Clean a Laptop Computer

• Step 1 Remove the Power

  Turn off your laptop. Remove the portable power cord and take out the battery to avoid any electrical safety issues and to prevent inadvertently turning on the computer while cleaning. Remove the battery by leaving the laptop closed, turning it carefully over and releasing the battery latch.

• Step 2 Mix Cleaning Solution

  Make your own cleaning solution by mixing one part distilled water with one part white vinegar—remember, only use white vinegar. If you buy or have a commercial cleaning solution suitable for cleaning today’s electronics, including displays, then you can skip this step and will not need the water and vinegar.

  Tip: A small clean plastic spray bottle works well if you make your own cleaner and it’s convenient to spray on the microfiber cloth. Never spray any cleaner directly on any surface of a laptop computer.

  Caution: Never use household cleaners because they may contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia, which can damage the computer.

• Step 3 Clean the Keyboard & Touchpad

  • To start, shake the can of compressed air. Hold the nozzle about an inch from the keyboard and spray into the vertical groves between the keys, going from top to bottom. Then clean the horizontal groves by spraying from left to right.
  • Next, dampen the microfiber cloth with the solution and clean the surface dust and dirt on the keys by gently wiping them. Don’t wet the cloth until it drips. Use damp cotton swabs to clean any hard-to-reach areas, like the beveled sides of the key pads.
  • During this step, also wipe the border area around the keyboard and clean the touchpad.

  Note: If you have any keys that stick, find out from your owner’s manual if the pads are removable. If not, you’ll have to rely on the compressed air as described above or have a professional computer technician fix the problem.

• Step 4 Clean the Display

  Dampen the microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution. Support the screen with one hand and, with the other, wipe the display surface gently in a downward motion. Always wipe in one direction. Repeat as necessary to clean thoroughly. Again, make sure the cloth is damp but not wet.

  Cautions: Never apply any cleaning solution directly to the display. Also, never wipe your screen with any dry material, even a microfiber cloth.

• Step 5 Clean the Air Vents & I/O Ports

  Over time, dust and dirt can build up as air flows in and out of vents and escapes through ports in your computer case. This can restrict air flow and cause overheating of the electronics and dramatically affect the computer’s performance.

  Use the cotton swabs to wipe away any pieces of dust that have accumulated in vent and port openings. Then gently vacuum over and around them.

  Caution: Avoid spraying compressed air into vents and ports because it can drive any dirt back inside the computer and adversely affect performance.

• Step 6 Disc Tray Cleaning

  The disc tray may need cleaning if the lens has picked up dirt, causing errors reading discs. If so, it’s recommended to purchase a commercial CD/DVD drive cleaning kit because of the delicate nature of the laser and lens contained in the tray. Kits are available at Sears.com.

  Tip: Since the tray is generally closed and protected, keeping the actual discs clean will help you to avoid having to frequently clean this function.

• Step 7 Clean the Case

  With the case closed, dampen the microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution and wipe down the exterior of the laptop to remove all dirt, fingerprints and smudges.

  Caution: As with any laptop surface, never spray the cleaning solution directly onto the case.

• Step 8 Reinstall Battery

  With the case closed, gently turn the laptop with the bottom up and replace the battery, making sure it’s securely latched.

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