tip of the day

How to clean a laptop

Power down the laptop computer. Close the LCD display lid and turn the computer over. Hold down the battery release button and pull the battery out of the laptop.
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Flip the laptop computer back to its original position and open the LCD display lid. Pour a small amount of LCD cleaning solution onto the soft cloth. Wring the cloth out so that its damp but there is no excess liquid dripping off.
3.

Start at the top of the LCD screen and gently wipe in a downward motion. Repeat as many times as necessary to clean off fingerprints or other smudges from the LCD screen.
4.

Locate the strip of plastic in between the LCD screen and the keyboard that usually contains the power button and caps lock light indicator. Slide a thin object such as the edge of a flat head screwdriver underneath the seam of the plastic strip. Pop the plastic piece upward and remove it from the laptop.
5.

Remove the two screws at the top of the keyboard that hold it in place. Lift the keyboard up slightly until the motherboard comes into view. Unplug the cable running from the keyboard to the motherboard port.
6.

Lift the keyboard off of the laptop. Spray out the underside of the keyboard and the inside of the laptop with a bottle of canned air to remove any debris such as hair or dust particles.
7.

Use a cotton swab to wipe off any excess dirt that has built up in the processor fan or on any of the other hardware components inside the laptop. Connect the keyboard's cable back into the motherboard port and then reattach the keyboard.
8.

Pop the bezel back onto the laptop and then place the battery back into the port on the bottom of the computer.

Laptop Cleaning Tips and Warnings:

1.

If there is spilled liquid or other debris inside the keyboard keys you can also use cotton swabs to clean them out.
2.

Create your own LCD screen cleaning solution if you don't want to buy a pre-made solution. Combine one part isopropyl alcohol and one part distilled water to make the solution. Do not use regular tap water.
3.

If you don't have a soft cotton cloth, consider using an old t-shirt instead.
4.

Some laptop models have screws on the bottom of the laptop that need to be removed before you can pull off the keyboard. Check the manual that came with your laptop if you are having trouble removing the keyboard.