HP PCs - How to clean your computer

Depending on the model, vents can be found on the side, back, and/or bottom of a computer. These vents allow air to flow through the computer and keep it cool. Buildup inside these vents impedes the cooling process. Purchase a can of compressed air (available at most computer retailers) and blow the particles out of the vents.

For more information about cleaning the cooling vents, see HP Notebook PCs - Reducing Heat Inside the Laptop to Prevent Overheating or HP Desktop PCs - Reducing Heat Inside the Computer.

After cleaning the cooling vents, take the compressed air and blow out any debris that might have accumulated in and around the ports on the back, sides, or front of the computer.

To clean smudges from the LCD screen, choose a non-abrasive cloth or towel. Turn off the computer and disconnect the power cable. Wipe the screen gently with a soft, dry cloth. If any marks remain, moisten the cloth with LCD cleaner, and then gently stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from top to bottom.

If you are cleaning the screen of a notebook PC, be sure that the LCD screen is dry before closing it or using the computer.

If a small vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment is available, use it to clear the keyboard of debris. A can of compressed air can be used to blow out particles that get in between the keys.

It is important to handle isopropyl alcohol in a safe manner at all times.

CAUTION:

• Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.

• Keep away from heat and sources of ignition.

• Use with adequate ventilation.

• Store in a cool, well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.

• In the event of contact with isopropyl alcohol, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.

Additional cleaning guidance can be found in the User Guide for each product. For more information about isopropyl alcohol, go to Isopropyl alcohol on the U.S. National Library of Medicine website (in English).

Follow these best practices for cleaning your home computer.

It is important to handle isopropyl alcohol in a safe manner at all times.

CAUTION:

• Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.

• Keep away from heat and sources of ignition.

• Use with adequate ventilation.

• Store in a cool, well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.

• In the event of contact with isopropyl alcohol, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.

Many common household cleaners and disinfectants can damage electronic products. Do not use any of the following chemicals or any solutions that contain them, including spray-based surface cleaners: bleach, peroxides (including hydrogen peroxide), acetone, ammonia, ethyl alcohol, methylene chloride or any petroleum-based materials, such as gasoline, paint thinner, benzene, or toluene. Some disinfecting wipes containing bleach and hydrogen peroxide can be used on select Healthcare Edition products and select Retail Solutions only. Wipes containing bleach and hydrogen peroxide should not be used on any other products. If you are not sure whether a cleaning product is suitable, or if it is not specifically listed in this document or in one of the referenced documents, do not use it. Using any of the chemicals previously listed in this paragraph might cause permanent damage to the product.

Many commonly used germicidal wipes have been tested and approved for use with the following HP Healthcare Edition platforms that are purpose-built for use in clinical settings.

In addition to an alcohol solution with 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water, some HP-approved brands of ready-to-use germicidal wipes are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against certain viruses. This list can be found on the EPA website (in English). This same list can also be accessed via the CDC (in English).

Contact your local HP sales representative or authorized HP reseller for commercial brands of ready-to-use wipes for cleaning specific Healthcare Edition products.

In addition to an alcohol solution with 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water, some HP-approved brands of ready-to-use germicidal wipes are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against certain viruses.

This list can be found on the EPA website (in English). This same list can also be accessed via the CDC (in English).

Many commonly used germicidal wipes have been tested and approved for use with with the HP Engage Go Jacket and HP Engage GO Mobile products. Contact your local HP sales representative for a list of approved cleaning products. The guidance in this document supersedes any guidance found in HP Retail Point of Sale User Guides regarding the use of isopropyl alcohol for cleaning the monitor or touchscreen.

To clean HP Education notebooks, including the display and any HP accessories (external mouse or keyboard), HP recommends using the CDC-recommended solution comprised of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water. To clean Education Edition products using this solution, follow the process outlined in this guide.

Select HP Education Edition products can be wiped down with additional cleaners. This includes the following HP Education Edition notebooks:

Contact your local HP sales representative for a list of approved cleaning products.

Some disinfecting wipes containing bleach and hydrogen peroxide can be used on select Healthcare Edition products only. Wipes containing bleach and hydrogen peroxide should not be used on any other products, as it might cause damage to the product.

You can clean your HP devices by using a CDC-recommended disinfectant that is comprised of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water. Follow the guidelines found in this document to clean the frequently-touched exterior surfaces of the HP products.

All external components of your PC can be cleaned using the recommended solution, including ports, cables, keyboard keys, rubber, plastic, metal surfaces, and displays. See the cleaning guidelines for more information.

Some chemicals are very harsh and can damage keyboards and other surfaces. By following the steps outlined in this document to clean your device, you can reduce the risk of damaging your keyboard or other surfaces.

HP recommends cleaning your devices a maximum of 3 to 5 times per day. Excessive cleaning with any cleaning solution can lead to potential wear on components.