BlogElectronics are some of the most-touched items in any home or office: phones, laptops, TV remotes, game controllers, tablets… the list goes on. We tap them, sneeze near them, lend them to kids, and then put them next to our face again.
Yet when we think about “cleaning”, we often focus on floors and bathrooms and forget the gadgets we use all day.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean and disinfect electronics safely—without scratching screens, ruining coatings, or voiding warranties. We’ll go device by device, so you can follow along step by step.
💡 Tip: If you’re doing a full home refresh at the same time, you might also like our guide on deep cleaning high-touch surfaces.
Before You Start: Safety Checklist
Before you grab the spray bottle, pause for a minute and tick these off:
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Turn devices off
Always shut down your device completely. This reduces the risk of electrical damage and makes smudges and dust easier to see on the screen. -
Unplug from power
Unplug chargers, power cables, and accessories. For laptops, remove the battery if it’s designed to come out. -
Remove cases and covers
Phone cases, keyboard covers, and tablet sleeves should be cleaned separately. Dirt often hides under them. -
Avoid spraying directly on electronics
Liquids should never be sprayed straight onto a screen or device. Always apply to a cloth first, then wipe. -
Use a soft, lint-free cloth
Microfibre cloths are ideal. Avoid tissues and paper towels—they can scratch sensitive surfaces.
What You’ll Need (Safe Cleaning Kit)
You don’t need anything fancy or expensive. A simple kit will cover most electronics:
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Microfibre cloths
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Cotton buds/Q-tips (for crevices)
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70% isopropyl alcohol (or pre-moistened alcohol wipes approved for electronics)
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Distilled water (if you’re making a diluted solution)
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A small soft brush or clean makeup brush (for keyboards and ports)
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Mild dish soap (for cases/covers, not for the device itself)
Optional but handy:
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Compressed air can (for keyboards and vents)
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Screen cleaning spray specifically designed for electronics
🔗 Related reading: Building a whole-home routine? Check out our post on creating a weekly cleaning routine that actually works.
General Rules for Cleaning Phones & Tablets
Your phone is probably the dirtiest thing you own—and it touches your face multiple times a day. Here’s how to clean it without harm.
Step 1: Remove the case
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Take off any protective case or cover.
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Clean the case separately (more on that in a moment).
Step 2: Dry dust first
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Use a dry microfibre cloth to gently wipe the screen and back.
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Focus on removing fingerprints, face oil, and dust.
Step 3: Disinfect safely
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Lightly dampen a corner of the microfibre cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol (or use an electronics-safe disinfecting wipe).
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Wring or squeeze out any excess so it’s just slightly damp, not wet.
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Gently wipe the front, back, and sides of the phone—avoiding ports as much as possible.
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Use a dry section of the cloth to buff away any streaks.
Step 4: Clean the ports (carefully)
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Use a dry soft brush or a very gentle puff of compressed air.
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Do not stick metal objects like pins or paperclips into ports; they can bend connectors.
Step 5: Clean the phone case
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For plastic or silicone cases: wash with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
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For leather cases: use a leather-safe cleaner and conditioner instead of water.
Let everything dry fully before putting the case back on.
How to Clean Laptops and Keyboards
Laptops combine screens, keyboards, and vents—all of which attract dust and crumbs.
1. Turn off and unplug
Make sure the laptop is completely shut down and disconnected from power. If possible, remove the battery.
2. Clean the keyboard
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Gently turn the laptop upside down and tap to dislodge loose crumbs.
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Use compressed air (short bursts) between the keys.
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Lightly dampen a microfibre cloth with isopropyl alcohol and wipe across the keys.
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For stubborn grime around keys, use a cotton bud slightly dampened with alcohol.
3. Clean and disinfect the trackpad
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Wipe with a slightly damp microfibre cloth and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol.
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Don’t oversaturate—too much liquid can seep into the edges.
4. Clean the laptop screen
Laptop screens can be more sensitive than phone screens, so go gently:
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Use a dry microfibre cloth first to remove dust.
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If needed, slightly dampen the cloth with distilled water or screen cleaner.
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Wipe in gentle circular or vertical motions—no heavy pressure.
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Avoid alcohol on certain delicate screens unless the manufacturer says it’s safe (always check your device manual).
TVs and Monitor Screens
Big screens attract dust and fingerprints, but they’re also easy to scratch or damage if you use the wrong products.
What to do
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Turn off the TV/monitor and let it cool.
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Use a dry microfibre cloth to wipe from top to bottom.
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For fingerprints, lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water or a screen cleaner designed for TVs/monitors.
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Wipe gently; don’t scrub.
What to avoid
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No glass cleaner with ammonia.
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No alcohol or bleach unless clearly approved by the manufacturer.
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No paper towels, tissue, or rough cloths.
Remotes, Game Controllers & Other Handheld Devices
These items live in our hands, on the sofa, and sometimes on the floor—so they deserve regular disinfecting.
Step-by-step
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Remove batteries
Take out the batteries from remotes or controllers before cleaning. -
Clean crevices
Use a dry brush or cotton bud to remove dust around buttons, seams, and triggers. -
Disinfect the surface
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Use a cloth dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol or an electronics-safe disinfecting wipe.
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Wipe all surfaces: top, bottom, sides, and especially buttons.
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Avoid soaking around the battery compartment and ports.
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Let it dry completely
Leave the device to air-dry for at least a few minutes, then reinstall batteries.
What NOT to Use on Electronics
To protect your devices (and your wallet), steer clear of the following:
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❌ Bleach products and chlorine-based cleaners
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❌ Pure vinegar on screens
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❌ Aerosol household sprays directly on the device
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❌ Abrasive scrubbing pads or rough sponges
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❌ Excessive water or any visible liquid pooling on surfaces
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❌ Strong solvents like acetone or window cleaner with ammonia (unless specifically approved)
If in doubt, check the manufacturer’s website or user manual. They usually have a “cleaning and care” section that lists exactly what’s safe.
How Often Should You Clean and Disinfect Electronics?
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but this is a practical schedule for most homes and offices:
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Phones: quick wipe daily, deeper clean 2–3 times per week
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Laptops and keyboards: once a week, more often if shared
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TV remotes and game controllers: weekly, or after illness in the household
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Office devices (shared): ideally after each shift or user
If someone in the household has been sick, increase the frequency—especially for shared devices like remotes, tablets, and keyboards.
Extra Hygiene Tips for Shared Tech
If your electronics are shared between family members or coworkers:
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Encourage everyone to wash or sanitise hands before using shared devices.
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Keep a small cleaning kit (microfibre cloth + alcohol wipes) next to shared electronics.
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For businesses, consider adding “electronics hygiene” to your regular cleaning checklist so it isn’t forgotten.
If you manage a workplace or commercial site, you might also be interested in our article on creating a professional cleaning checklist for offices.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning electronics doesn’t need to be complicated or risky. With the right products and a gentle approach, you can:
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Reduce germs and fingerprints
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Keep screens looking sharp
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Extend the life of your devices
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Make shared spaces feel fresher and more hygienic
Start with the devices you touch the most—your phone, laptop, and TV remote—and build the habit from there. A few minutes a week is all it takes to keep your tech clean, safe, and comfortable to use.
