Computer Cleaning

by Wm R. Griffin

Computers play a key role in most businesses today. In the past we as professional cleaners have ignored the needs of electronic office helpers. When someone suggests we clean their computer, fax, printer or copy machine the standard answer has up to this point been "We can't touch them" and we quickly head the other way.
Now let's think about it for a moment. Why can't we touch them? It's just a plastic case, much like on a television. Not really much different than a plastic laminate desk or table top. Any we certainly have plenty of experience cleaning those.
Besides, offices are full of electronic equipment these days and much of it is very dirty because they get used a lot and nobody cleans them.
It's not really that complex. If the machine is unplugged or at least turned off and you don't get it overly wet, drop it or handle it roughly, you shouldn't have much trouble at all. In fact you probably have much of what you need already and if not the local office supply store now has an entire section of computer and electronic cleaning supplies.

The Basics

Cleaning computers and any other equipment is much like anything else. Use a little common sense. Go slow, start small and as you develop your skills you get better and more confident.

1. Communicate with the user. If someone asks you to clean their machine, find out a convenient time and decide what they can do to prepare it for you, such as shut it off and unplug it. It's also a good idea to put a blank floppy disk and CD in the drives if they have them.

 

2. Gather the tools, chemicals, equipment and supplies you need and bring them all with you to do the work. This will avoid a lot of wasted tips back and forth to various locations to get all the things you need. In fact, make a list of what you need and get it all together on a cart or in a caddy or toolbox.

 

3. Be gentle. This is no place for rough hands, or even dirty ones for that matter. Don't bang, thump, drop, shake or force anything. Be careful of cablesthey are not that secure and can be damaged easily if handled haphazardly or in a rough manner.

 

4. Look over the job. Decide what is connected to what and what needs to be done.

 

5. Go easy on the chemicals. Spray solutions on rags or wipers only, not directly on the computer or equipment components. Use moist soft clean cloths not wet dirty ones. Allow dwell time, let the chemical work, but don't let it run on surfaces. Change your rags or wipers often. You can't clean a surface with something that's dirtier than what you're trying to clean.

 

6. Test, Test, Test.

Before you get over confident and into trouble, learn to test in small out of the way locations before you attempt a big job. That way if it doesn't turn out just right you can stop before you really screw something up.
At the same time be on the lookout for new products that may be able to be used in your cleaning process. But remember: test, test, test, and you'll stay out of trouble most of the time.
When testing, try different dilutions and check the rag as well as the surface to see that you're not removing more than the soil. Some chemicals will actually melt or take the color out of the plastic. If the rag is turning the color of the surface you're cleaning, stop and re-evaluate what you're doing. The color should not be coming off, only the soil.

 

7. Ask questions and do your homework.

There isn't a lot of information available on this subject but there is some. Anytime you get a chance to pick up some additional knowledge or information, do it and it won't be too long before you're the local expert on the subject.

 

8. Take your time. This is not a race, this is detail work. Be thorough and work in an organized manner. Side to side, one piece at a time. Watch what you're doing and keep your mind on your work.

 

9. Good luck. You'll need it. Things happenlearn by your mistakes and don't make the same ones twice.

 

10. Keep your day job. At least for a while. Remember you have to eat and may even have a family to support.

Chemicals

Check out the local office supply store for specialty products. After that try some general purpose cleaners and mild degreasers. Vary the dilution and do some testing of various surfaces. Glass cleaners that are free of solvents and alcohol are generally okay for computer screens.
Try Windex glass cleaner with ammonia on everything but the computer or TV screen. Wipers are good as they are not too wet and they are soft.
Never use flammable liquids or abrasives. If it doesn't come clean with gentle cleaning leave it soiled and you'll be glad you did. If you want to experiment get some junk equipment and go at it.

Supplies

White terry cloth towels or wash cloths are the best. They are absorbent and won't scratch any surface. Cotton swabs are handy for getting into small spaces like around keyboard keys.
A plastic or disposable paper drop cloth to work on is good to protect surfaces and catch any soil or solution that may get spread around during the cleaning process.

Equipment

A small vacuum is ideal. You can get a one gallon wet/dry vac at most hardware stores for about $30.00.
A small air supply is handy. This is available at camera and office supplies. However, it is better to vacuum up soil than to blow it around. If you are going to use air to clean inside of the CPU case take it outside or to the shop. You'll find a lot more dirt inside than you ever imagined and it will end up everywhere. Wear a dust mask if you're blowing dust around.

Tools

Small screwdrivers and a flashlight are handy to have. You will also find uses for old toothbrushes and small paint brushes.

Procedures:

The Monitor

1. Vacuum the entire surface with a soft dusting brush.

Use a paint or toothbrush to clean any grill or grid areas on the top or back of the monitor.

 

2. Wipe entire surface with a soft cloth moistened with a mild detergent solution.

 

3. Use a mild non-solvent non-alcohol solution on a soft clean cloth or disposable wiper to clean the monitor screen. You may have to repeat the process twice, then polish to a streak-free condition with a soft dry cloth and inspect. Repeat if needed.

 

4. Test various cleaning solutions until you find one that is effective in cleaning the plastic case without damage. It may take two or more cleanings to get it as clean as possible.

 

5. Polish the surface of the case with a plastic polish. Do not polish or get overspray on the screen.

 

6. Inspect your work and proceed to the next item.

 

Note: Wipe off all surfaces (except the glass screen) with an anti-static wiper.

The Keyboard

1. To remove all the loose debris and dust around the keys, turn the keyboard upside down and gently tap the keys and shake the board so paper clips, hair, food, etc. will be dislodged and fall out. Do this over a newspaper or drop cloth to avoid making a mess and reducing the clean up required.

 

2. With the keyboard still upside down use a can of compressed air with a pinpoint nozzle to further dislodge any remaining soil.

 

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 several times until nothing further falls out of the key board or rattles around when you turn it upside down and tap the keys.

 

4. Vacuum the keyboard with a dusting brush attachment.

 

5. Use a keyboard wiper or slightly moist soft rag to wipe the keyboard keys. Use a slightly moist cotton swab to clean the edges of the keys. Repeat if needed.

 

6. Wipe clean the keyboard body.

 

Note: Dislodging junk that gets under the keys may cause the keyboard to malfunction. Test for proper operation if possible after you complete the entire cleaning. Luckily, keyboards are generally not too expensive to replace if needed.

The Printer

Note: Procedure depends on the type of printer. Open top printers can generally be turned on their side or upside down and blown with compressed air to remove dust and debris. If you're not comfortable doing this try blowing it out as it sits on the table. This is best done in a shop or outside.

 

1. Wipe the exterior of the case with a mild detergent and polish with dry clean cloth. Use a soft toothbrush to get around buttons, grills and indented areas. A cotton swab may also be helpful.

 

2. Repeat #1 if needed.

 

3. Apply plastic polish, and polish with a soft dry cloth.

The CPU case

1. Use a paint or toothbrush to loosen and remove dust from difficult to reach areas. Then clean with moist rag or wiper.

 

2. Repeat as needed.

 

3. Apply plastic polish, and polish with a dry soft cloth.

The Fax

1. Clean the exterior of the fax with the same solution you use on other plastic surfaces. Be especially careful that you don't use too much moisture around buttons. Never spray the equipment directly. Apply a light mist to your cleaning cloth, wiper or swab.

 

2. Use a brush as needed to get around buttons and indented areas. Use compressed air to blow out any visible soil inside the machine. Vacuum exterior surfaces.

 

3. Remove the paper and wipe inside the cartridge area.

 

4. Lift the cover and clean the paper feed roller with alcohol or a commercial roller cleaner. Wipe dry. This may take a little practice. Don't force things or overwet.

 

5. Check the glass on the optical reader if visible. Sometimes white-out fluid gets on it and causes a streaked copy or fax. You may be able to remove this with alcohol. I sometimes use a razor blade to clean off any adhered soil. You really have to be careful that you don't scratch the glass. Watch outthe surface could be plastic, which is even easier to scratch.

 

6. Apply anti-static to accessible areas.

 

7. Apply plastic polish and wipe with a soft clean cloth.

Cleaning under raised floors

In areas with extensive computer systems, the floor is often raised to allow room for cables and other wiring. To control dust buildup, it is important to vacuum under such flooring at least twice a year.

Procedure:

Note: be certain you have permission from the area supervisor before moving any equipment or machines.

 

1. Remove the squares with a suction-cup device made for this very purpose. To limit spreading dust by air flow in your work area, remove no more than five at a time, and then return the squares properly when finished with an area.

 

2. Use a plastic vacuum cleaner with a 5-10 gallon tank capacity.

 

3. Vacuum the ground flooring, including under wires and cables, and vacuum above the wires as well.