Computers and smartphones are no longer luxuries in our fast-paced lives – which means chances are, you take for granted that your devices are sophisticated machines with thousands of working parts. While your computer, phone, and related accessories are sturdy and can take a lot of use, you still need to be careful and keep your devices clean and free of dust, moisture, food crumbs, and other hazards. This will not only be healthier for you as you use your computer by reducing bacteria and germs, but also prolong the life of your device.
Dust & Dirt
Dirt and dust can clog your heatsink (what keeps your computer from overheating). It can make your processor fan less effective (or stop altogether). It can cause components to become loose, and the thermal paste inside the machine to become ineffective. Dust can also conduct electricity, which can short out the components inside your computer. All that extra dusty stuff can also make your keyboard stop working correctly and your mouse from scrolling smoothly.
A can of compressed air can do a lot of the work for you by blowing out the dust & debris from inside your machine. Make sure you turn off your computer and peripherals beforehand. If your computer is very dusty, I’d suggest spraying outside. A microfiber cloth and some all-purpose cleaner can be used to wipe down non-electrical surfaces, such as the outside casing, keyboard, and mouse.
Finally, consider where you are storing your computer, especially if you have a desktop. Is it sitting on the floor under your desk, near your shoes and feet? Do you have a basement office? Consider moving the computer to a more open area, where ventilation is better and dust accumulation is lower.
Food
Most people nowadays tend to eat lunch at their computer during weekday work hours. However, spilled crumbs and wet food items can get into the crevices of your keyboard or laptop and cause similar problems to dust and dirt. On an extreme end, leftover food in your devices can even attract ants that will then live inside your device. Yup, that’s gross.
I personally know of one person who destroyed their MacBook by spilling a bowl of liquid cheese on it. The insides could not be salvaged from hot sticky cheese sauce, and he had to buy an entirely new computer.
Some suggestions to minimize this are eating foods that are self-contained and not as easily spilled. Or, just take your lunch away from your desk and give yourself a well-earned break during the work day!
Drinks
Here’s a nightmare – you’re working on an important document on a deadline, you reach for your coffee cup, and spill the entire contents on your computer.
That cup of liquid sitting innocently next to your computer has the capability to completely ruin your chances of finishing a project on time, and possibly costing you and your employer hundreds or thousands of dollars in repair and replacement. Liquid and electrical components do not mix. It’s also possible that if the liquid manages not to short out your computer, it can start growing mold and become a health hazard.
One way to minimize the chance of this happening is to use cups with secure lids. I have an insulated coffee cup with a super secure lid that seals tightly – even if I drop it, as klutzy people tend to do, it won’t spill. Similar types of cups exist for water and other liquids. As a bonus, these reusable cups are also great for the environment.
Other Hazards
In my time working in tech, I have seen dirty and non-functional computers with evidence of vomit, fire, animal waste, and, surprisingly, the one that disgusted me the most, cigarette ashes.
None of these things belong anywhere near your computer or tech devices. Protect your investment and keep it clean!