Microbes, they are everywhere! While most are harmless or even beneficial, there are bacteria and viruses that are best avoided.
The problem is that our gadgets, especially our touch ones, are the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of nasty critters. Do not be afraid! We’re going to take a look at how to disinfect and clean your favorite electronic gadgets without damaging them!
Warning! Read this first!
When it comes to cleaning your electronics, you should always check your gadget manual. Different devices have different fluid and solvent tolerances. If you damage the device during cleaning, you will not be covered by the warranty if you do not comply with the warnings in the manual.
Solvents and isopropyl alcohol are especially hazardous for specially coated glass screens or coated surfaces that dissolve on contact with these substances.
A damp, lint-free microfiber cloth and possibly regular laundry soap (bacteria and viruses) are generally safe for the non-electrical parts of any device. Liquid getting into the slots and insides of an electronic device is, of course, a bad idea.
How to clean Airpods and other wireless headphones
As you might have guessed, gadgets that you literally need to stick in your ears can get pretty rude. Not to mention, dirty kidneys can carry germs into your ears from other sources, such as your fingertips. It goes without saying that you should never share a liner without thoroughly disinfecting it!
What do you need to clean Airpods or other wireless headphones? Here’s a shopping list:
- Cotton headphones.
- Soft microfiber or other lint-free fabric.
- 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes (optional)
- Pure fresh water
Generally, wiping your wireless headphones with a slightly damp cloth is sufficient to remove dirt and other debris. However, a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or cotton pad moistened with it will kill bacteria and viruses on the outside of the bud. Just be careful not to get alcohol into the speaker grill.
Some people find success with reusable putties like Blu Tack, Prestik and other brands. With the help of a small piece of material, you can remove small pieces of debris from the speaker mesh without any damage. Just be gentle!
If your buds use removable silicone tips, they can be washed in warm, soapy water. Don’t do this with memory foam or other porous bumps. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations or replace the headphones completely.
How to clean an Airpod or Wireless Earbud case
While the wireless headphones are easy enough to clean, it’s important not to lose sight of the case they come in! Most wireless earbuds come with a charging case. The buds themselves fit snugly into the molded slots, usually with a magnet to hold them in place. This is great in terms of usability. However, this also means that there are plenty of nooks and crannies to get into.
Cleaning these cases from the outside should be limited to wiping them with a microfiber cloth. Do not use solvents. If you are particularly concerned about bacteria, mildly soapy water will do, but be very careful not to let any liquid get into the case openings, especially the charging port! In other words, moisten a cloth with a little soapy water and wipe the outside of the cabinet.
For the interior, your best friends are a wooden or soft plastic toothpick and a cotton earmuff. A toothpick can be used to remove debris from creases and cracks in the mold, and a cotton ear can be used to remove dirt. As with the look, you can dip a Q-tip in some soapy water, but squeeze out the excess liquid. You want it to be wet, not wet. Avoid exposed charging contacts inside the case.
How to clean charging ports
Wireless charging is very convenient these days. Some flagship phones can almost match the speed of wired charging with a wireless pad, and one day all phones can only charge wirelessly. However, at this point, the vast majority of phone users have to plug the cable into their phone’s charging port.
This means you are also stuffing dirt and debris into the port, which can cause problems over time. We found modern USB-C ports to be a particular challenge. Since lint and other debris builds up in the port, it may ultimately be impossible to insert the plug deep enough.
For all port types, a small amount of compressed air is usually enough to dislodge any serious sand, but thanks to the USB-C design, we found that it was possible to use a wooden or plastic toothpick to neatly bypass the inside of the USB-C port. easily dig up the pile.
How to clean your smartphone or tablet
Smartphones and tablets get covered in germs and dirt from being touched, held, and placed on various surfaces throughout the day. These germs can be passed on to you when you touch your face or place your phone to your ear. The good news is that cleaning these electronic devices is pretty easy. First, here’s what you need:
- Regular laundry soap.
- Dampened, lint-free cloth.
- Dry microfiber cloth
Many modern phones are considered waterproof, but you shouldn’t submerge them in water or over-wet them for no reason. Especially if the phone is a little older or has been dropped several times, which could compromise its water resistance.
Take a lint-free cloth dampened with soapy water and wipe the device. Then use a cloth dampened with clean water to remove any soap residue. Finally, wipe it off with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
How to clean keyboards
Whether it’s a computer keyboard, laptop keyboard, or mobile wireless keyboard, cleaning them is more or less the same process. Turn off or disconnect the keyboard, and then wipe each keyboard cover with a damp, lint-free cloth. Then use a can of compressed air to blow out any debris or dust that gets stuck under and between the keys.
A clean slate
While we cannot provide specific instructions for cleaning all types of electronic devices, there are some good general rules to keep in mind:
- Wet, not wet!
- Regular soapy water is enough to fight germs.
- Avoid abrasives, solvents and fabrics that can cause scratches.
- 70% isopropyl alcohol is a popular electronics cleaner, but check the manufacturer’s warning first.
- Be very careful with any screen cover. They can be easily damaged if the wrong substance is applied to them.
- Blu Tack, wooden or plastic toothpicks and cotton buds are your friends!
If you keep these basics in mind, you’ll instantly enjoy sparkling germ-free gadgets! After all, cleanliness is next to amenities!
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