DIY & Crafts

Laptop maintenance: tips for you to follow at home

As the saying goes, “prevention is always the best medicine”. In the case of laptops, this statement could not be more true.

For many people, laptop maintenance is something to think about only when the device starts to malfunction. But this is a tremendous mistake.

Thinking about preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure the laptop’s durability and efficiency, in addition, of course, to promoting savings for your pocket.

Preventive laptop maintenance prevents damage, errors, and other problems that can become uncorrectable if left for later. That’s why we’ve separated in this post the best laptop maintenance tips for you to start following today. Come and see.

Why is laptop maintenance important?

The laptop, unlike a desktop computer, is usually carried around.

You carry it in your backpack, use it in bed, on the couch and even in the backyard. All this movement with the device ends up, at one time or another, causing certain damage to the device, especially on the outside, compromising everything from fixing the screws to the monitor’s image quality.

Another important reason to guarantee the maintenance of the device is that the laptop does not have the same storage and processing capacity as a desktop computer, larger and more “bulky”.

This causes the laptop to start to show slowness and greater difficulty loading with use.

However, some simple care can avoid several disorders and even prevent the device from presenting even more serious problems. And that’s exactly what we’re going to tell you next.

1. External cleaning

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The first and most important care you need to start having with your laptop is regarding the external cleaning of the device.

This event reflects on your health, as both the keyboard and the mouse are infested with germs and bacteria harmful to the body. However, you need to know the right way to clean the device. A microfiber cloth is best, as it is soft and lint-free.

To clean the screen, use a solution of boric water or isopropyl alcohol. The same product can also be used to clean the keyboard and other external components of the device.

Then comes another important part: the ones you don’t see, but are a full plate for the accumulation of dust and mites.  This is the case, for example, of the internal part of the keys and the component inputs, such as HDMI and USB. Use compressed air to clean these areas. You find it in cans, like spray cans. Just apply the product with light sprays, ensuring that the dust is eliminated.

2. Avoid eating and drinking on the laptop

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One of the best ways to avoid dirt on your laptop is to have meals, including snacks, well away from the device.

Crumbs, crumbs and small splashes of juice, for example, are enough to create colonies of bacteria, and mites and attract other insects such as flies and cockroaches.

Not to mention that these traces of food still expose the device to the creation of mould and mildew, damaging the internal parts.

3. Store the device properly after use

Once you’re done using the laptop, store it properly. And what does that mean? Lowering the cover of the device is already the first step, so the dust stays away from the screen and monitor.

Some devices come with a thin fabric, similar to a TNT, to be placed between the screen and the keyboard with the cover closed, maintaining cleanliness and preventing dust from entering. If your laptop doesn’t have this protection, you can do it just by cutting a piece of TNT the size of the device.

Also, have a folder or cover on hand to store the laptop. This also applies to the time of transport. Always carry the device protected inside an appropriate briefcase or backpack.

The laptop should also not be exposed to the sun, moisture and wind. Leave it stored after use in an airy and cool environment.

4. Ventilation

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Yes, we know it’s tempting to put the laptop on your lap and go to the sofa, bed or stool in the backyard.

But be careful with this habit. That’s because the laptop needs to ventilate so it doesn’t heat up too much and end up compromising the internal structure of the components.

To avoid this, you can use a side table suitable for laptops or set up a specific place to work and study with a table and chair.

5. Tighten the screws

The constant coming and going of the laptop inside the backpack or even inside the house can cause screws and other connection parts to end up moving and getting loose, which can compromise the external structure of the device.

So from time to time make a habit of tightening the screws with the right wrench. Some are very hidden but look for them because they are there.

6. Keeping an eye on the battery

The laptop, unlike a desktop computer, works with a battery, which guarantees autonomy and independence of use. However, this battery does not last forever and your habits compromise this durability.

Therefore, the tip is to avoid leaving the laptop charging when the battery is already fully charged. Put the device to charge only when the charge is low.

Even so, be aware that every three years, on average, you will need to replace the battery with a new one. At this point, be careful with the parallel options and prefer to invest in an original model that is more durable and safe.