Dust destroys electronics! Defeat the damaging build-up by adding your home entertainment system to your regular cleaning routine, using these easy dusting tips.
Blow it out.
Our instinct when we see dust is to quickly blow on it. That may work as a quick fix, but you’re more likely to be redistributing the dust or having it quickly settle back in place. The classic can of compressed air (a.k.a. spray duster) is much more forceful and able to get into those cracks and crevices, as well as under buttons and keys. Cans are easily found at office supply retailers.
Wipe them down.
Non-LCD screens are easily wiped with a dryer sheet or a soft cloth. Slightly dampen the cloth with distilled water if a dry cloth doesn’t work. Microfiber cloths work well on plasma screens and LCD screens. Keep the cloths dry when wiping out the trays of CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray players. Never use paper towels, as these can scratch.
In the electronics section of stores, you can find special cleaners designated for different components of your home entertainment system. Read the instructions carefully prior to use. Never spray cleaners directly onto electronics. Instead, spray onto the cleaning cloth and then wipe down the item.
DVDs and CDs that are skipping should be wiped off with a soft cloth that is slightly dampened with water and a mild soap, like dishsoap. Hold onto the disc with one finger in the middle and your thumb on the outer edge as you gently wipe from the center out. Think of it as the center being the sun and your strokes being the rays. This method eliminates the risk of damage and loss of data that occurs if you wipe in a circular pattern.
Remember to also wipe down the shelves that house your home entertainment system. Dust is attracted to electronics, so these areas also get quite dusty.
Suck it up.
Throw on that soft brush attachment and vacuum up that dust. The brush comes in handy for getting into crevices in the back and sides. Attachments can also reach along the cords and behind the furniture.
Dust regularly.
The frequency with which you have to dust is going to vary from household to household. For example, if you have pets that shed a lot or tend to have your windows open, you may have more dust than someone who is pet-free and keeps windows closed. Wooden floors vs. carpets also make a difference. Simply add your home entertainment system to your routine. A quick swipe on screens and the tops of consoles can take just a few moments once a week, or as needed. The deeper clean of vacuuming behind the equipment can be on your monthly rotation. Monitor the build-up after you clean to figure out a schedule that works best for you. Keep up with these dusting tips and keep your toys running longer.
