How and Why to Clean Your Devices: A Senior’s Guide to Tidying Up Your Tech

Let’s start with a question: Would you ever press your cheek against a toilet seat?

I hope your answer was, “Eww. Gross. I’d never do that! Well, at least I haven’t done that since that time I passed out in college after that crazy party!”

In any case, willingly putting your cheek on a toilet seat would be ridiculous.

But what if I told you that the average phone screen has ten times more bacteria than most toilet seats? I’ll wait while you grab some hand sanitizer.

Okay, now that we’ve all recovered, let’s dive into the surprisingly important topic of cleaning your devices.

From smartphones to laptops, our gadgets are magnets for germs, grime, and unmentionable stickiness.

And while we’ve thankfully moved past the era of wiping down our groceries with military precision, keeping your tech clean is still essential—for your health, your device’s longevity, and your general peace of mind.

Why Clean Your Devices? The Dirty Truth

Think about it: we take our phones everywhere. To the doctor’s office (where they sit next to those ancient magazines), to the restaurant (where they rest beside our turkey club sandwich), and yes, even to the bathroom (don’t pretend you don’t do it – we all do).

Our tablets join us for breakfast in bed, our laptops accompany us to the coffee shop, and our smartwatches track every step we take.

Dirty devices aren’t just gross—they can impact your health and the functionality of your tech. Touch screens smeared with oil and grime can become less responsive, and clogged ports can prevent charging.

Regular cleaning ensures your gadgets not only look good but also work their best.

The Tech Cleaning Commandments

If you’re feeling sufficiently grossed out and ready to become a tech-cleaning maniac, you’re in the right place.

But before we get into the nitty-gritty for each device, let’s go over a few ground rules that apply to all gadgets.

Think of these as the Tech Cleaning Commandments—follow them, and you won’t accidentally turn your devices into expensive paperweights:

1. Unplug and power down. Never clean a device that’s turned on or connected to power. We’re cleaning here, not conducting a mad scientist experiment.
2. Stick to gentle tools. Microfiber cloths, distilled water, and 70% isopropyl alcohol are your MVPs. Harsh cleaners and paper towels? Not so much.
3. Don’t drown your devices. A damp cloth is fine; a soaking wet one is not. And for the love of gadgets, keep all liquids away from ports and openings!

Now, let’s tackle each gadget, one at a time.

Smartphones and Tablets: Your Pocket-Sized Petri Dishes

First things first: turn off your device. This isn’t just being overcautious – it’s like making sure the car is in park before you wash it.

You wouldn’t want to accidentally call your ex-spouse while scrubbing away, would you? Better safe than having an uncomfortable conversation with your current spouse!

For daily cleaning, a slightly damp microfiber cloth is your best friend.

For tougher grime, you can use a solution that’s 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water. Just remember: never spray anything directly onto your device. We’re cleaning it, not giving it a shower!

Pay special attention to the screen, buttons, and those tiny crevices where mysterious crud seems to accumulate faster than junk mail.

And please, whatever you do, keep your device away from bleach. Your phone isn’t a bathroom sink, and bleach is about as gentle on electronics as a sledgehammer.

Pro tip: Clean your phone case too! Plastic cases can handle the alcohol-water mix, while fabric or leather cases may need special cleaners.

Laptops and Desktops: Crumb Catchers Extraordinaire

If your keyboard has ever doubled as a lunchtime plate, you’re not alone. Start by flipping your laptop upside down and gently shaking out the crumbs (preferably not over your couch). Follow up with a blast of compressed air to evict any stragglers.

For the screen, use a microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water or an eyeglass cleaner. Avoid household glass cleaners like Windex—they’re too harsh and might leave your screen looking like a disco ball.

Don’t forget the mouse! Wipe it down with the alcohol-water solution, paying attention to the underside, where dirt tends to accumulate.

Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers: Sweat It Out

These devices see more sweat than a gym locker room, so they need regular attention.

The screen can be cleaned like your phone, but the bands need special care depending on their material.

Silicone bands can handle soap and water, while leather bands need gentle cleaning with a leather cleaner.

Metal bands can be wiped down with a slightly damp cloth, then dried immediately – think of it as giving your watch a quick sponge bath.

Headphones and Earbuds: Let’s Talk About Earwax

Yes, it’s gross, but let’s get through this together. For over-the-ear headphones, wipe the surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth. Remove the ear cushions to clean separately with mild soap and water.

For earbuds, use adhesive putty (yes, the same stuff you hang posters with) to remove wax and dust from the grilles.

If your earbuds have silicone tips, rinse them with soapy water, dry them thoroughly, and pop them back on.

TVs and Smart Speakers: Clean Entertainment

TV screens need a gentle touch. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water to wipe down the screen.

For smart speakers, a dry cloth works for most surfaces, but if you have fabric-covered ones, use a slightly damp cloth to remove stains. Be extra careful around the speaker grilles – they’re about as delicate as your grandmother’s china.

Don’t forget the remote control—it’s a germ magnet. Remove the batteries, shake out crumbs, and clean around the buttons with a cotton swab dipped in the alcohol-water mix.

Maintaining Your Clean Machines

The best cleaning routine is a regular one. Try to wipe down your phone daily (perhaps while watching your favorite evening show), clean your laptop weekly (Sunday afternoon, anyone?), and give everything a deeper clean monthly. Think of it as a spa day for your electronics.

Remember to wash your hands regularly, keep your devices away from food and drinks (yes, that means no more scrolling through Facebook while eating spaghetti), and consider using cases and screen protectors. They’re like wearing a raincoat – it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

The good news? Keeping your gadgets clean doesn’t require a tech degree or contorting yourself like a yoga instructor. With a little routine, the right tools, and a gentle touch, your trusty devices will stay germ-free and running smoothly.

After all, they help you stay connected, keep your life in order, and, yes, figure out the name of that actor from that movie in 1962. The least we can do is give them a little TLC.