From TVs to computers, electronic equipment is among the hardest of items to clean in a house. If you use the wrong type of cleaner, you risk ruining your electronics. And we all know how expensive they are to replace! Unfortunately, your typical household cleaners can cause some serious damage to these valuable instruments. To keep your electronic gadgets intact, follow* these simple cleaning tips:

Monitors/TV Screens/Phone Screens

Screens are the most delicate part of any electronic item. If you press hard to clean them, it can ruin the pixels. The best way to clean these without ruining them is to turn off the screen so you can see the smudge marks. Then, use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust. If there is more of a mess than a microfiber cloth can handle alone, you can mix equal parts of water and white vinegar to use as a cleaner. Dab a microfiber cloth and gently rub any marks away and dry with a dry cloth afterward. Make sure never to use a paper towel or napkin, as these can scratch the screen.

Keyboards

If your keyboard is dusty, blowing some compressed air over the keys should do the trick. If there is more debris than can be managed by air alone, you can grab a q-tip with a little rubbing alcohol on it to get those spaces between the keys. When neither of these is enough, it is time to pop off the keys and use a toothbrush to clean all the dirt and debris. It’s also important to always turn the keyboard off when cleaning to avoid damage.

Mouse

To properly clean your mouse, turn it off and use a q-tip to clean those little rubber pads, the buttons, and any spaces in between. Generally speaking, you will not need to take this piece apart to clean it.

Laptop Cover

You can use a non-acetone nail polish remover with a microfiber cloth to clean the body of your laptop. It is critical to avoid the screen at all cost, as it can cause damage. The best way to clean your laptop cover, however, is by utilizing a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. These really are magic! Since they are abrasive, don’t press too hard, or you will remove the coating on the body of your device.

While these tips should get the job done, you can always review the instructions for proper electronics cleaning on your manufacturer’s website or within the instruction manual that came with your device. It’s also recommended to clean these items regularly to avoid the need for deep-cleaning.

*NOTE: Always patch-test products before using them on the entire screen to ensure the product will not damage your device.