First you'll need to turn your laptop off completely, and unplug the charging cord as well as any other USB cords you may have. You’ll also want to remove your laptop’s battery to reduce the risk of shock or damage.
Use a can of compressed air to remove dust and debris from the keyboard. Don't hold the can upside down; simply tilt and spray. Then, use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum hose to clean out any remaining bits of debris or dust.
If your computer still looks a little grimy, you can use cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol on and in between the keys of the keyboard. Just make sure the swabs are damp and not wet.
Use cleansing wipes to wipe down the outer casing.
You can use a homemade solution of equal parts white vinegar and distilled water for your LCD screen. Do not spray the solution directly onto the screen, but instead spray on a soft rag and then gently wipe the screen.
Turn your laptop over and look for an air vent on the outer edge of the laptop, covered by an access panel. If you unscrew this panel, you should see the fan. If not, you will either need to search elsewhere (perhaps there's another panel) or your fan may not be readily accessible. You’ll have to take your laptop to a specialist who can access the fan for you.
Use compressed air once again to blow out the dust. You may want to do this outside, since it can be a little messy. Keep your bursts short and gentle; anything stronger could damage the fan or other internal components of your laptop.
Wipe out the inside of each port with a dry cotton swab (without rubbing alcohol this time) and then spray each with your can of compressed air. Remember, be gentle.
All clean? Screw the panel back in and replace your battery, and you’re good to go. Bet that laptop runs a lot cooler and quieter now, doesn’t it?
Remember to clean your laptop every couple of months to keep it working smoothly.
We’re not trying to sound like your mom here, but seriously, when was the last time you cleaned your laptop? If you can't remember — or never have — then read this article and get to work, because you're long overdue.
Even just sitting on your desk, your laptop can get dirty. Dust accumulates and clogs the internal components of your laptop, especially in the fan. This forces the fan to run more often, which can lead to overheating. Allowing a laptop to overheat is one of the best ways to kill it, short of a sledgehammer. Since we love our tech, we want to ensure that yours lives a long and healthy life.
See also: 10 Best Back-to-School Laptops
We’re going to give you step-by-step guide on how to clean that beloved laptop of yours, so you can give it the TLC it desperately needs.
Instructions will, of course, vary depending on laptop brand. Dig out your user’s manual for more detailed instructions on how to reach certain parts of your laptop. If you really don’t feel comfortable getting to know the inner workings of your device, take it to a specialist.
What tips do you have for cleaning a dirty laptop? Let us know in the comments.
Image: Flickr, DeclanTM