Do you have a Laptop Look that seems to be getting slower and slower over time? The good news is that most of the time, this can be fixed without having to buy a new one! A little cleaning and maintenance go a long way, especially if you use the right tools and resources to get the job done. Here’s how to clean your laptop so that it looks and feels like new again, with minimal effort on your part. If you do want to get rid of your old laptop, though, I can help you with that too!
Remove Surface Stains
If you have dirt or fingerprints on your Laptop Look, first use a microfiber cloth to remove any excess dirt or dust. Then clean your computer using a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol (the kind used for disinfecting). Mix 2 teaspoons of alcohol in 1 cup of water, dip a soft cloth into it and rub it onto your laptop’s surface. Do not overdo it with the water-alcohol mixture; you only need enough liquid to dampen your rag. Pat down any excess liquid with a new cloth—you don’t want fluid seeping into cracks between keys. If spills happen often in your household, consider getting an external keyboard so you can easily wipe up any messes before they get too bad. It may also be time to invest in a laptop sleeve or case if you don’t already have one.
Protect From Future Damage
It might be tempting to immediately open your laptop Look after a spill and start cleaning. But doing so could make future damage more likely. Instead, allow any liquid that’s been spilled on your laptop surface time to absorb into it; generally, a few hours is sufficient. This is an important step because even though you may have wiped up most of the liquid with a towel. Or sponge when it first happened, small amounts of moisture can still soak into sensitive internal parts. Afterward, give your laptop another look—there may be more water lurking in hard-to-see places. If there is, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe away any remaining liquid. Allow everything to dry for at least 24 hours before turning your computer back on.
Use a Screen Protector
The screen is one of your laptop’s most fragile areas. When you type or touch it, oils from your fingertips get on it, which can make them look worn. A good screen protector will keep these oils away and can even repair minor scratches. They’re relatively inexpensive—around $10-$15—and you can find a ton of different designs at stores like Staples or Amazon. If you’ve got a few bucks to spare, go for a slightly nicer brand like Skinomi. It might feel more expensive but will protect your display from minor damage like scratches and small knocks. If you want to avoid using a screen protector altogether, try cleaning your display with an eyeglass cloth before doing anything else.
Turn Off the Computer When Not in Use
Just like with a cell phone, leaving your laptop on all day is a sure way to wear down its battery. Try putting it in sleep mode if you won’t be using it for more than two hours at a time, as that uses less energy than having it on but not actively doing anything. If you can’t find enough time for sleep mode (or prefer not to use it), hibernate your computer instead of shutting it down completely. Hibernation still saves data but uses just enough power to keep your settings intact until you start using your laptop again. This can save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs over the course of a year!
Careful with Cords
Many people neglect their computer’s cords and end up wearing them down. The problem is, many cords are actually made out of PVC, which is not biodegradable or recyclable. When a cord finally does break (or simply snaps), you should replace it as soon as possible with an eco-friendly alternative that doesn’t contribute to landfills.
Fortunately, these days there are tons of great options available at just about any electronics store. including retractable models that wrap up neatly when they’re not in use! Some even come with a lifetime guarantee. So don’t be afraid to invest in your laptop; after all, what good is having one if you can’t keep it running smoothly? Just make sure you choose one made from environmentally friendly materials.
If your cord isn’t already detachable from your laptop, try gently pulling on it until it comes off so that you can safely dispose of it without causing damage to either device. It may take some time for your computer’s parts to recover from such a rough treatment. But once they do everything will run smoothly again. You’ll also need: Cotton swabs
(for cleaning) A soft cloth Step 1: Turn off your laptop before starting any cleaning process so that no water gets inside and damages its inner workings.
Keep it Cool
If your laptop isn’t turning on, try pressing just its power button. This may fix a problem that’s causing it not to boot up fully. It might also be that your laptop is in hibernation mode—all you need to do is press its power button once and hold it down for four seconds. Check all USB ports: Before you start pulling apart a Laptop Look. Make sure all of its USB ports are plugged in (and check that each one is securely connected). There’s nothing worse than being mid-cleanup only to realize that you can’t get something like an external hard drive or headset working. Remove screws: Remove any screws from inside your laptop using a Phillips screwdriver before trying any other method of removal.
Just Press The Power Button
Many of us think about recycling as something we do with paper, cans, bottles, and other waste materials. But what about our old electronics? You can recycle most electronics; even if they can’t be repaired or refurbished, you can still send them to a facility that specializes in recycling them. The National Center for Electronics Recycling collects electronics from across the U.S. and disposes of them properly. It also has guides for properly disposing of electronic devices on its website. (eCycle Best Buy Center)
Consider Recycling
Whether you want a clean laptop for work or play, you’ll save money by skipping out on replacing your old laptop with a new one. Instead, find an e-waste recycling center or ask your local office supply store if they have any refurbished laptops available. You might be surprised by how affordable some options are! Regardless of where you decide to buy, always look over all your options before purchasing—many computers that say they’re refurbished are actually used computers that have been reset with new software. The downside is most of these come loaded with bloatware that can be tough to remove without having technical expertise.