How to Keep Your IT Equipment Clean: A Hybrid Working Essential
Let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked in the hybrid working world: keeping your IT equipment clean. Whether you’re toggling between your home office and the company HQ, or grabbing a coffee-shop table between meetings, one thing stays the same—your tech is with you, and it can get seriously grimy!
Now, I know, I know…cleaning your screen or keyboard might not be at the top of your priority list. But trust me, the benefits go beyond just having spotless gadgets. A clean workspace boosts productivity, prevents health issues (yes, those germs are everywhere), and even extends the life of your equipment. So, let’s dive into the best ways to keep your IT gear—from your laptop screen to your headphones—looking and working as good as new!
The Screen: Your Window to the World
I can’t count the number of times I’ve peered at my screen, only to realise it’s covered in fingerprints, dust, and mystery smudges. Whether you’re a touchscreen user or not, your screen needs regular attention.
Challenges
Fingerprints and smudges: These are the most obvious culprits and come from touching the screen or just opening/closing your laptop.
Dust build-up: Over time, dust settles into corners and edges, especially if your screen hasn’t been wiped down in a while.
Screen sensitivity: Laptop screens can be delicate, and using the wrong cleaner or cloth can cause scratches or damage.
Solutions
Microfiber cloth: This is by far and away your best friend for keeping your screen free of dust and smudges. Gently wipe the screen every few days to keep it looking pristine.
Specialised screen cleaner: Avoid household cleaners; they’re often too harsh. Use screen-specific sprays or wipes to get rid of tougher marks without risking damage.
Compressed air: For those hard-to-reach corners, a quick spray of compressed air will dislodge the dust lurking in the edges.
The Keyboard: The Hidden Germ Hub
Your keyboard is your workhorse and it takes a beating every day…and it will show! From crumbs to dust to even hair, things can get ugly fast.
Challenges
Crumbs, dust, and debris: If you’re like me, you’ve probably eaten a snack or two at your desk. Over time, crumbs and dust find their way between the keys.
Grease and oils: Your fingers naturally carry oils that can leave a residue on your keyboard.
Spills: Oh, the dreaded coffee spill! Even a small amount of liquid can wreak havoc on your keys.
Solutions
Turn it upside down: Start by turning your keyboard upside down and gently tapping it to shake out any loose debris.
Compressed air: Again, compressed air is a life-saver here. It’s perfect for getting into the nooks between the keys.
Keyboard wipes: Use alcohol-based wipes to give your keyboard a good clean, particularly if you’re moving between home and shared office spaces. These wipes disinfect as well as remove grime.
Keyboard covers: Consider using a silicone keyboard cover if you’re prone to spills or if your keyboard is getting particularly dirty. These are easy to clean and replace.
Headphones: The Forgotten Accessory
If you’re working in hybrid mode, chances are you’re using headphones for video calls, podcasts, or just to block out the world. But when was the last time you cleaned them?
Challenges
Earwax and oils: OK, gross but true! Headphones that sit in or on your ears will naturally pick up wax and oil.
Sweat: Especially if you wear them for long periods, or during workouts.
Dust and dirt: Like any other surface, headphones collect dust over time.
Solutions
Earbud cleaning kit: For in-ear headphones, you can buy tiny cleaning kits with brushes and tools to clean out wax and dirt from the buds and mesh covers.
Isopropyl alcohol: Use a tiny bit on a cloth to wipe down the outside of your headphones or over-ear cushions. Don’t use too much, as you don’t want liquid seeping into the electronics.
Replacement ear pads: If you’ve had your headphones for a while, you might notice the ear pads or covers start to wear out or hold on to smells. The good news is, many models have replaceable pads.
The Mouse and Other Peripherals
Like the keyboard, your mouse and any other peripherals you use (like a drawing tablet or external trackpad) need regular care.
Challenges
Fingerprints and grease: Your mouse is in constant use, and it picks up oils from your hands, which build up over time.
Dirt on the sensor: A dirty sensor can cause tracking issues, making your mouse less responsive.
Solutions
Wipe it down: Use the same alcohol-based wipes you used for your keyboard to clean the surface of your mouse.
Clean the sensor: If your mouse starts acting sluggish, check the sensor. A quick wipe with a dry cloth or a blast of compressed air should clear it up.
Don’t Forget the Bag!
Let’s not forget the bag that carries all this gear. Whether you’re using a laptop backpack, a messenger bag, or a sleek tech case, your bag needs a bit of attention too.
Challenges
Dust and dirt: Bags pick up dirt just from being set down on floors or tossed into car trunks.
Spills: A forgotten snack or pen explosion can turn your tech bag into a sticky, inky mess.
Crumbs: If you carry snacks around, the inside of your bag can look like the bottom of a toaster…
Solutions
Vacuum or shake it out: Turn your bag inside out and shake it vigorously to remove dust, crumbs, and debris. You can also use a small vacuum attachment for a more thorough clean.
Spot clean: For spills, a damp cloth with mild soap can take care of any issues on the inside and outside of your bag.
Organise with pouches: Consider using separate pouches or compartments to keep tech accessories, like chargers and USB drives, in one place and safe from dirt or spills.
Chargers, Cables, and Adapters
Chargers and cables are the lifeline of our devices, but they often get the short end of the cleaning stick. These things are forever getting tangled, gathering dust, or worse, getting frayed.
Challenges
Tangled messes: Cables can become tangled, which leads to fraying and breakage over time.
Dust build-up: Chargers and cables tend to attract dust, especially when they’re lying around unused.
Solutions
Cable organisers: Invest in a simple cable organiser or even just use velcro straps to keep things tidy. A neat setup will help cables last longer and avoid wear and tear.
Wipe them down: Use a damp cloth to clean cables and adapters every now and then, and check them for fraying or wear. Replace any that look damaged before they stop working or become a fire hazard.
The Hybrid Work Factor: Keep It Travel-Ready
One of the challenges of hybrid working is that you’re moving between locations. Your home, the office, or even a coworking space all present different cleaning and organisational challenges.
Travel wipes: Keep a small pack of cleaning wipes in your bag for on-the-go clean-ups. You never know when your screen or keyboard will need a quick refresh.
Portable cleaning kit: You don’t need a full setup, but having a small microfiber cloth and some screen-safe wipes in your bag can be a lifesaver for impromptu cleaning.
Routine checks: Get into the habit of giving your gear a quick check and wipe-down every couple of weeks, especially if you’re switching environments regularly.
Wrapping Up
There you have it! Keeping your IT equipment clean may not be the most exciting task, but it’s essential, especially in the hybrid work era where we’re carrying our tech from place to place. A clean workspace not only looks and feels better, but also helps your gear last longer and keeps you more productive. So, next time you’re grabbing that laptop to head into the office, take a moment to make sure it’s squeaky clean and ready to go!