COVID-19 Tip: How To Clean Your Laptop, MacBook Safely

The 2019 novel coronavirus that spread out from China to the rest of the world has forced people to stay at home for their own safety. In order to maintain communication and continue working, people have to rely on their computers at home. That said, these computers need to be cleaned every now and then so they can stay functional and safe to use amid the pandemic.

Here's a quick guide to cleaning laptops or MacBooks so that users can continue using them while staying at home while the COVID-19 outbreak continues.

General reminders

Laptops and MacBooks are made using different materials that might require different cleaning techniques or methods. That said, here are a few general reminders that normally apply to all laptops and MacBooks regardless of make:

• External power sources, devices and cables should be unplugged while cleaning.
• Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels or similar items. Soft, lint-free cloths are preferred.
• Avoid excessive wiping as it can cause damage.
• Avoid using aerosol sprays, bleaches or abrasives, or spray cleaners.
• Don't allow any liquid or moisture to enter any openings.
• Keep liquids away from the product, unless noted.

That said, here's how users can clean their laptops/MacBooks safely:

How to clean a laptop/MacBook

• First, users should unplug the laptop/MacBook.
• Next, get a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth and use it to wipe the laptop/MacBook exterior.

How to clean the display

• First, get a clean, lint-free cloth like Microfiber.
• Next, wipe the screen gently to remove dust and easy to remove dirt. MacBook users can slightly dampen the cloth with clean water to remove stubborn dirt. Non-MacBook users can dampen the cloth with a little isopropyl alcohol instead. Users should rub the dirt off gently using a circular motion, Express noted.

How to clean the keyboard

• First, users should turn the laptop off. Apple didn't give any specific cleaning details.
• Next, with the laptop open and turned off, users should lift and turn it upside down to dislodge loose dirt. A soft-bristled brush will help remove debris from the keyboard.
• After that, users should wipe the keyboard using slightly damp microfiber cloth, then dry it by wiping using dry, lint-free cloth.
• Stubborn dirt can be removed using cloth dampened with a little bit of isopropyl alcohol.

Those who want to disinfect the laptop can wipe it using cloth dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Users should avoid letting any alcohol drip into any opening.