Computer cleaning and maintenance is a key preventative measure to avoid computer repairs. Preventive cleaning and maintenance assists in avoiding overheating, lock-ups, accidental crashes and data loss and will save money and effort in the long run. Accumulated dust and grime can easily spread germs from one user to the next. The lint, dirt, carpet fibers, dust and smoke particles settles on the computer components and can cause damage if not regularly cleaned.

To avoid hardware failure, its important to keep the fans dust  free. When the fan is clogged up it won’t run properly and the purpose of cooling the computer down will be lost and can cause overheating problems. It is always recommended to at least clean your computers insides twice a year. Though, the cleaning also depends on the environment and accumulation of grime and dust and accordingly the cleaning should be performed frequently. Although, cleaning the internal part of the computer is doable by the average computer user, its not recommended and should be done by a computer repair professional who knows the ins and outs of a computer.  Its a high possibility they can cause harm and accidentally shift the drives, cords, and rams causing a computer problem.

For conducting a complete system clean up, it is mandatory to remove all the external electrical cords and cables and clean the power supply. In fact, before cleaning process you can also wear an anti static wrist strip to decrease and transfer static electricity from your body to computer. For removing dirt, food particles, dust and hair from keyboards and the fan exhaust, it is safe to use a small vacuum cleaner or a air pressure duster. These cleaners create static electricity that could be dangerous for the internal components of the computer so make sure not to get too close with them as it can affect in loosening cable connections.

Cloths that are used to clean eye glasses and lenses could be used to clean monitors and screens and make sure not to use papers and paper towels or any old rag to clean any of the delicate surfaces. Don’t apply any cleaning solutions directly in touch with computer components. You can also use artistic brushes to clean those areas where it is difficult to reach certain places. For external surfaces and for computer case, you can use any of the household cleaner to clean and wipe it.

Overheating is one of the biggest issues in most of the computer systems so make sure to take out the battery before cleaning a laptop or for a standalone computer, remove all the plug-ins and chords. The major causes of such problems are dirt or dead exhaust fans or even the environment itself. Make use of a cotton swab as well as an air duster to clean and remove unwanted particles from the vent cavities.

In addition, users should be serious and cautious about the cleaning and maintenance of their computer at regular intervals for achieving a productive computer. Preventive maintenance not only helps to make it look clean and new but helps it stay cool, and efficient. For external computer surfaces, using antibacterial wipes will help kill germs.  Regular cleaning of your computer parts and cell phones too, which are the most touched items but most neglected when it comes to cleaning,  will prevent bacteria spreading and avoid illness. Keep these maintenance tips in mind to avoid a computer problem in the future.

Stay tech savvy, my friends