How to safely clean your device – from an ITAD professional
Table of Contents
There are numerous tips on how to clean a device on the internet, often only covering how to wipe screens and the outer casing of a device. Disinfecting a device can be difficult, and using the wrong products and tools can result in damaging the asset.
Here at S2S, we have ITAD professionals who repair, refurbish, and clean many different types of devices every day. We’ve spoken to our in-house IT Technical Supervisor, Matt Smith, to show you how to clean your devices safely and thoroughly.
To prep the device,
Remove any unneeded labels, cables, and attached components such as USBs from the device. This makes it easier to manoeuvre the asset and allows for fewer obstacles when cleaning.
To remove labels, use a flat tool to peel the sticker away from the adhesive and prevent scratching of the device casing. If this leaves behind a residue from the label’s glue, use a label remover spray to dissolve it and wipe away using a non-abrasive cloth.
Clean internally,
Turn the laptop over and remove the back casing, this can also be done on some phones and desktop computers. Take out the battery, if possible, and use a clean, unused painters brush to dust and clean the device. Press gently to get the bristles into the different areas of the asset.
Using a painter’s brush allows for easy dusting, without risk of damaging in components inside the device. Be sure not to use a used brush, as this can leave debris on the internal elements. Once this is complete, replace the battery and backing securely.
For stubborn dust and grime,
Apply an anti-static foam cleaner to the outside of the device, front and back. This type of cleaner reduces the amount of static electricity built up by cleaning and protects the asset from the build of dust. However, for more stubborn bits of dirt of leftover residue, you can use a small amount of the label remover.
A micro-fibre cloth is recommended when working in the anti-static cleaner as it’s soft surface prevents scratches, and it will absorb any surplus from the cleaner.
To clean hard to access areas,
Check the ports of the device and ensure no dust or debris is stuck inside where you would insert cables and other devices. These can be difficult to clean on a device manually as they can damage easily, so you may need to find other ways of removing dirt from these areas.
To find out more on how to clean computer ports and keep them from collecting debris in the future, visit the Business Insider webpage.
Lastly,
Repeat the cleaning process with the anti-static foam cleaner for the other services of the device. If the device is a laptop as shown, ensure the screen and keyboard are thoroughly wiped of any leftover foam cleaner.
The painter’s brush can be used on the keyboard to remove dust and stuck debris. It is not recommended you attempt to remove the keys while cleaning, as they may break and not fit back into place.
Your device is ready to use
Now you have a clean device, ensure you repeat the process frequently to prevent the build-up of dirt and dust and keep it working like new.
If you are in need of extra help protecting your devices, discover how we can help with our IT Sanitisation Service.
