Must-Know Tips for Properly Cleaning Common Electronic Devices

Your electronics silently collect dirt and bacteria every day. Regular cleaning is the best way to keep your phone, laptop, headphones, smartwatch, and more clean and healthy.

With just a few simple items like a microfiber cloth, isopropyl alcohol, and a little clean water, you can refresh your device without worrying about damage. Discover the right cleaning tips right below.

1. How to clean phones and tablets

Phones and tablets often come with an oleophobic coating that helps prevent fingerprints, but this coating can wear off if not cleaned properly.

Therefore, manufacturers recommend using a microfiber cloth and distilled water to gently wipe the surface, combined with cotton swabs to clean the slots, edges and buttons.

However, during the pandemic, the increased need for disinfection has led many people to use stronger solutions.

In response, Apple has updated its official cleaning instructions, allowing the use of wipes containing 70% isopropyl alcohol, 75% ethyl alcohol, or Clorox wipes to clean hard surfaces like displays and keyboards.

Note, avoid using bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and absolutely do not let moisture get into the charging port or speaker hole.

Want a more thorough disinfecting solution? Mix 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% distilled water in a spray bottle. Remove the case, spray the solution onto a disposable microfiber cloth, and wipe down the entire device. Don't reuse a used cloth.

If you are worried about damaging your screen, you can apply a tempered glass protector, which is both safe and easy to replace. Don’t forget to clean the case before reattaching it, and wash your hands. Otherwise, no matter how clean your device is, it will quickly look “dirty as if it had never been cleaned.”

2. How to clean headphones

Headphones, from over-the-ear to in-ear, are your best friends, always by your side while you work, exercise, or relax. Unfortunately, they are also the ideal “home” for sweat, ear wax, and all sorts of uninvited dirt.

For over-ear headphones, simply wipe the surface with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, then wipe again with a dry cloth. If the ear cushions and headband are visibly dirty, remove and clean them separately by mixing 1 teaspoon of mild detergent with 1 cup of water, using a lint-free cloth to clean. Then wipe again with a clean damp cloth, and let dry completely before reassembling.

AirPods and earbuds without ear tips should be wiped with a dry microfiber cloth. If they get any lotion, food, or sweat on them, lightly dampen a lint-free cloth, wipe them clean, and let them dry completely before putting them back in the charging case.

To deal with ear wax and dust accumulated in the speaker mesh, a great little trick is to use a little glue, roll it up and gently dab it on the mesh surface to pull out the dirt. This method is quick, neat and does not harm the device.

If you want to disinfect, use the same 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water solution you used for your phone. Spray it onto a disposable microfiber cloth and wipe down the entire surface of your headphones, both over-ear and in-ear types.

For earbuds with silicone tips like the AirPods Pro, remove the tips, wipe them with a damp cloth and mild soap, then rinse them with water and dry them with a lint-free cloth. Wait until they are completely dry before reattaching them. The speaker grilles can also be cleaned with the same adhesive as above.

Finally, don't forget to wipe the cable if you're still using wired headphones.

3. How to clean your laptop

Your laptop is a device you carry everywhere with you, and that means it collects all sorts of dust, crumbs, and fingerprints along the way.

To start cleaning, turn the machine upside down and shake it gently to “chase away” unwanted guests such as dust, hair, food crumbs, etc. Next, use a can of compressed air to blow out the key slots and ventilation holes.

Before deep cleaning, be sure to unplug the charger and remove the battery if possible. Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe down all exterior surfaces, both plastic and metal. Be gentle but thorough.

For LCD screens, use a specialized solution and a microfiber cloth to avoid streaking or damaging the coating. For touchscreens, you can use plain water or an eyeglass cleaner, just be sure to spray it on the cloth and not directly on the screen. For a convenient solution, 3M Tablet and Laptop Cleaning Cloths are a quick, one-step option.

4. How to clean your desktop computer

For LCD screens, it is best to use a microfiber cloth soaked in distilled water or a screen-specific solution. If it is a touch screen, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth; if there are stains, use more water or an eyeglass cleaning solution soaked in the cloth before cleaning. Never spray directly onto the screen.

The plastic surrounding the screen can be easily cleaned with water or a mild detergent such as glass cleaner. For the case, use a soft cloth with water, a regular cleaning solution, or a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water to clean off dust, which is both effective and safe for components.

As for the keyboard, bread crumbs and dust are common culprits. Gently shake the keyboard over a trash can, then use a can of compressed air to blow out any debris hiding under the keys.

Then, use a damp cloth to wipe the top of the keys and a cotton swab to clean every crevice. If the keyboard is especially dirty, use a solution of isopropyl alcohol and water for a more thorough clean.

Your mouse deserves some care, too. It travels across your desk every day and collects hand oil and dirt. Use a cotton swab dipped in diluted rubbing alcohol to clean the slots, feet, and buttons. Finally, wipe the entire body of the mouse and the cable with a cloth soaked in the solution, ensuring a clean shine without leaving any residue.

5. How to clean flat screen TV

Most modern TV screens have a delicate anti-reflective coating that is extremely sensitive to harsh chemicals. Glass cleaners can permanently damage this coating.

Instead, use a clean, slightly damp microfiber cloth (or a screen-specific solution), and wipe gently in one direction, without pressing hard or rubbing.

And don’t forget the remote control, which is often overlooked but is a breeding ground for bacteria. Remove the batteries, shake it gently to remove any crumbs, and then use a can of compressed air to spray the button slots.

Then, wipe the entire surface with a microfiber cloth soaked in a 1:1 solution of water and isopropyl alcohol. For the area around the button, use a cotton swab soaked in the same solution to clean.

6. How to clean smart speakers

Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod or Google Nest need to be cleaned periodically, not only to keep them looking new but also to keep them working properly for a long time.

For models with screens like the Google Nest Hub or Amazon Echo Show 10, you should use a dedicated screen cleaning cloth to clean the display. Fabric-covered areas can be gently wiped with a dry microfiber cloth; if there are stains, lightly dampen the cloth and wipe again, a simple but effective operation.

For all-plastic devices, like older Echo models, a slightly damp microfiber cloth will do. If the grille gets dusty or dirty, a trick is to dab it with a little soft adhesive and wipe it off.

7. How to clean game consoles and controllers

For game consoles, use a dry microfiber cloth or duster to remove any surface dust. Then wipe again with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. For small crevices, use a cotton swab dipped in water to clean, being sure to avoid sensitive ports and slots.

For controllers, which you hold for hours at a time. Mix a solution of one part water and one part isopropyl alcohol onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down the entire surface of the controller. For areas around buttons and grooves, use a cotton swab to clean more thoroughly.

Maintaining a regular cleaning routine will not only keep your device clean and free of bacteria, but will also save you a ton of time in the future when it comes to “overhauling” it.

8. How to clean fitness trackers and smartwatches

Fitness trackers and smartwatches are your sweaty companions. And yes, they sweat too. Luckily, most of them are designed to handle moisture just fine, as long as you clean them properly.

Start with the body of the device: Use a microfiber cloth with a little water and wipe down the entire surface. Simple but effective.

For rubber, silicone or soft material straps: You can wipe with water or a little isopropyl alcohol. If you often use lotion or sunscreen, choose a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil to clean.

For stubborn stains, try a white eraser like Paper Mate White Pearl. If that doesn’t work, make a thick paste of baking soda and water, rub it gently on the stain, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.

Nylon straps are prone to odors due to sweat. When cleaning, soak or wipe with a solution of water mixed with a little dishwashing liquid, then rinse with clean water and let dry naturally.

For metal bracelets, use a lint-free cloth to clean. For tarnished stainless steel bracelets, use a little polish but rinse thoroughly to avoid contact with skin. If silver-plated bracelets have changed color, use a silver polishing cloth to restore shine.

For leather straps, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth, then use a specialized leather cleaner and apply a layer of conditioner.

Finally, don’t forget the charging contacts. For devices like Fitbits, you should use a toothpick or toothbrush dipped in alcohol to clean the charging contacts, then dry them with a lint-free cloth to avoid rust or poor contact.