It is important to keep things clean and disinfected, especially in these precarious times. Your computer is certainly no exception. We typically continually touch our computers and keyboards throughout the day…along with doorknobs and other surfaces people frequently touch, not to mention our frequent bathroom trips and lunch at our desks.

A good rule of thumb is to clean your computer every 6-9 months, inside and out…

First, you want to shut down and unplug. Then, gently wipe the outside of your computer with a microfiber cloth dipped in a small amount of alcohol – not the drinking kind. Just be careful to avoid your plug-in ports. They should only be cleaned with compressed air.

Also use a microfiber cloth to dust your screen. For any fingerprints or debris that won’t wipe off easily, it is best to use electronic-safe screen cleaning wipes.

Turn your keyboard upside down and shake/tap it lightly to gently knock out any loose debris. Then use compressed air to clean between the keys. A Q-tip dipped lightly in alcohol can be used on keys that are a little harder to clean.

A microfiber cloth lightly moistened with alcohol can also be used to clean the exterior of your mouse. Blow out the interior with compressed air.

Don’t forget to take out the trash! To keep your computer running optimally, get rid of all the unnecessary stuff…the unused files and apps. Dump your downloads and empty your recycle bin. Delete your cookies, update and defrag.