Gadgets and computer gear: How to clean them

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We all love our gadgets and computer gear, but how often do we actually take the time to clean them? Probably not often enough.

The cleaning tips below will not only make them look good, but will make them more sanitary and run better.

Keyboard n mouse:

Computer keyboards can get pretty filthy from just normal use, not to mention from eating at our desks or working while we're sick.  Studies have shown that keyboards have more bacteria than toilet seats--ick!  It's a good idea to regularly clean and disinfect your keyboard and mouse, especially if you share them with others.

Cleaning
Step 1: Unplug your keyboard from your computer and remove any batteries.

Step 2: Flip it upside down and give it a good couple of shakes.

Step 3: Blow some compressed air to remove crumbs, dust, and other fun stuff from between the keys.

Step 4: If you happen to have a mini vacuum that's designed to clean keyboards, feel free to use it, but refrain from using a full-size vacuum; you might find your keys in the vacuum's dust bin.

Step 5: Wipe the keyboard keys and palm rest with a lightly dampened lint-free cloth, like a microfiber cloth.

Step 6: Using a dry microfiber cloth, remove any remaining moisture from your keyboard.

Disinfecting
Step 1: Unplug your keyboard from your computer and remove any batteries.

Step 2: Wipe your keyboard with disinfectant wipes. Make sure that the wipes aren't overly damp and that you squeeze out any excess liquid before wiping the keyboard.

Step 3: Then immediately wipe your keyboard down with a lightly dampened microfiber cloth.

Step 4: Using a dry microfiber cloth, remove any remaining moisture from your keyboard.

Clean and disinfect your mouse

Cleaning
Step 1: Unplug your mouse from your computer and remove any batteries.

Step 2: Use a lightly dampened microfiber cloth to wipe away grime or dirt. Be careful not to get moisture into any openings.

Step 3: Using a dry microfiber cloth, remove any remaining moisture from your mouse.

Step 4: If there are loose particles stuck underneath the scroll wheel, turn the mouse upside down and roll the scroll wheel to help dislodge anything that may be stuck inside.

Disinfecting
Step 1: Unplug your mouse from your computer and remove any batteries.

Step 2: Wipe your mouse with disinfectant wipes. Make sure that the wipes aren't overly damp and that you squeeze out any excess liquid before wiping the mouse. Take care to avoid getting moisture into any openings.

Step 3: Then immediately wipe your mouse down with a lightly dampened microfiber cloth.

Step 4: Using a dry microfiber cloth, remove any remaining moisture from your mouse.

How to clean your computer LCD display:

Remember when your computer LCD display had that brand-new, fresh out-of-the-box shine? If it's looking a little dull lately, it might be time to give it a good cleaning. Here's how:

Step 1: Disconnect the power cord from desktop monitors. For laptop displays, turn the laptop off, unplug the power cord, and remove the battery.

Step 2: Gently wipe the dust from the surface of the display using a dry, lint-free cloth, like a microfiber cloth. Remove any tags that may be on the cloth to avoid scratching the display with the tags.

Step 3: For tough spots, lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with water and gently wipe the display with as little pressure as possible.

If you prefer, you can use a cleanser made specifically for cleaning LCD displays, but do not spray it directly onto the display. Spray a small amount of the cleaner onto a microfiber cloth first, to avoid getting any cleaning solution inside the display.