How to Clean Your Electronics Safely – A Full Guide

Whether it’s your smartphone, laptop, gaming controller, or television, our electronics collect dust, grime, fingerprints, and bacteria faster than you think. But cleaning them incorrectly can do more harm than good. In this full guide, we’ll show you how to clean your electronics safely—without risking damage to your devices.

Most of us touch our devices dozens—if not hundreds—of times a day. Smartphones alone can harbour more bacteria than a toilet seat. Dust and debris can also cause devices to overheat, underperform, or fail prematurely.

Cleaning your electronics properly:

• Extends the life of your gadgets

• Improves performance and airflow

• Keeps screens clearer and more responsive

• Reduces germs and allergens

Before we dive into specifics, always follow these universal safety precautions:

1. Turn off and unplug your device before cleaning.

2. Remove batteries if possible (especially for remotes, toys, and keyboards).

3. Never spray cleaner directly on a device—spray onto a cloth first.

4. Use microfibre cloths or other non-abrasive materials.

5. Avoid using excessive liquid—less is more when cleaning electronics.

• Microfibre cloth

• Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher)

• Cotton swabs (optional)

1. Turn off and unplug your device.

2. Mix a 1:1 solution of water and isopropyl alcohol.

3. Lightly dampen a microfibre cloth with the solution.

4. Wipe down the screen, back, and sides using gentle circular motions.

5. Use a dry section of the cloth to buff away any moisture.

6. For crevices and ports, use a dry cotton swab or soft-bristled brush.

✅ Avoid: Household cleaners, window sprays, bleach, or paper towels (which can scratch).

• Microfibre cloth

• Compressed air

• Isopropyl alcohol

• Small soft brush (optional)

1. Turn off the device and unplug it.

2. Wipe the screen gently with a dry microfibre cloth.

3. If needed, use a damp cloth with a screen-safe cleaner or alcohol solution (avoid ammonia-based products).

1. Turn the laptop upside down and gently shake out loose crumbs or debris.

2. Use compressed air to blow out dust between keys.

3. Lightly dampen a cloth with alcohol and wipe keys and trackpad.

4. For sticky keys, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

✅ Tip: A soft paintbrush can help sweep out dust around keys and vents.

Flat screen TVs and monitors are sensitive to pressure and liquid.

• Dry microfibre cloth

• Screen-safe cleaner or alcohol/water mix

• Distilled water (to avoid mineral streaks)

1. Power off and unplug the screen.

2. Gently wipe the screen with a dry microfibre cloth in a circular motion.

3. For tougher smudges, dampen the cloth with distilled water or screen-safe spray.

4. Clean the frame and stand using a cloth with diluted alcohol.

⚠️ Never use Windex or glass cleaners—they can strip screen coatings.

Controllers collect grime from hands and can spread germs fast.

• Microfibre cloth

• Isopropyl alcohol

• Cotton swabs

• Toothpicks or soft brushes

1. Power off and remove batteries (if applicable).

2. Wipe the controller’s surface with a cloth dampened with alcohol.

3. Use cotton swabs around buttons, triggers, and analog sticks.

4. Use toothpicks or soft brushes for gunk stuck in seams.

1. Dust the outside with a microfibre cloth.

2. Use compressed air to blow dust from vents and ports.

✅ Tip: Store your console in an open, dust-free area with good ventilation.

Audio accessories collect earwax, oils, and dirt fast.

• Microfibre cloth

• Alcohol wipes

• Toothpick or soft brush

• Cotton swab

1. Remove any silicone tips and soak them in warm soapy water.

2. Use a toothpick or brush to gently remove wax from speaker grills.

3. Wipe down the body with an alcohol-dampened cloth.

1. Wipe down headband and ear pads.

2. Use a dry cotton swab to clean crevices.

3. Let everything dry completely before reuse.

⚠️ Don’t submerge electronics in water—even if they’re “water-resistant.”

Dirt and lint in ports can cause charging issues and connectivity failures.

• Toothpick or SIM ejector tool

• Compressed air

• Soft brush

1. Power off the device.

2. Gently insert a toothpick and scrape out visible lint or debris.

3. Use short bursts of compressed air to clear loose dust.

4. Avoid using liquid or metal tools inside ports.

✅ Tip: Do this regularly for phones, laptops, game consoles, and docking stations.

Here are some electronics-safe cleaning products worth having:

Keeping your devices clean doesn’t just make them look better—it protects your investment, enhances performance, and improves hygiene. Whether it’s your phone screen, your keyboard, or your charging port, regular cleaning using the right techniques can go a long way.

Be gentle, use the right materials, and always follow manufacturer guidelines when in doubt.