How to Clean Your Screens and Keyboards Without Damaging Them

You probably have most of these already:

Avoid glass cleaners with ammonia, bleach, abrasive powders, and paper towels or tissues, which can scratch. Never spray liquid directly onto a device — spray the cloth instead, and only lightly.

Many screens have an oil-repelling coating that harsh cleaners strip away, leaving them more prone to smudges.

Turn the device off and unplug it. Wipe the screen with a dry microfibre cloth first. For stubborn grime, use a cloth very lightly dampened with water, or a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, which Apple and other makers say is suitable for exterior surfaces. Avoid getting moisture into ports and speaker grilles.

Laptop and monitor screens are more delicate than phone glass, especially matte finishes. Turn the screen off so you can see dirt, then wipe gently with a dry microfibre cloth in one direction. If needed, slightly dampen the cloth with water. Do not press hard — pressure can damage the display layers.

Shut down and unplug first. Turn the keyboard upside down and tap it gently to release crumbs. Use short bursts of compressed air at an angle between the keys, then wipe the keycaps with a lightly dampened cloth or alcohol wipe.

If you spill a drink on a laptop, turn it off immediately, unplug it, and turn it upside down in a tent shape to drain. Leave it for at least a day before trying to turn it on, and for sugary drinks, get it professionally cleaned.