One Tech Tip: How to Clean Your Computer, Earbuds and Smartphone

Key Takeaways

Clean your computer, earbuds and smartphone regularly to maintain hygiene and performance.

Use alcohol-based cleaners, microfiber cloths, and compressed air for safe result

Avoid water exposure, especially on earbuds and smartphone ports.

Build a habit of weekly cleaning to reduce grime and extend gadget lifespan.

Whether you're working from home, commuting, or scrolling endlessly on your phone, your tech is exposed to dust, dirt, oil, and germs. Not only does that make your devices look grimy, but it could also reduce their performance and even affect your health. Here's one quick tech tip: learn how to clean your computer, earbuds, and smartphone properly—without damaging them.

Why Clean Your Devices?

You touch your phone dozens—if not hundreds—of times a day. Your earbuds go in and out of your ears. Your computer keyboard is exposed to coffee spills, crumbs, and oily fingers. Studies have shown that a smartphone screen can carry more bacteria than a toilet seat.

Routine cleaning of your gadgets is part of smart tech hygiene—it helps prevent hardware issues, prolongs device life, and keeps you healthier too.

Computer Cleaning 101

Dust and debris can clog your computer’s vents and fans, making it overheat and slow down. Cleaning the screen, keyboard, and vents is easy—and essential.

Tools:

Microfiber cloth

Isopropyl alcohol (70%)

Compressed air canister

Small soft brush or toothbrush

Steps:

Shut down and unplug your laptop or desktop.

Use compressed air to blow out dust from keyboard and vents.

Dampen a microfiber cloth with a bit of alcohol and gently wipe the screen and surfaces.

Use a brush to remove debris between keys.

Avoid using too much liquid—it can seep into crevices.

Tech Tip: Don’t spray cleaners directly onto the screen or keyboard. Always spray onto a cloth.

Earbud Cleaning: Quick & Careful

Grimy earbuds can ruin sound quality—and potentially lead to ear infections. Here’s how to clean them without harming delicate components.

Tools:

Isopropyl alcohol

Toothbrush or soft brush

Microfiber cloth

Cotton swabs

Warm soapy water (for silicone tips)

Steps:

Gently remove earwax or dirt using a dry brush.

For earbuds with silicone tips, remove and soak the tips in warm soapy water. Dry completely.

Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean the plastic body.

Never submerge wireless earbuds or touch the mesh with alcohol directly.

Did You Know? Clean earbuds once a week to maintain sound quality and avoid buildup.

Smartphone Cleaning: Safe & Sanitized

Your phone goes everywhere with you—pocket, purse, bathroom—and it's a hotspot for germs.

Tools:

Microfiber cloth

Isopropyl alcohol (70%) or screen-safe spray

Lens wipes (optional)

Steps:

Turn off and unplug your device.

Remove the case and clean it with soap and water or alcohol.

Use a lightly dampened microfiber cloth to wipe down the screen and body.

Use a lens wipe to clean the camera area and sensors.

Avoid: Bleach, vinegar, or household glass cleaners. They damage coatings and sensitive parts.

Best Cleaning Products for Electronics

When it comes to cleaning your devices, using the right products matters:

Safe to Use:

Microfiber cloths

Isopropyl alcohol (under 70%)

Compressed air

Silicone tools

WHOOSH! Screen Cleaner

Avoid:

Paper towels (they scratch surfaces)

Harsh chemicals

Excessive water

Tech Cleaning FAQs

What is the safest way to clean my smartphone screen?

Use a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol or a screen-safe cleaner. Wipe gently in circles.

Can I use alcohol wipes to clean earbuds?

Yes—but only on plastic parts. Keep alcohol away from the speaker mesh.

How often should I clean my computer keyboard?

Once a week is ideal, especially if you use your device daily or eat near it.

One Last Tech Tip

Device cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated. A weekly wipe-down and monthly deep clean can go a long way. Combine this with good habits—like washing your hands before using devices and not sharing earbuds—and your tech will not only look better but also last longer and stay germ-free.