Keep Your Devices Clean with These Simple Tips

*This post contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here.Think about the number of times you touch your phone or your kids put their fingers on their tablet. Now think about how many times you and your kids touch your face after touching those dirty devices. Electronic devices are one of the dirtiest things in your home, but how often do you take the time to clean your phone, tablets, and computers? If you’re wondering how to keep your devices clean and germ free, you’re in luck! Follow these simple tips for cleaning all your electronic devices.

How to Keep Your Devices Clean

Cell Phones and Tablets

Cleaning and disinfecting your cell phones and tablets is a necessity. And it doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Follow these simple steps to clean and disinfect your cell phone and tablet:

1. Start by powering down your device and unplugging the charging cord.
2. Use a microfiber cloth and 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean your handheld devices. Dampen your microfiber cloth with the alcohol, making sure the cloth is not overly saturated. If you add too much alcohol to the microfiber cloth, wring it out until it is damp. Do NOT use any alcohol stronger than 70%!
3. Use the cloth to wipe down the screen and back of the device, being careful not to wipe any openings.
4. After you’ve wiped the device with the alcohol, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry the device.

Yikes! What Do You Do If Your Cell Phone Screen Breaks?

Computers and Laptops

Keeping your computer or laptop clean is a little more complicated than cleaning a smaller device, like a phone or tablet. In addition to keeping the screen clean, you’ll also need to address the keyboard on your computers. Follow these easy steps to clean your computer or laptop:

1. Unplug the device to keep from getting shocked as you clean. Start by safely powering down your computer, then unplug the computer from the power source to be sure no electricity is traveling through the device.
2. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe dust and debris from the screen and keyboard.
3. If your screen or keyboard has stuck-on debris or tough-to-remove fingerprints, you can use a solution of dish soap and water. Dip a microfiber cloth in the soapy water, then wring it out completely. Wipe the damp cloth on the messy area. Rinse the soap from the cloth, and wring it out completely again. Wipe the soap off the screen, then dry with a new microfiber cloth.
4. To clean the keyboard, use canned air to loosen dust and crumbs from the keys. I found it was getting expensive with all our computers to purchase canned air. So, I purchased an electric high pressure air duster. It’s not only saved me money. But, it’s so nice not having to remember to purchase canned air. And, I find I’m more consistent in cleaning our computer and our printer.
5. Clean between the keys by dipping a cotton swap in alcohol. Wring the moisture from the cotton swab, then use it to clean between the keys and on top of the keys.
6. Dry the keyboard with a dry microfiber cloth after cleaning.

Devices with a Touchscreen

If you have a device with a touchscreen, you should consider cleaning the screen at least once per day. Daily cleaning of your touch screen should consist of wiping the screen with a dry microfiber cloth. If the screen requires a deeper cleaning, use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the screen, then wipe with a dry cloth.

Cleaning Device Cases

In addition to keeping your devices clean, it’s also a good idea to clean the cases on your phones and tablets regularly. Cleaning the case on your device is just as simple as cleaning the device itself. To clean your device case, follow these simple steps:

1. Remove the case from the device and set the device in a safe place.
2. Fill your sink or a large bowl with water and a couple drops of dish soap.
3. Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water and wring it out until it is damp.
4. Use the cloth to wipe down the cover, paying special attention to spots with stuck-on debris or heavy fingerprints. Continue dipping the cloth in the soapy water and wringing it out until the device is clean.
5. Rinse the cloth until it is runs clean of soap, then wring it out until it is damp. Use the clean cloth to wipe down the case again, removing all soap residue.
6. Allow the case to air dry overnight or use a clean, dry cloth to thoroughly dry the case before placing it back on your device.

Device Accessories

If you use accessories with your cell phone or tablet, like earbuds or a Bluetooth set, don’t forget to clean those items on a regular basis, too! When cleaning your accessories, consider these tips:

1. Use a dry cloth to wipe down smaller items, like earbuds, to avoid getting them wet. To disinfect those smaller accessories, use a cotton swap dipped lightly in rubbing alcohol.
2. Clean your device’s power cords by unplugging them from the outlet and wiping them with a microfiber cloth. If needed, dampen the cloth with soapy water and wipe away stuck-on dirt and debris from the cord. Make sure the cord is completely dry before plugging it into the outlet or your device.

That’s it! It’s really not hard to keep your device clean. Honestly, if you give me the choice between cleaning a toilet and cleaning my devices, I’ll choose cleaning my device any day. Keeping your devices clean is simply about establishing a new habit. Happy cleaning!