Gartner estimated that the total number of laptops sold globally in 2011 was around 60 million. The figure grows at an annual average of around 15%. There is a great deal of energy that goes into making and operating these laptops. The power consumption of a laptop can be controlled and optimized in many ways. One of the most popular ways is to use end-user power consumption options offered by most manufacturers. They allow optimized consumption and put the notebook into standby or low-power mode when idle. However, one of the simplest ways to effectively reduce power is to keep your laptop clean. If dust accumulates, the system cannot cool itself effectively, increasing risks and energy consumption.
So how do we keep the laptop clean? Let’s understand that there are two goals to keep the laptop clean. One, it keeps the laptop looking new. Two, the laptop performs optimally when it is clean and well-maintained. There are different components of the laptop that need attention. We briefly discuss them one by one:
• Exterior: The exterior casing of the notebook should be cleaned with a dry cloth. If the case is not cleaned for a long time or is dirty, a damp or slightly damp cloth can be used. If there are stubborn stains, rubbing alcohol or rubbing alcohol can also be used specifically on the stained area.
• Keyboard and Mouse Pad – The keyboard is probably the most contaminated part of the laptop. Before we start cleaning the keyboard, we must completely turn off the laptop. Different manufacturers attach the keyboard to the case in different ways. We should consult the User Manual to find out how it is fixed and how it can be removed for maintenance. Some keyboards may not be removable. The exterior can be cleaned in the same way as the exterior of the notebook. The interior can be vacuumed or cleaned with compressed air or simply sprinkled with a dry cloth.
• Motherboard, Case, and Shell Openings – The motherboard is a very critical component of the laptop. A soft brush or tweezers can be used to clean the dust that accumulates in the recesses of the case. The box openings should be cleaned effectively and regularly. Any clogging of the openings through which the laptop draws cold air can create performance issues in the laptop. In case we are using compressed air to clean these openings, then we must be careful. These openings can house fans that can be damaged by compressed air.