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Following are tips for cleaning your computer screen, keyboard and mouse safely - and inexpensively.
A) The Screen
1. Turn off the computer (if a laptop) or the monitor.
2. Gently wipe the exterior with a cloth dampened with water and just a bit of hand dishwashing detergent.
3. Spray glass cleaning product* onto a lint-free cloth, then gently wipe the screen.
B) The Keyboard
Science can't explain it, but soft drinks, crumbs, and coffee are attracted to computer keyboards. Put them and a kid or two in proximity of one another, and they're bound to interact messily sooner or later.
Here's how to handle the inevitable mess when it happens:
1. Unplug the keyboard.
2. If liquid is spilled, turn the keyboard over and let it drain and dry for at least 24 hours. If the spill was a sticky drink - a cola or a latte´perhaps - try prying the small key caps off the keyboard with a flat-head screwdriver to get better access to the mess.**
3. Take a picture of the keyboard layout, or make a quick sketch of it before you remove any keys so you can put them back where you found them. Don't remove the spacebar, the Enter key, or other large key caps, however.
4. Gently wipe with a wet cotton swab, and work off really grimy gunk with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
5. Rinse the key caps thoroughly. Allow to air-dry.
6. Replace the key caps. Use your diagram of the layout if needed.
C) The Mouse
Every time you roll the mouse, you are rolling dust, dirt, and gunk into its innards. Periodically, you need to clean it to keep it rolling along smoothly. Here's how:
1. Unplug or turn off the mouse.
2. Open the back/underside. Remove batteries (if applicable) and the ball.#
3. Wipe away grime from the ball with a damp cloth. Allow to air dry.
4. Gently wipe the inside to remove grime and buildup. Use a cotton swab moistened with rubbing alcohol.
5. Dry thoroughly. Use compressed air to blow dry.
Editor's Notes:
*Glass cleaner may not be safe on LCD screens. If in doubt, use a soft cloth slightly dampened with water.
**New keyboards are relatively inexpensive (if you opt to buy a new one, look into recycling the old one).
# If you have a newer laser mouse, you won't have a roller ball that needs cleaning. However, you might give attention to the scroll wheel on the top of your mouse.
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