Cleaning the laptop

Prepare to Clean


Make sure the computer is off and unplugged, and remove the battery.
Make a 1:1 cleaning solution using the water and alcohol.
Dampen the cloth with the cleaning solution--it should be slightly moistened rather than very wet. Also, never spray anything directly on the computer; the liquid should go on the cloth first.




Clean the Laptop Case


Use the damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the laptop. This will help you make it look brand-new again. Then open the lid and wipe the areas around your keyboard.


Clean the LCD Screen


Clean the display using the same cloth or a new moistened one if the original is too grimy (again, don't spray any solution directly on the screen). Use gentle circular motions or wipe the screen from left to right, top to bottom.

Clean the Keyboard and Touchpad


Use a can of compressed air to loosen and remove dirt, crumbs, and everything else that may be stuck in the keys. Alternately, you can turn the laptop over and gently shake out any loose debris, running your fingers over the keys to aid the process.


If you have stuck keys or a very dirty keyboard (due to spilled drinks, for example), you can also remove the individual keys and wipe beneath them with a cotton swab dipped in the cleaning solution. Be sure you check your laptop manual to make sure the keys can be removed for cleaning, and, of course, put them back the right way.


Some laptops have drains built into the keyboard tray. If yours is like that, you can pour distilled water into the keyboard and let it air-dry. Check your manual to be sure.


Finally, use the damp cloth to wipe the keys and the touchpad.


Clean the Ports and Cooling Vents


Use the can of compressed air to clean the case openings: the ports and cooling vents. Spray from an angle so the debris is blown away from the computer, rather than into it.


Also, be careful when spraying the fans, because if you spray too hard liquid may get in the fan blades. To prevent the fans from overspinning while you're blowing the air on them (which can damage the fans), place a cotton swab or toothpick betweent he fan blades to hold them in place.


Last But Not Least


Make sure your laptop is completely dry before turning it on.