Spring Cleaning Your Screens and Keyboards

With spring arriving, many of us are starting to deep clean our homes. But there’s one area that often gets overlooked: our technology.

Over time, smartphones gather fingerprints, and computer keyboards collect dust and crumbs. Cleaning these delicate electronics the wrong way, however, can cause expensive damage.

Here’s how to safely spruce up your devices:

• Power Down First: Always turn off your device and unplug it before cleaning. This protects both you and the electronics.

• Use the Right Cloth: The best tool is a simple microfiber cloth—like the kind used to clean eyeglasses. Avoid paper towels, which are surprisingly rough and can leave tiny scratches on screens over time.

• Skip the Window Cleaner: Never spray harsh chemicals or glass cleaner on your electronics. If you have a stubborn smudge, lightly dampen a corner of your cloth with plain water and gently wipe the spot. Never spray liquid directly onto the device.

• Tackle the Keyboard: Use a clean, dry paintbrush or unused makeup brush to gently sweep between the keys and remove trapped dust and crumbs. For sticky spots, a cotton swab lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol can safely clean around the keys.

A little careful cleaning can make your devices look almost new again, and much more pleasant to use.