Here’s something most of us don’t think about when we open our laptops, scroll through our tablets, or swipe our phones: our devices are germ magnets. If you thought your keyboard or screen was just dusty or smudged, think again.
Most of us touch our devices like laptops, phones, and tablets all day, and those same fingers pick up oils, food crumbs, sweat, dust, and microbes. Surfaces like screen glass, plastic bezels, and keyboards with crevices, are just perfect for a build-up of nasties.
Why should you care?
You might say: “So what if my laptop is a bit grubby?” But there are three good reasons to care, and they link back to your device’s performance, your health, and the longevity of your tech.
1. Performance and screen clarity
Smudges, fingerprints, and dust on a laptop screen or device display degrade visibility, reduce contrast, and can interfere with touch-sensitive surfaces. As a solution, regular use of electronic wipes helps reduce the build-up of dirt and oils that can affect image quality and touch sensitivity.
2. Health and hygiene
As the statistics below show, devices harbour loads of microbes. While many of these may be harmless, they can include bacteria that thrive in warm, damp, food-crumb-filled spots (hello, laptop keyboard after lunch!). In shared workspaces, or if you have open wounds, lowered immunity, or allergens, this matters. And even for routine use, it’s just nice to have clean tech.
Here are some scary stats:
- A systematic review found that 96.7% of sampled keyboards were contaminated with microbes
- In one experiment, laptops averaged 645 bacterial colonies, and some had over 3,000
- One campus study found that keyboards had up to 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat
3. Device lifespan and protection
Cleaning well helps protect your investment. Dust particles in keyboard keys or on screen edges can affect hinges or seals over time; oils from skin can degrade anti-glare coatings or leave residue. Using proper Technology & Screen Wipes rather than a dry tissue or kitchen cloth can help ensure the right chemistry and minimal risk of scratching.
Caution: If you use household disinfectant wipes, they may leave residue, haze, or even degrade plastic bezels, so it’s always best to choose a product specifically designed for tech devices and screens.
Our Technology & Screen Wipes are designed for screens, surfaces, and electronic devices such as laptops, monitors, tablets, and keyboards. They’re pre-moistened, convenient, and safe for delicate surfaces.
How to clean your device or laptop screen the right way
- Power off your device: Ideally, unplug and switch off your laptop, phone, or tablet.
- Remove loose debris: Use a soft brush or air-can (optional) to clear crumbs or dust from between keys, around hinges, and ports.
- Use your wipe: Grab a Technology & Screen Wipe. Gently wipe the screen in smooth strokes from top to bottom, then side to side. Follow with the rest of the device: keyboard, trackpad, exterior surfaces.
- Avoid pooling of liquid: If the wipe is very wet, press gently; don’t let liquid seep into ports, speakers, or vents.
- Let it dry: The surface should dry quickly. You can then power the device back on.
- Set a routine: Aim for at least once a week for personal devices and clean more regularly if you share your laptop or use public spaces. The more frequently you use it (or eat near it), the more often you should clean.
How do I clean my laptop keyboard?
- Unplug/external keyboard or power off the laptop.
- Turn the laptop at an angle and gently tap to loosen crumbs.
- Use a can of compressed air to blow between keys (optional).
- Use a technology wipe and gently wipe key-tops and the surrounding bezel.
So, what’s hiding on your keyboard?
Don’t wait to find out! Use Solco’s Technology & Screen Wipes to protect your health, prolong your tech’s life, and make your device feel (and look) fresh.