Jason Dick

10 Steps to a Cleaner Laptop



Posted: Monday, June 14, 2010

by Jason Dick
Northwest Computer Support

If your laptop is over 6 months old and you have not cleaned it yet, you probably should. You may notice it makes loud noises, is shutting itself on and off and generally just not running as well as it did new. Cleaning a laptop is a relatively easy process. If while cleaning, you find there are particles trapped inside of the laptop, you should have a laptop expert take it apart and clean the insides. Most warranties are not covered, if you open up the laptop yourself and do work on it.

Laptops are more difficult than desktops to open and clean. They have many tiny parts that can easily be dropped and lost. If you are not computer savvy, it may be best to take your laptop to a computer repair shop. Here are some steps you can take to clean your own laptop, if you do not require professional help.

1. Turn the laptop off, and unplug it from the wall.

2. Remove the battery.

3. Use a damp cloth to clean the outside case. Do not use household cleaning products. If water is not strong enough to remove something, use rubbing alcohol.

4. Use cotton swabs to clean the air ducts on the laptop, which are usually located on the sides, bottom, or back of the computer. These openings let the laptop breathe, and are easily clogged with dirt, dust or hair.

5. After cleaning the vents, move on to the I/O ports. Use cotton swabs to wipe away larger pieces of accumulate dirt. But be extra careful not to blow dirt back into the I/O ports.

6. These vents and ports, along with your laptop keyboard can be cleaned with compressed canned air, which you can buy at any office supply store for around $3.00. You just stick the skinny straw in (like with WD-40) and spray the air inside the hard to reach areas.

7. Clean the mouse with a damp cloth.

8. You can clean the LCD screen with rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth.

9. Most manufacturers will void the warranty if you open your laptop yourself, but if you are feeling brave, open your laptop, remove the fan cover, remove the inner core, and then run a small vacuum over it. Do not be surprised at all by the dust that has accumulated.

10. Reassemble your laptop and start it back up to test.

Laptops are a much more energy efficient computer than desktops. Not only do they use less power; but they do not require a separate monitor component, so there is much less energy consumed in the manufacturing process, and less e-waste to dispose of or recycle. Cleaning your laptop on a regular basis should prolong its life and keep it in great condition.

R. Jason Dick is a native of the Seattle, Washington area. Mr. Dick graduated from Washington State University with a double major in English and Communications. He enjoys writing about technology. He's been writing for the Internet since 2003 on topics including food & recipes, new camera technology, and anti-virus security. He is currently working as a marketing specialist for Northwest Computer Support, a one-stop IT services provider serving the Greater Seattle area. He enjoys camping, hiking, travel, writing poetry, and learning.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by Jennifer Stewart
 1 year 343 days ago.
153 fans.
I never thought about laptops being more energy efficient, but it makes sense. I'm surprised it isn't used as a marketing ploy!
» left by Jason Dick from Seattle 1 year 342 days ago.
I wouldn't say it is used as a marketing ploy. But, it is used to consult with companies who would like to embrace more green technologies.
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