How to Properly Clean and Disinfect Your Used Tech Finds

Isn’t it great to salvage a used piece of technology that still has life? It could be a vintage record player, a still usable smartphone, or a cool SLR camera to enhance your photography hobby. Not only does this save you money, but extending the life of a product that would otherwise go unused is also good for the environment. As with anything you buy second-hand, it is important to clean and disinfect these items.

Even though used technology may appear clean and the seller can assure you that they have cleaned everything thoroughly, it is always better to do the work yourself. Used gadgets can harbor all kinds of nasty surprises, from bugs to embedded dirt you can’t see. So before you put new-to-you items to good use, give them more than just a surface-level wipe.

After bringing an item home, make sure it is unplugged and turned off. Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe it clean. This removes dirt and fingerprints, which is especially important for cleaning screens. Do not use any other type of cloth that may scratch screens or delicate surfaces.

Although you can use a little mild detergent and warm water, avoid liquid cleaners that contain chlorine, peroxides, solvents or ammonia. These can damage internal components or protective applications like a screen coating. You can find special technical cleaning solutions from brands like Whoosh! for screens and Tech2Clean, which can be used safely on any surface. I have used both and they work great. There are also specialized wipes for screens such as those of televisions, cameras or telephones.

For something with small crevices, like a laptop or keyboard, turn it over first and shake it lightly to release debris. Next, use compressed air to blow out trapped dust in areas such as ports and vents. For technologies like turntables with complex needles, you can purchase special cleaning kits and brushes, or use a small, soft-bristled brush.

To remove stubborn dirt, use a soft cotton swab with a few small drops of alcohol. (There is conflicting advice on drinking alcohol, but in general, using a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a soft cotton swab should be sufficient). However, it is important to use gentle movements when cleaning. This is especially important for gadgets like headphones, which can trap dirt and grime inside the acoustic vents. You will also need to clean the rubber tips thoroughly. Allow the item to air dry completely in a safe location before turning it back on.

Remember to wipe down all surfaces, including the back, sides and bottom. It’s worth cleaning accessories like protective cases for a pair of headphones or a camera, as well as chargers and cables if you don’t plan to recycle them safely.

Smartwatches in particular can gather a lot of nastiness underneath if someone wears the device 24/7. Removable fabric bands for a smartwatch or fitness tracker can potentially go in the washing machine on the delicate cycle. Ideally, buy a new group as they are usually exchangeable; you can find cheap third-party options to help the laptop feel like new.

If you want to go the extra mile for small gadgets, you can buy a portable UV sanitizer from brands like Phonesoap or Homedics. These use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses and have gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They’re primarily designed for phones, which can be 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat (consider you have yours with you 24/7, touch the screen after touching many surfaces, and often put your phone down on random surfaces). However, you can also add compact items like headphones, smartwatches or even keys and credit cards.

Although the second life of every gadget should begin with a thorough cleaning, these tips are still essential for maintaining all your electronic devices. It is important to maintain a consistent cleaning schedule for your equipment. You should deep clean your laptop every 3 to 6 months, your phone weekly (with daily cleaning), your headphones at least once a month, and a TV screen or monitor every two to four weeks.