WASHINGTON — Many Americans say they can’t live without their electronic devices. And with daily use, items such as cellphones and keyboards can get dirty.
For proof, just take a black light to them.
But the correct way to clean them can be unclear. Some use Windex, disinfecting wipes or other kitchen products. But those can cause harm.
So, what is the correct way to clean them?
Cleaning your smartphone
The Wall Street Journal’s Joann Stern set out to find the safest way to clean a smartphone, and she found that Windex and paper towels are not a good idea. Abrasives and ammonia can be the death of a phone’s exterior, which defeats the purpose of cleaning it.
Instead, pick up a microfiber terry cloth and a small spray bottle. In the bottle, put water with a little bit of rubbing alcohol and use that to spray the cloth. Dipping the cloth in water was found to not be as effective as a nice, even misting of the cloth.
Consumers can also choose to use iKlear — a cleaning solution made for electronics such as smartphones.
Keyboards
Stern found the best tools are the microfiber terry cloth, wipes and a canned air duster. First, spray underneath the keys with the canned air. Next, use the wipes and the alcohol/water spray to clean the keys. And voil
