<div>There is an ever-increasing dependence on electronic gadgets in our homes. Whether they are TVs, music systems, phones or computers, they all are interwoven into the daily functioning. Just like any other item around the house, these too collect dust and grime, hampering their smooth function or turn them discoloured and dull. <br /><br />Also, studies reveal that electronic gadgetry is one of the major zones that harbour many disease causing germs! Is it not surprising then, that we hardly pay attention to their cleaning and upkeep on a regular basis?<br /><br />A typical scenario such as this, calls for immediate action. Give them attention and accord them an important position in your cleaning regimen. Help them function in top form, last longer and also ensure a germ-free zone.<br /><br />Contrary to belief, the upkeep of electronics is not a daunting task; all you need is a small investment in a few easily available items.<br /><br />Stock up on these<br /><ul><li>Micro fibre cloth – a soft, lint free cloth (the type used to clean glasses and crystal ware).</li><li>Equal parts of water and vinegar filled in a spray bottle.</li><li>For stubborn stains, a bottle of glass cleaning liquid.</li><li>A small hand blower which gives out bursts of air when pressed.</li><li>A couple of soft bristled brushes made of wool, feather or microfibre.<br /><br />Don’t<br /><br /></li><li>Dust, clean or wipe a gadget when the power is on. Always switch off before cleaning. Be safe and prevent electrical hazards and static shocks.</li><li>Spray the cleaning solution – whether home-made or store bought — directly on the appliance. Always spray on to the microfibre and then wipe.</li><li>Open the system and try to clean the inside; fiddling with the internal electronics in an attempt to clean the accumulated dust and grime can seriously damage the working of the equipment.</li><li>Reach out for harsh chemical-based cleaners for a quick fix solution. Many contain ammonia, which tends to bleach the external surface and soon, you will find them discoloured despite your best efforts to maintain them.</li></ul>Here’s what you can do to individual units:<br />Televisions and remotes<ul><li>Use a piece of microfibre to wipe the external dust.</li><li>Dip/spray microfibre in vinegar-water solution. Give a brisk wipe all around the chassis and screen.</li><li>Immediately wipe with a dry piece of cloth. </li><li>For remotes, wrap cloth around finger tips and dip in liquid. Now, use this to wipe.</li><li>Else, take a soft bristled brush, spray a little liquid and clean the hard-to-reach areas — around the buttons and crevices.</li><li>Wipe dry and see them fresh and new.<br /><br />Audio systems<br /><br /></li><li>Wipe the surface with microfibre </li><li>Use a duster or soft brush to dust out joints, crevices and grooves.</li><li>Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth or microfibre all knobs, buttons and surfaces. </li><li>A soft bristled brush can also be used near hard-to-reach surfaces and at the back of the system.</li><li>Speakers can be wiped clean and dusted with a brush.</li><li>Use hand blower to clean the outer fabric of the speakers.</li><li>Clear the air vents in a similar way as blocked vents can heat up and bring down the quality of the sound.<br /><br />Computers<br /><br /></li><li>A laptop needs a little more care while handling.</li><li>Use a damp cloth to wipe its external surface. In most cases, this alone is sufficient. Do not use any cleaning liquid.</li><li>If stubborn stains have found their way to the surface, then dip a microfibre in isopropyl alcohol and wipe with a firm hand to remove stain.</li><li>Wipe again with a dry piece of fabric.</li><li>Keyboards, buttons, mouse and pads have to be kept clean as they harbour germs.</li><li>Clean them carefully using a dry, soft wool or feather brush. </li><li>A hand blower is useful here too.</li><li>Desktops can be cleaned in a manner similar to screens and speakers. </li><li>Handsets/phones</li><li>Handsets benefit from a wipe with a damp cloth.</li><li>Use a cotton swab wrapped in micro fibre to clean the buttons. </li><li>Handling of mobile phones with clean hands can never be over emphasised. Regularly wipe them clean with a microfibre. </li><li>Keep the screens of cellular phones clean by frequently wiping with a micro fibre for their efficient functioning.</li></ul></div>
<div>There is an ever-increasing dependence on electronic gadgets in our homes. Whether they are TVs, music systems, phones or computers, they all are interwoven into the daily functioning. Just like any other item around the house, these too collect dust and grime, hampering their smooth function or turn them discoloured and dull. <br /><br />Also, studies reveal that electronic gadgetry is one of the major zones that harbour many disease causing germs! Is it not surprising then, that we hardly pay attention to their cleaning and upkeep on a regular basis?<br /><br />A typical scenario such as this, calls for immediate action. Give them attention and accord them an important position in your cleaning regimen. Help them function in top form, last longer and also ensure a germ-free zone.<br /><br />Contrary to belief, the upkeep of electronics is not a daunting task; all you need is a small investment in a few easily available items.<br /><br />Stock up on these<br /><ul><li>Micro fibre cloth – a soft, lint free cloth (the type used to clean glasses and crystal ware).</li><li>Equal parts of water and vinegar filled in a spray bottle.</li><li>For stubborn stains, a bottle of glass cleaning liquid.</li><li>A small hand blower which gives out bursts of air when pressed.</li><li>A couple of soft bristled brushes made of wool, feather or microfibre.<br /><br />Don’t<br /><br /></li><li>Dust, clean or wipe a gadget when the power is on. Always switch off before cleaning. Be safe and prevent electrical hazards and static shocks.</li><li>Spray the cleaning solution – whether home-made or store bought — directly on the appliance. Always spray on to the microfibre and then wipe.</li><li>Open the system and try to clean the inside; fiddling with the internal electronics in an attempt to clean the accumulated dust and grime can seriously damage the working of the equipment.</li><li>Reach out for harsh chemical-based cleaners for a quick fix solution. Many contain ammonia, which tends to bleach the external surface and soon, you will find them discoloured despite your best efforts to maintain them.</li></ul>Here’s what you can do to individual units:<br />Televisions and remotes<ul><li>Use a piece of microfibre to wipe the external dust.</li><li>Dip/spray microfibre in vinegar-water solution. Give a brisk wipe all around the chassis and screen.</li><li>Immediately wipe with a dry piece of cloth. </li><li>For remotes, wrap cloth around finger tips and dip in liquid. Now, use this to wipe.</li><li>Else, take a soft bristled brush, spray a little liquid and clean the hard-to-reach areas — around the buttons and crevices.</li><li>Wipe dry and see them fresh and new.<br /><br />Audio systems<br /><br /></li><li>Wipe the surface with microfibre </li><li>Use a duster or soft brush to dust out joints, crevices and grooves.</li><li>Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth or microfibre all knobs, buttons and surfaces. </li><li>A soft bristled brush can also be used near hard-to-reach surfaces and at the back of the system.</li><li>Speakers can be wiped clean and dusted with a brush.</li><li>Use hand blower to clean the outer fabric of the speakers.</li><li>Clear the air vents in a similar way as blocked vents can heat up and bring down the quality of the sound.<br /><br />Computers<br /><br /></li><li>A laptop needs a little more care while handling.</li><li>Use a damp cloth to wipe its external surface. In most cases, this alone is sufficient. Do not use any cleaning liquid.</li><li>If stubborn stains have found their way to the surface, then dip a microfibre in isopropyl alcohol and wipe with a firm hand to remove stain.</li><li>Wipe again with a dry piece of fabric.</li><li>Keyboards, buttons, mouse and pads have to be kept clean as they harbour germs.</li><li>Clean them carefully using a dry, soft wool or feather brush. </li><li>A hand blower is useful here too.</li><li>Desktops can be cleaned in a manner similar to screens and speakers. </li><li>Handsets/phones</li><li>Handsets benefit from a wipe with a damp cloth.</li><li>Use a cotton swab wrapped in micro fibre to clean the buttons. </li><li>Handling of mobile phones with clean hands can never be over emphasised. Regularly wipe them clean with a microfibre. </li><li>Keep the screens of cellular phones clean by frequently wiping with a micro fibre for their efficient functioning.</li></ul></div>
