liquid
  • Rubbing alcohol

First, turn your keyboard upside down and gently but firmly tap the underside to dislodge any crumbs or larger dirt particulates.

Then you will need to grab that compressed air can to blow clean air between the keys and loosen any other debris.

Now use the vacuum to clean up any debris that you loosened. 

Mix a couple of drops of washing-up liquid in a cup of water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and use a damp cloth to clean your keyboard’s surface gently.

For hard to reach areas, such as between the keys, dip a cotton bud into rubbing alcohol and use this to clean those areas.

Step 3: Cleaning the computer mouse

Things you’ll need:

  • Detergent
  • Cloth
  • Water
  • Bleach-free disinfectant wipe
  • Cotton bud

Now we are moving on to the computer mouse. 

If you have a computer optical mouse, dilute a mild detergent in water, dip a cloth into the solution then use a damp cloth to wipe over the mouse. 

Then we go back to our trusty can of compressed air to remove any dust or dirt from the buttons. 

 

If you use a trackpad, all you need to do is use a bleach-free disinfectant wipe and wipe the trackpad’s surface.

 

Then if you have an old-school rollerball mouse, remove the ball with care, roll the ball over a damp cloth, dip a cotton bud in rubbing alcohol and then use it to clean the rollers in the ball cavity gently. Once cleaned, leave it to air dry before reassembling your mouse fully.

 

Step 4: Cleaning the screen

Things you’ll need:

  • Lint-free microfiber cloth
  • Screen cleaner

Most manufacturers will provide cleaning instructions for your monitor so take a look at them before moving forward, so you don’t void your warranty.

Use your dry, soft cloth to gently wipe the surface and remove any dust or loose dirt.

You may need a specialist solution for more stubborn dirt, or you could make your own with equal parts water and white vinegar. 

Never spray the cleaning solution onto the screen; instead, dampen a clean, soft cloth with the solution and use it to clean the screen. 

 

Step 5: Keeping it all clean

The most important part of keeping your PC clean is keeping a clean workplace: clean nearby shelves, cabinets and the floor to stop dust from getting into your computer. Your computer will circulate dust around your workspace when it is on, making things like your keyboard, mouse, and monitor dirty.

And finally, find a space away from your desk to eat your lunch. Eating away from your desk can help you get some exercise, and it stops crumbs from getting into your keyboard and making your keys stick together.