How To Clean
Devices Properly

Wiping Mac.
Image Credit: Sarah Turner
By Brian Chavez

During this time of COVID-19, we generally tend to clean everyday items whether it’s tables, chairs, and maybe just everything we use. However, one thing that we use every single day that is not being cleaned is our technological devices. Our devices aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when we go clean since it’s always on us. This causes a major concern as that means all the germs you touch go to the device you are using. Although do not worry if you don’t know how to clean your device continue reading on to learn how to make your device all nice and sparkling new.

Mac Charger.
Photo Credit: Dan Helyer

Be Safe First

Before we start cleaning we want to make sure that your device is ready to be cleaned. Make sure that your device is fully powered off. Your device should be powered off for safety and so that there isn’t any running electricity while cleaning it. Make sure to also have any currently connected accessories such as chargers, mouses, etc, disconnected from the device you’re going to clean, accessories might be using power from the laptop. Just make sure to unplug and turn it off before cleaning.

Wiping iPhone.
Photo Credit: Nancy Schimelpfening

Easy Wipes

Before you start you want to use a microfiber cloth (which could be found in just about any store) to make sure there isn’t any lint or dust save on your device. The microfiber cloth helps with the wipes as it will allow it so you don’t accidentally scratch your screen. Now, this can depend on which type of wipe you are using. You can use alcohol wipes, glass cleaning wipes, or even disinfectant wipes. All of these will surely be enough to do any type of cleaning for your devices. When you are done you want to wipe again with the microfiber cloth to make sure you did not leave any lint or dust behind.

iPhone Tooth Brush.
Photo Credit: Michael Potuck

Thick Brush

Using a thick brush-like something on a toothbrush would be a good idea to use, Now, before you go on and brush your device with a toothbrush, I would like to say the only area you should use the toothbrush is around speakers. After a long time of using your speakers, you might be able to tell that they got quieter than they were before. This is because gunk and lint go around your speakers which makes them quieter and sometimes unusable, so if you just brush where your speakers are at, then it should be able to remove the gunk. (I recommend not using your own toothbrush haha.)

iPhone UV Light.
Photo Credit: Mia Mercado

Using Uv Light

Using Uv light is actually the most expensive option to clean a phone but many people showed that it has great effects. Using Uv light can clean your phone from germs and any viruses, it won’t look clean, but if you are looking for a solution to kill germs, then this will work. This won’t get rid of smudge marks or oils, but it will not make your device look clean. If you are looking for a way to kill every single virus on your device with good results this is the way.

Conclusion

Now after following these tips your device should have become a lot cleaner than it was before. Although the UV light option might be a little expensive, it is not necessary to do that one as the other options work. As long as your phone doesn’t have any cracks or scratches your device should look as good as new. Especially around this time of Covid-19 we really need to start looking forward to cleaning our devices.