Tips On Cleaning Computers To Protect From Covid. Germs are everywhere, but they don’t seem to stick around anywhere as much as they stick on computers. The combination of static electricity and a regular user’s lack of hands-on contact with most of their computer makes it an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
It may sound unappealing, but a proper computer or laptop cleaning can reduce the chance for bacteria or viruses to build up, reducing illness and other complications.
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ToggleBreathing in the dust is bad for you, but breathing in the dust while your computer is turned on and you are sans-face mask? Even worse. The average computer user spends quite a bit of time looking at their screen, so if it’s covered with dust and grime, you are constantly breathing in whatever other contaminants are gathered in the dust.
As with the keyboard and screen materials, it may take time for the body to react to these contaminants by shutting down an organ or weakening a system. It’s better to take care of your health before an issue than wait for something bad to happen.
Dust is one of the most common concerns when collecting contaminants on your computer, as they act as a microcosm for everything else in the air. To be certain you are getting rid of every microscopic speck that can settle on your computer, invest in a vacuum with the proper attachment set.
Dusting off with a separate cloth is good, but vacuuming with an attachment specifically made for computer keyboards and screens will ensure that those areas are completely cleaned. Remember to vacuum the keyboard and screen glass separately; while they sit close together on the surface, they aren’t connected.
If you want to get the screen of your monitor cleaned up with disinfectant wipes (which we always recommend), be sure that you don’t use regular rubbing alcohol. Instead, invest in a product like isopropyl alcohol.
Not only does alcohol work better as a wipe for the screen, but it’s a safer choice than rubbing alcohol. It is less likely to damage your monitor than regular rubbing alcohol. Just be sure to remove all the dust, dirt, and scratches before wiping the screen down.
Your desk is another area that needs to be cleaned regularly to keep your computer system free from germs. That sticky, gunky stuff you see all over your mouse is not only gross; it’s also a breeding ground for viruses.
If you work in an office setting, your desk and mouse will probably require a daily wiping down with disinfectant wipes or other computer cleaning materials before you leave them overnight.
If you work at home, you may want to put up a clear plastic sheet and wipe it down with disinfectant after you are done. Although this is a lot of cleaning for your desk, it’s the best way to keep your computer area clean without bringing in a professional maid or house cleaning service.
The keyboard is next to the mouse in terms of being touched and used frequently. Like the mouse, it doesn’t need to be perfectly clean for germs to grow on it, but regular cleaning will ensure that your hands stay clean, which is even more important.
Many keyboards have individual keys that are easily visible, so if you see a suspicious-looking key, just pop off its cap or use a butter knife to nudge it softly.
It’s best not to break that key off its circuit board; hooking or removing the actual circuit from the keyboard will void any warranty of the product if it’s covered by one. Instead, use the knife to gently remove some of the key’s glue when undertaking a keyboard cleaning exercise.’ The key and cap can be cleaned with a disinfecting spray and placed on the board.
One of the ideal ways to keep your equipment clean and free from infection is to regularly move it out of areas that tend to get messy. Doing this will also help keep it free from dust, which can also lead to fungal infections on your keyboard and screen if you aren’t careful.
A moist carpet or rug at home or in your office can be very problematic if left untreated, especially once it gets hot outside. If you can, consider getting your office all cleaned up on a weekly or even daily basis.
You may not realize it, but certain bacteria thrive in a warm, moist environment. That means that messes and spills are ideal places for them to grow. They won’t even need to be a mess at all; they will just love the moist atmosphere of your workspace.
If you frequently use the restroom and don’t have one set aside specifically for your computer equipment (though many offices do provide this area), keep the air in your workstation area clean by regularly using a deodorizer. They use a wide dispersion method (rather than a directed stream) that ensures the air is thoroughly perfumed in the area where you are working.
Using a lint-free cloth for cleaning your computer will prevent dust from becoming trapped in all the crevices of your hardware, which can lead to fungal infections. It also reduces bacterial growth, as lint is often made up of bacteria-laden fibers. It’s best to avoid linty clothes and ones that are heavily textured. If you aren’t already using one, invest in a lint-free cloth as soon as possible.
Although the tips above are by no means the only things you should be doing to keep your computer system clean and safe from infection, they are certainly some of the critical aspects you can do.
After regularly practicing these tips, you will find that your computer equipment stays clean and safe as long as you want it to stay that way. If you hire a professional to help with this, be sure they are informed about the dangers of COVID-19 and the proper way to clean your computer system. They should be able to receive top-of-the-line products that will not only keep your equipment clean but also a disinfectant and antiviral wipes as needed.