Keep it clean: how to safely sanitize your laptop, phone, and earbuds

For many of us, our phones, laptops, and earbuds are indispensable. We'd be lost without them. They’re great for work, for fun, and to speak to family, friends, and loved ones.

However, because we use them so much, they collect lots of germs, dust, and dirt. Keeping them clean not only keeps them looking good but it’s also good for your health.

In this article, we'll show you how to keep your phones, laptops, and earbuds clean and germ-free.

What do I need to clean my devices?

Your device cleaning kit should include:

Microfibre cloths: These soft cloths are excellent for wiping screens, leaving no scratches or fluff behind.
Isopropyl alcohol (70%): Isopropyl alcohol dries very quickly and is great at killing germs. Make sure you don't use a stronger solution to protect your devices, though.
Distilled water: Tap water can leave marks on your screen so always use damp clothes moistened by distilled water.
Soft-bristled brush: These small brushes are great for getting dust out of small gaps in keyboards and ports.
Canned air: For hard-to-shift dust and dirt, canned air is really effective, especially on keyboards and charging ports.

Whatever you do, don't use harsh cleaners or rough paper towels to clean your devices.

How to clean your smartphone

You take your phone with you everywhere so it’s the device you should take care of the most. Follow these steps to clean it the safe way:

Power down and unplug: Switch your phone off and unplug any cables. That stops accidental switching on which can short circuit or damage internal components.
Take off the case: Give your phone and its case a clean at the same time. Make sure both are completely dry before you put the phone back in the case.
Cleaning: Use a dry microfibre cloth when wiping the phone to remove prints and dust. Dampen your cloth with isopropyl alcohol but never directly onto your handset.
Clean the ports and speakers: Dust can gather in the charging port and speaker jacks. Short bursts of canned air is best for getting rid of the dirt. Don't use items like brushes or pins to move stuck dirt as this can break your phone.

How to clean your laptop

Dust, food, and fingerprints are the biggest enemies against keeping your laptop clean. Here’s how to take care of your laptop:

Screen: Turn your laptop off and use a dry microfibre cloth to dust and marks. Laptop screens’ protective layers are easy to damage so don't use window cleaner or alcohol.

For tougher spots, use distilled water to dampen a clean microfibre cloth, wiping from top to bottom. Never spray water on the screen.
Keyboard and body: Gently shake your laptop upside-down to remove crumbs. Use short bursts of canned air for dirt that’s stuck between the keys and blow dust from the air vents.

Dampen a microfibre cloth with isopropyl alcohol to clean your keys, trackpad, and hand rests.

How to clean your earbuds and headphones

Sweat and earwax are the main reasons for earbuds and headphones getting dirty. You might also notice the sound getting worse over time if you don’t take care of them.

Here's the best way to clean your in-ear earbuds:

Clean the silicone tips: Some earbuds have silicone tips to reduce noise and make wearing them more comfortable. If yours do, wash them in warm, soapy water, rinsing them well. Let them fully dry before you put them back on.
Clean the earbud: Use a soft, dry brush to clean the speaker area but be careful not to push any dirt farther inside.
Clean the body: Wipe the plastic part of the earbuds and the case with a damp cloth moistened with 70% alcohol. Do not get liquid in the charging spots or speaker areas.

For on-ear or over-ear headphones, first wipe clean the ear cups and the headband with mild soap and water. Then, use a cloth with plain water to wipe off any soap. Be careful not to let water drip into the speakers. Finally, let your headphones air dry naturally.

What are the best ways to keep my devices clean?

Looking after your devices well means you have to clean them less often. Follow these best habits to keep your gadgets in top condition:

Wash your hands: Clean your hands before you use your phone or laptop to stop germs and oil getting on them.
Do not eat over your devices: Food and drink easily stain and get stuck in keyboards, air vents, and on screens.
Use a case: Keep your earbuds in their case when you're not using them. Cases for your phone and laptop will also keep them safe from dirt.
Regular cleaning: Wipe your phone each day with a soft cloth. For your other devices, plan a weekly full clean of all your gadgets.

A clean device is a device that lasts

Get years of enjoyment and use out of your devices by taking care of them. They're tough pieces of equipment that can withstand a lot but the more you clean them, the less likely they are to break.

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