The Best Ways to Clean Your Electronic Devices

Your smartphone is probably the dirtiest object you touch on a regular basis. To clean it, turn it off before removing it from its case. Use a microfiber cloth dipped in distilled water to remove persistent stains and a bleach-free disinfectant wipe to tackle any bacteria.

While most phones are moisture-resistant, take care not to allow moisture to enter the speaker holes or other cavities. Let it dry for 10 minutes before powering it back on.

The process for cleaning a tablet is the same as for a smartphone. Begin by turning off the device and unplugging it from a power source, as the current could cause a short circuit. Use a lint-free microfiber cloth with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution to wipe the screen, back, and sides of the device, and wait 10 minutes for the moisture to evaporate before powering it back on.

Before cleaning a power bank, unplug any charging devices. Cleaning the ports will ensure lasting performance; to do so, use compressed air to blow out any dust, then grab a toothbrush dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol and run it over the surfaces to remove any debris. Use a toothbrush or microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol to clean around the buttons and other grooves.

Because a rubber key fob doesn't have a screen and is hardier than most other devices, there's no need for a microfiber cloth. Use a towel or cotton swab along with nail polish remover, isopropyl alcohol, or prepsol to cut through the oil and grime, and finish with a coat of liquid wax.

Using a dry microfiber cloth, wipe the LCD screen using a circular motion and applying only light pressure to remove dust. For any tough stains, dip the microfiber cloth in warm, distilled water with a few drops of dish soap. Blow out the vents with compressed air or use a wet paper towel to wipe away any dust.

Cleaning a laptop screen follows the same procedure as a smartphone or tablet. Begin by powering off the device and dampening a lint-free, soft cloth with distilled water to wipe away dust and debris. Avoid using any cleaners containing acetone, ammonia, or bleach, as these can damage the screen. Wipe down the keyboard and ports with a damp cloth and blow out the space underneath the keys with compressed air.

Next to smartphones and tablets, game controllers and consoles are among the dirtiest electronic devices that fail the "toilet seat test." Use a lint-free cloth soaked in soapy water to clean away bacteria and oils from the controllers, or use alcohol wipes to kill germs. When cleaning the console itself, take special care to avoid letting moisture inside the battery compartment.

While it's best to avoid the interior components when cleaning a printer, make sure to wipe down the display screen, paper trays, and paper rollers with an isopropyl alcohol-soaked, lint-free cloth. Many printers will have their own cleaning cycle functions, though most will require periodic removal of waste toner.

Avoid compressed air, as this could lodge debris deep inside a printer's machinery.

Clean the smartwatch body like you would a smartphone or tablet, using a microfiber cloth or cotton swab and a small amount of rubbing alcohol to remove grime from the back and the screen. For the ports, use a toothbrush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove any debris.

Clean silicone or rubber watch bands with soap or facial cleanser, and use hand soap for woven fabric bands.

Before cleaning a projector, ensure the device is off and that all connecting cables are unplugged. Start by using compressed air to remove dust from the projector's lens and a microfiber cloth with lens cleaner to tackle any stains. To remove dust from the vents at the back of the projector, use a household vacuum with a soft brush head attachment.

For both a laptop and a wireless keyboard, ensure the device is powered off or the batteries are removed. Begin by gently shaking the keyboard upside-down to remove any large debris before using compressed air to blow out the remaining dust. As the keys are directly connected to internal hardware, avoid liquid cleaners; instead, use a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol.

Use a cotton swab or lint-free cloth with a solution of mild soap and water to remove dust and grime from the mouse's outer surfaces, wheel, and light sensor. To completely decontaminate the mouse, use alcohol wipes on the body and wheel, though it's best to avoid dripping moisture into the interior of the device. Allow the mouse to dry in an inverted position.

Some portable USB speakers include a removable mesh or grill. After removing the grill (if possible) wipe down the speaker with a soft cloth dampened with warm water to remove any dust. Clean the grill with a brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to get rid of any grime, and reassemble the speaker. Some speakers are water-resistant, but use compressed air for those that aren't.

Turn off AirPods before cleaning, and use a soft cloth with warm water to clean away dust and dirt before allowing them to air dry. To disinfect AirPods, use isopropyl alcohol or a disinfectant wipe. Avoid using any abrasive cleansers on the pods or base, as they can corrode the metal and exterior components.

Remove the batteries when cleaning a remote control, and allow it to dry completely before putting the batteries back in. Using 70% isopropyl alcohol or disinfecting wipes, wipe the keys and shell of the remote thoroughly while avoiding letting excess moisture enter the device. Use bleach to disinfect with caution, always while wearing rubber gloves.