“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” - Alexander Graham Bell

Spring Clean your Machine

Cleaning your machine not only makes it look and feel like new, but can actually improve performance. Read on below for our top tips on keeping your machine clean and running optimally.

1. Clean that keyboard

Your keyboard can be a safe harbour for all sorts of unwanted nasties, from food crumbs, to dust, to bacteria. Giving it a clean makes your working environment a lot more pleasant.

If you have a desktop PC with a separate keyboard, turn it upside down and gently bash on the bottom. You'll likely be surprised at what drops out of it! If you have a laptop or slimline keyboard use an unused clean soft paintbrush (or makeup brush) to brush out between the keys.

2. Mouse trap

Your mouse can also become a harbour for some nasties. Use that paintbrush to get in and clean out around the buttons and mouse wheel (if you have one). Turn the mouse upside down and brush off the optical sensor. Don't forget to wipe your desk off before putting the mouse back on it!

3. Screen time

Grimy screens are never nice to look at. Get a microfiber cloth and gently clean the screen in circular motions. If you have any stains, don't use any household cleaning products on the screen, you may damage it. Instead, dip a clean part of your microfiber cloth into some distilled water and gently rub your screen with it - be sure to remove any excess liquid before you begin this, you want a damp cloth, not a dripping wet one. If you have a really stubborn stain you can mix in 50% white vinegar and 50% distilled water and try dipping the microfiber cloth in that and having another go.

4. External clean

For this, be sure your machine is fully powered off and disconnected from the power supply. If its a laptop with a removable battery, remove that too.

Use an air duster to blast out any fans and vents on your machine. Follow up with your brush from point 1 above and dust any remaining grime.

5. Internal clean

This is for desktop machines where you can open the case, not laptops!

Ensure the power is still disconnected!

Remove the side panel of your machine, then proceed to use the air duster to blast off accumulated dust in your machine. Give the fans a good going over, and if you are confident remove and clean the RAM sticks as well. Once complete, finish the clean with your brush.

Performing this kind of maintenance can extend the life of your machine and ensure it stays cooler while running, which means it will actually run a little bit faster!