In the last few decades computers have gone from a luxury only few could afford to a necessity in everyday life. Now that we are working from home as well, our computers have become even more central to our lifestyles. Gone are the days where we primarily used our home computers for entertainment or personal records, but they now have become our companions for both our working and personal lives.
Needless to say, all the extra wear and tear has given our devices quite the work-out in the last year. As such, it is probably time that you gave your computer some much needed TLC.
The not-so-cute kind of bunnies
Let us be honest, most of us have eaten far too many meals in front of the computer this year. Even if you try hard to be careful and cleanly, you will end up with bits of food debris in or around your computer. That along with the dust already collecting can start to cause issues for your computer if it is not cleaned out regularly. Afterall, dust and grime can collect anywhere, and your computer is no exception.
There are many reasons why you need to clean out the ‘gunk’ every now and then. Not only does it extend the life of your device in general but also protects against overheating. When dust or grime is caught up in your computer, especially the fan, it causes the device to work harder to keep cool. When enough grime is present, the cooling system could cease to work entirely causing the computer to overheat. In some unfortunate cases, the heat can do enough damage to cause a complete system failure.
A good rule to remember is that if you can hear your fan working harder than normal, it’s time for a clean. There is a common misconception that a loud fan just means your computer is getting old. While it is true parts will need replacing here and there, dust is the most likely culprit.
Who doesn’t love a good microfiber cloth?
Once you have decided it is time to give your computer a good over-haul, it’s important that you use the correct tools and techniques to complete the job. Two reliable tools we recommend are a slightly damp microfiber cloth (emphasis on the slightly) and a can of compressed air. You can use the cloth to wipe down most screens, surfaces, and fans. Use the can of compressed air to get those hard-to-reach spaces as well as underneath the keys of your keyboard.
Sometimes water is not enough to get your computer to the level of clean you desire. In these cases, we recommend using a gentle cleaning solution like water mixed with white vinegar (50/50) or a mild cleaning solution. Be sure to check the ingredients to the cleaning solution thoroughly before using and avoid cleaners that contain bleach, chlorine, or keytones. Altogether, you should avoid using a cleaning solution when you can and if you are regularly cleaning your computer you shouldn’t need one.
Other considerations…
One of the most important things to remember before you start cleaning is to power down and unplug. Water, metal, and electricity still do not make a good mix. Static electricity can also damage your device therefore it is recommended that you wear a static band while cleaning. If you do not have a static band, you can use a rubber mat to stand on while you clean your computer.
Something else to take into consideration is where your computer is placed. Use common sense when setting up your home computer and avoid places that are susceptible to high temperatures, moisture, or smoke. Environmental irritants like these can cause a lot of damage to your devices and ultimately shorten their lifespan.
Give your computer some love this February
If you can’t remember the last time your computer had a good clean, it’s probably time to give it some love. With Valentines Day right around the corner, now is as good a time as any! To keep your devices in optimum shape, we recommend cleaning every 4-6 months or as often as you feel necessary.
Does your entire IT environment need some TLC as well? Vodigy is here to help. We provide reliable technology solutions, custom tailored to your business. Give us a call today!
