15 Home Electronics You Never Clean but Really Should
Photo: istockphoto.com
Our daily life revolves around home electronics. We touch them repeatedly, share them with other family members, and leave them out to collect dust and grime, and yet we don’t generally include them in our regular cleaning routine—and that’s a big mistake. As important as it is to keep your hands clean, it’s just as important to keep your electronics clean so they don’t become reservoirs for germs. Learn these quick cleaning tricks to clean common household electronics. They will keep your device dust and germ-free.
Before you get out your cleaning tools, it is important to remember that electronic items are often coated with special finishes. These electrical components can be very sensitive to harsh cleaners or abrasives. When determining how to clean electronics in your home, it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions before you try to clean a device to ensure that you don’t damage it in the process.
Most basic cleaning does not reveal a device’s interior electronic components and should not void your warranty; however, if you go beyond basic cleaning, check the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that your cleaning approach will not void the warranty.
1. Mobile phones and tablets
Photo: istockphoto.com
It’s not just a dirty rumor: Every square inch of your cell phone is covered with roughly 25,127 bacteria. That’s more bacteria than are found on a public doorknob. You can fight back with regular wiping down of your tablet and phone. While you can purchase specialty cleaning fluid or UV lights to disinfect your screens, it’s easier to dampen a microfiber cloth with a mix of 60 percent water and 40 percent isopropyl alcohol, and clean your screens daily. They are ideal for cleaning surfaces because microfiber cloths won’t scratch them. Be sure to power down your phone or tablet prior to cleaning, just in case there’s a spill.
2. Computers and Laptops
Photo: istockphoto.com
You don’t touch your computer or laptop screen as often as you touch your cell phone, but those screens can still collect fingerprints and dust. Turn off your laptop or computer, and mix some dish soap in a small amount of warm water. Mix the ingredients with a microfiber towel. Then squeeze any excess water from the cloth. To remove dirt and smudges, wipe the screens with a clean microfiber cloth. Next, rinse the cloth in warm water. You can remove any remaining moisture with a dry microfiber towel. This will also eliminate streaks. Woosh is a popular cleaning solution. You can use the 2.0 Screen Cleaning Kit on your computer or laptop. Whatever route you choose, just make sure to dampen your cloth with the cleaning solution that suits you best. Spray liquids on screens should not be directly applied.
Pay attention to your computer tower if you own a desktop. There are vents in the tower that allow heat to be expelled and air flow to cool it. The computer’s performance can be affected if these vents become clogged. To clean the vents using a vacuum, dusting cloth or microfiber cloth, then you can wipe it down with a moist microfiber cloth. You may have to remove the cover if you find a lot dust in the tower. If you’d rather not remove the cover, you can schedule a professional cleaning service for your computer. Your computer tower should be swept once a month.
RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: The Best Laptop Stands
3. Keyboard, mouse, and trackpad
Photo: istockphoto.com
University of Arizona researchers discovered that the average office desk can contain 400 times the bacteria of a toilet chair. Additionally, bacteria tends to settle on trackpads and keyboards. These gear are frequently touched and should be maintained clean.
Before cleaning the keyboard, you must first turn off the power source. To remove dirt and dust from between keys, use compressed air. Use rubbing alcohol to lightly clean the keys. Dry them with a microfiber towel. Spray the mouse with rubbing alcohol, then wipe it clean with a microfiber towel. You can clean your trackpad by wiping it with a damp cloth and a bit of water. These three touch points should be cleaned weekly. If you are sick, it’s best to clean them after each use.
4. Print
Photo: istockphoto.com
Although home printers are not as likely to get germy than other electronic devices, they can still get dirty. Dusting your printer regularly is a good way to keep it in top shape. Most printers have a cleaning function that takes care of the ink nozzles, so you probably don’t have to mess with them. But it’s a good idea to use a can of compressed air or a small handheld vacuum cleaner to remove any dust that builds up inside the printer. Wipe the printer’s exterior with a damp cloth and water to remove dirt, fingerprints, ink smudges, or other ink particles. You should dust the printer once a week and clean it monthly.
If your printer has a built-in fax machine, you’ll also want to clean this area. Make sure the printer is unplugged and turned off before you clean it. Next, use compressed air or wipe the dirt from the vents with a damp cloth. Please don’t attempt to clean any locked-away areas, as the manufacturer keeps them sealed for a reason.
5. Earphones and Headphones
Photo: istockphoto.com
Earphones and headphones are in direct contact with the skin. They can get clogged with sweat, dirt, wax and dust over time. Ew. It is best to clean headphones that are over-the ears with microfiber cloth, a bit of soap and water, then dry them.
AirPods and other earbuds should be removed with a dry microfiber towel. Use water and no cleaning solutions. Use cleaning putty to remove any buildups of dust or wax. Remove rubber covers that cover the earbuds and clean them individually. Apple AirPods or similar products feature mesh. You can clean it with a cotton swab. Regular cleaning of the case for wireless headphones is recommended. Use a gentle cloth with some rubbing alcohol to wipe the case down. Next, use a dry, soft-bristled brush for cleaning out the Lightning connector.
Whatever type of headphones you use, it is important to clean them every week.
RELATED: 14 Surfaces That You Need to Sanitize More
6. Flat-Screen Televisions and Remote Controllers
Photo: istockphoto.com
The TV screen should be cleaned in the same manner as a computer or laptop’s: Use a microfiber cloth, dipped in warm water and a little dish soap to clean it. The remote control requires a bit more effort. Open the back and remove the batteries. To loosen any crumbs from the remote, gently shake it. Next, use compressed air for any remaining debris between buttons. After that, you can dip your microfiber cloth into a 60-70 percent solution of alcohol. Then wipe the surface clean. To clean the buttons, use a cotton swab that has been soaked in rubbing alcohol. After the remote is air dried, replace the batteries. It’s important to clean TV screens and remotes weekly. If someone in the house is sick, it’s a good idea to wipe the remote down every day.
7. Smart Speakers
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
You can clean smart speakers such as the Amazon Echo or Google Home with a microfiber cloth. Clean your screen device the same way you would clean a computer monitor. It is recommended that smart speakers be cleaned at least weekly.
8. Gaming consoles and controllers
Photo: istockphoto.com
To keep bugs under control, game consoles must be regularly cleaned. Cleaning the controllers the same as for a remote control is recommended. Also, clean the console the way you would clean a computer tower. You should not however open the console to clean; that is the job of professionals. Wipe down consoles every other week and dust them. However, if someone in the household becomes ill, you should clean out controllers each time they are used.
9. Modems & Routers
Photo: istockphoto.com
Many of us don’t even consider modems or routers until they cease to work. These devices are hidden away in the corner of the room, often covered with hair or dust. These boxes, like computer towers have vents that help to release heat. Your router and modem should be given a thorough dusting once per week, followed by a clean with a dry microfiber towel at least once per month to maintain their good condition.
RELATED: Restarting a Modem and Router
10. Streaming devices
Photo: amazon.com
Streaming devices like Amazon Fire sticks and Roku bring your favorite Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video shows to your living room, but are almost always overlooked when you’re cleaning. A simple wipe down when you’re dusting the TV will keep these gadgets in good condition.
11. Smart Doorbells
Photo: amazon.com
While smart doorbells that have built-in cameras such as Ring or Google Nest can provide some protection for your home and give you some peace of mind, they are not immune to germs and bacteria. Friends, neighbors, delivery drivers, and others press that button, and you can’t be sure about the cleanliness of their hands. Cleaning your smart doorbell regularly will not only stop germs from spreading, but you’ll also prevent the video feed from becoming blurry. Video doorbell manufacturer Ring says that it’s OK to sanitize the bell’s housing and button with a disinfecting wipe (stick with the wipes—don’t spray disinfectant on the bell, because the spray can seep inside).
Don’t use a disinfecting wipe on the doorbell’s lens, either. You can wipe the doorbell’s lens and camera with a soft, non-linting cloth. To remove any stubborn dirt or grime, you can use a small amount of water to wet the cloth. To prevent damage, do not use harsh chemicals on the lens; you can, however, use a cleanser that’s made for eyeglasses, camera lenses, and other optical gear.
RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: The Best Video Doorbells
12. Cameras
Photo: istockphoto.com
Cameras can be infected with bacteria. Think about it: You take these devices all over the place, and they acquire bacteria—sometimes scary bacteria—along the way. A Chicago Tribune article about the bacteria found on one photographer’s camera discovered that the most abundant presence was mycoplasma, a type of bacteria unaffected by many antibiotics.
To clean a camera, brush away any dirt from the camera’s exterior and use an alcohol wipe to clean the camera’s surface. Use a lens cleaner to dampen a soft, circular cloth and clean the lens. Remove any lenses that are removable and gently clean the camera and lens with a blower. Then, attach the lens back to the original position.
13. Virtual Reality Headsets
Photo: istockphoto.com
Virtual reality (VR) headsets like the Google Meta Quest 2 are a fun way to immerse yourself in a gaming universe, but they’re magnets for all kinds of grime. Because they’re worn over the face, headsets can collect a buildup of facial oils, sweat, dirt, and microorganisms—disgusting to think about, especially if you share your headset with other players.
The sets are very easy to clean. You can gently wipe the exterior cameras, lenses and glass with a microfiber towel. To wipe down the headset, use alcohol-free wipes. Focus on areas where it comes in contact with your face. Antibacterial wipes can be used to clean soft spots, such as the strap. Before you use the headset again, let it dry completely.
14. Smart Watches
Photo: istockphoto.com
We assume your smartwatch looks clean because you wear it every day. According to a study, smart watches have 374 percent more bacteria per square inch than a standard toilet seat.
This fact may encourage you to clean your smartwatch more often, but your ultimate goal is to only clean it once a week. Separate the screen and the band to clean it. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the screen. You can dampen the cloth by adding a little water to make it more thorough. It depends on what material you are using to clean the band. Please refer to the instructions provided with your band.
15. Speaker Grilles
Photo: amazon.com
Your home speaker grille is the mesh that covers your speakers. It traps dirt, dust and other allergens. The mesh can harbor mold. You can make your house a more healthy place by cleaning it regularly.
Removable grilles are a hallmark of high-quality speakers. You should be able to pop them off with light pressure (don’t force them!). Regularly remove dust from the speaker and grille using a damp cloth, dusting cloth, feather duster, or vacuum on low power—but don’t use the vaccum near the speaker drivers. You can also use a sponge or wet soapy soap to clean the grilles. Wash thoroughly and dry with a fan or in the sun. Once the mesh has dried completely, you can reattach it.