What do you use when cleaning a computer? (liquids)

[J-Bob]

I typically use rubbing alcohol when cleaning laptops (and the rare dirty desktop), but sometimes it doesn't seem to do the trick.

What do you guys use to clean machines? (including stains and sticky residue, like juice leftovers)

 

[NYJimbo]

I dont do that much cleaning of a clients PC/Laptop. 70% alcohol does most of it. If its worse than that I aint cleaning it. I see alot of laptop keyboards with ground in gunk but I cant see spending time prettying that up unless I made that part of my "repair" schedule. Which I don't.

 

[MobileTechie]

I tend to use a damp cloth, wax-free spray polish or baby wipes. The wax-free polish is great for sticky keyboards as it lubricates slightly.

For seriously sticky laptop keyboards you can just take the whole thing out and soak it in soapy water for a while. All the gunk, sugar and bits of hair etc float away. I had one recently that turned the water orange because it had so much orange residue in it. It came out perfect.

 

[e2346437]

I tend to use a damp cloth, wax-free spray polish or baby wipes. The wax-free polish is great for sticky keyboards as it lubricates slightly.

For seriously sticky laptop keyboards you can just take the whole thing out and soak it in soapy water for a while. All the gunk, sugar and bits of hair etc float away. I had one recently that turned the water orange because it had so much orange residue in it. It came out perfect.

Huh? You soak the keyboard in soapy water? Are you kidding or does it really work?

 

[atlanticjim]

I use commercial antibacterial wipes but like Jimbo, it is only for my protection and not part of a standard service.

 

[DanF]

Anti-Static wipes that have some alcohol. They work wonders. I can't stand dirty systems so I end up cleaning the outside of the case with these.

 

[georgenoise]

I've soaked keyboards in situations that coke spilled or something sticky and the customers only other choice was to buy a new keyboard. As long as you let it fully dry before using you shouldn't have any problems but I don't recommend doing it unless there is no other choice. Also take the batteries out if it has them.

 

[MobileTechie]

Huh? You soak the keyboard in soapy water? Are you kidding or does it really work?

No it works just fine. You can do the same with bare mobos. You just need to make sure you dry them thoroughly.

I'm talking about laptop keyboards here (removed first obviously), but it works on all sorts of parts. You cannot soak disks or fans or other motorised items. But everything else is generally safe. I've even heard of people putting mobos in dishwashers!

 

[B Trevathan]

I've heard of people putting desktop keyboards in the dishwasher. If I clean a computer I charge extra for it. I use Lickity Split, just a little goes a long, long way. I've seen desktop cases that are used as writing tablets, had one recently and the guy was proudly pointing out his formula for deer deterrent that was one of many things written with a large black maker on the case.