2022 Resolution: Clean Your Gadgets The Right Way

Dust bunnies aren’t just something that live under the bed — they can also live in your electronics. But that’s not the only thing you should be worried about. The phone that you are very likely holding in your hand may be a breeding ground for germs. In fact, an average phone contains more harmful microbes than a toilet seat. The reason is simple, toilet seats are cleaned more often than mobile phones.

To avoid turning your beloved electronic devices into a home for germs, try these cleaning hacks:

Phone and tablet:

Wiping your mobile with a damp cloth might get rid of the dirt but it doesn't do anything to the germs. To give your phone a thorough cleaning, mix isopropyl alcohol and water in equal parts and wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth. You can use a cotton swab to clean the cracks and crevices.

However, do not use hand sanitizers on your phone as it might damage the display screen.

Screens and monitors:

Cleaning screens and monitors is often a tricky task. If you are not careful enough, you can end up damaging them beyond repair. Gadgets often come with dedicated screen cleaning products and it is advisable to use those only. However, if you find yourself in a pinch, you can try The Better Home's multi-purpose cleaner. Just add a drop of it to a soft, microfiber cloth to get rid of fingerprints and any other residue. Since it is free of bleach and other harsh chemicals, it is safe for your gadgets.

Laptop:

Laptops may seem like they always run at maximum performance, but they are actually quite fragile, and small particles of dirt and dust can easily cause problems with the system or even damage certain parts of it.

Use a damp microfiber cloth with a few drops of isopropyl alcohol to clean it. While cleaning the keyboard, turn the laptop upside down first to get rid of any large particles of dust, then simply brush off the remaining dirt.

Be careful while using a damp cloth on the keys as sometimes it may erase the letters.