How to Keep Your Computer Clean

If you are like many others, your desktop computer just sits there, day after day, allowing you to run your business. Alas, like any other machine, it will fail. One way to prolong the lifespan of your computer is to keep it clean. Listed below are some pointers on how to do so. 

Why is a Clean Computer Better?

Think of it this way: if you have one pan and you use it to cook regularly, you’d wash it every time you cooked a new meal, right? If you didn’t it would pick up stuff from everything you’ve cooked and it would make the food you cook next taste weird. Cleaning your computer works the same way. The more you use it without cleaning it, the more dust and residue builds up in the machine and it affects the way the computer works.

How Often Should I Clean My Workstation?

Unlike a pan, you can get away with not cleaning your computer for a while. You should definitely clean it at least once a year, but it’s really a good idea to open it up and at least blow it out with some canned air every quarter (four times a year) or so. It also matters where the computer is located. For computers that are in an industrial environment, in the presence of pets, near or on carpet, or used regularly by children (or unhygienic adults) should be cleaned more often. Either way, you should plan on giving it a good cleaning at least once a year. We recommend having a professional do this for you - if your office workstations are starting to look pretty dirty, it might be a good idea to give us a call at 703-359-9211.

Cleaning Your Computer’s Components

You will need to approach cleaning each part of your workstation differently. First, here are some things that you absolutely shouldn’t do: 

• Do not spray any liquid directly into the computer. Spray a cloth and wipe instead.
• Do not use a vacuum, as it can create a damaging static charge. Use compressed air to blow away any debris.
• Don’t allow fans to spin freely as you are cleaning them, as it could actually damage them.
• Don’t clean your computer while it’s turned on.

Now, let’s go through how to clean the various parts of your workstation.

Your Workstation’s Case

Keeping your workstation’s case clean assists airflow. You will want to use a lint-free cloth to wipe down the exterior to help minimize dust on the outside. Working to the inside, you will want to use a can of compressed air to clean out any dust and debris. 

The Peripherals

Keeping the rest of your workspace clean is critical, even your keyboard, your mouse, and your monitors. You will want to use lint-free cloths and compressed air. If you must, you can use diluted rubbing alcohol to wipe down hard surfaces.

At Macro Systems, we continue to provide the information that users need to properly use and look after their technology, call us at 703-359-9211 today if you have any questions or comments.