Green Ways to Clean Your Computer

Keyboard

• Use your vacuum cleaner and all those crazy nozzles creatively by running a soft bristled attachment over the keyboard to remove dust. A vacuum cleaner doesn't require excess packaging and produces minimal waste. In addition, the vacuum cleaner doesn't have to be run for a lengthy period of time or use a lot of energy to clean the grime from your keyboard. Commonly used compressed air containers move dust and dirt under the keys instead of eradicating it.

Screen

• Disinfecting wipes produce a lot of excess waste through their packaging and single-use application. In addition, disinfecting wipes leave smudge marks on computer screens. A greener method to disinfect your screen and remove dust is to use a towel, which is reused instead of discarded, dipped in rubbing alcohol, which has many usage applications. The moistened towel can also be used to disinfect the tops of keys. As a safety precaution, turn off and unplug the computer before cleaning it.

Vents

• Clean around the computer vents and speakers. Proper ventilation will prolong the life of your computer and prevent overheating. Repeat the vacuum hose cleaning method around the vents to remove dust and lint. Tipping a laptop or keyboard over and lightly shaking or tapping it is a product- and waste-free way to clean your computer. Use packaging tape to remove additional hair and dander from around the vents and between keys.

Monitor and Accessories

• A washcloth or towel run under hot water and wrung out is a low-cost and green cleaning tool for cleaning your mouse and other computer accessories. Put a dab of dish liquid on the towel and wipe down the mouse and monitor frame and stand to clear off dust -- no need to use harsh chemicals or expensive products to clear away dirt and debris. Tap water and an absorbent towel will effectively clean the external parts of your computer and peripherals in a green fashion and mostly for free.