Tip of the Week: The Very Basics of Computer Cleaning

For your employees to succeed, their tools need to be in proper working order. While often overlooked, this means that their workstations need to be kept clean. Here, we’re reviewing the basics of cleaning your workstation to keep it running well.

Does a Clean Workstation Make that Much of a Difference?

Yes! A computer collects a surprising amount of junk and grime, not to mention germs. Maintaining it can help ensure it doesn’t overheat. Plus, it just looks better, anyway.

Therefore, you need to make a regular habit out of tidying up your workstation. Let’s touch on a few best practices for cleaning the major components.

How Often Do I Have to Clean My Computer?

That all depends on a few variables, but you should make sure that you’re cleaning your computer at least once a year. Other factors will render it necessary to tidy up more often.

Take, for instance, the computer’s location. Its environment may introduce specific kinds of debris that make more regular cleanings a prudent course of action.

So, if your computer spends its time…

• In an industrial environment
• In the presence of pets
• Around carpeting

…it is probably best to clean it more frequently.

Who it is that typically uses the computer is also an important factor. Younger people  (especially children) are a leading cause of sticky fingers on a keyboard and a smudged monitor.

Either way, if your computer hasn’t been cleaned within the past 12 months, now is probably the time to do it.

How to Properly Clean Your Workstation’s Components

The different parts of your workstation need to be cleaned differently. Otherwise, they could become damaged in your attempt to keep them shipshape. Keep in mind, we’re focusing on desktop workstations here, as the process of cleaning a laptop is somewhat different.

For starters, here are a few general best practices:

• 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.
• Always turn off the computer before you attempt to clean it.

The Case

Cleaning the exterior of your workstation can help to improve its ventilation, as well as make it look more presentable. You can remove any dust built up with a few swipes of a lint-free cloth.

The Interior

Also helping to keep the device’s temperature in check, it pays off to clean the inside of any dust and debris. Use compressed air to do this so that you don’t risk damaging the internal components.

The Peripherals

Finally, it makes sense that things like the keyboard and mouse would get a little grimy over time. A bit of diluted rubbing alcohol or disinfectant and compressed air can remove this grime and any germs it may have housed. As for your monitor, dusting it off with a lint-free cloth will naturally improve the visibility of your display.

For more assistance in cleaning your computing infrastructure, or any other technology maintenance, give Walsh IT Group a call at (832) 295-1445. Our expert technicians are ready to help.