How to properly clean your laptop (inside as well as outside)
Cleaning your laptop isn't just about the software but keeping it physically clean on the inside and outside as well. Every now and again its best to probably get your laptop checked on the inside if you live in a dusty or hot environment.
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- If you have had your laptop for over about 3-4 years it may be good to get it checked out anyway to make sure no compacted dust and dry thermal paste.
Laptops are much more compact than the common desktop computers they tend to clog up easier which can lead to overheating issues.
Keyboards, touchpads, fans and other openings being built in to the laptop allows for liquids and food to also run down into the inside of the computer and create corrosion and blockages.
Step 1: Safety Precautions & Preparing
Before working on with a laptop to clean it or use a tool, you must eliminate the risk or electrical shorts, physical damage or damage to yourself.
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- Ensure your laptop is unplugged and completely turned off.
- Make sure the charger isnt plugged into your laptop as well as mouse dongles or any USB drives.
- If the laptop has an external plug in battery, unlatch it and take it out.
* Make sure your laptop is off while cleaning to prevent damage. If using screen cleaning solutions make sure they are dried before turning on.
Step 2. Cleaning the laptop screen
Laptop screens can be delicate and can be easily scratched if you use rough cloths or strong chemicals.
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- Make sure you use the right cloth to clean the screen, something that is suited to cleaning laptop screens.
- Apply the cleaning solution to the cloth first, not directly to the screen so it doesnt make its way inside the screen assembly and damage the electronics.
- Wipe the screen gently in circular motions or one way at a time. Don't press hard or scrub.
Step 3. Cleaning your laptop keyboard and trackpad
Keyboards and trackpads pickup a fair bit of oils, dust and food. The stuck bits can get wedged underneath the keys stopping them from responding properly.
Cleaning your laptop keyboard should be pretty straight forward.
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- Try to loosen out loose debris by tilting the laptop upside down and gently shaking it to losen bits in the sides of the keys.
- Using compressed air can help to dislodge the bits and pieces underneath the keycaps.
- Lightly dampen a cloth with screen cleaner and gently wipe keys and track pad.
Try to avoid popping off the keys unless your have experience as they can be troublesome to get back on and its easy to damage the clips underneath.
Step 4. Clearing dust from the vents
The vents that run along the bottom and edges or the laptop need to be kept clear.
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- Find the vents on your laptop
- Compressed air can help to unblock any blockages as well as an old toothbrush
- Make sure the compressed air isnt too powerful and try not to jam anything through them as it could cause damage.
- An antistatic brush can help to remove dust from USB, HDMI and charging ports.
Step 5. Internal cleaning & thermal paste service
If your laptop is compacted with dust and it is running hot, possibly switching off, it will then need to be opened up.
After years of use the thermal paste that is on the CPU and GPU dries up and can bake which prevents it from working. When the thermal paste doesnt properly connect the CPU and GPU to the heatsink the heat can transfer properly causing it to overheat.
Taking a laptop apart requires care as you will need to remove small screws (also hidden), release plastic housing clips, disconnect thin cables.
If you dont feel comfortable its best to get someone who is experienced to look at it for you.
Need someone to perform an internal clean of your laptop in Diamond Creek?
By making sure the main parts are taken care of there are a few other things you can consider as well to make sure you get the maximum life expectancy from your laptop.
- Get a computer technician to thoroughly look at it and see what can be done to clean the insides of your computer keeping the laptop cool and giving a longer lifespan. The technician may be able to find things that you cant reach or might not know about.
If you would like us to take a look at your computer for you, we can be contacted on 0479 100 163 or an online booking can be made.