# How should I clean my computer?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-clean-my-computer/388852>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [January 21, 2007, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-clean-my-computer/388852 "2007-01-21T17:38:40Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![pool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pool/32/4152_2.png) [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\
**Post date:** [January 21, 2007, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-clean-my-computer/388852/1 "2007-01-21T17:38:40Z")

</div>

My laptop has two stains on it from me resting my palms on it while typing. I’m thinking maybe hydrogen peroxide might take the stains off the plastic. Any ideas?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\
**Post date:** [January 21, 2007, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-clean-my-computer/388852/2 "2007-01-21T18:36:30Z")

</div>

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Even if it doesn’t work, you can use it on 200 other spots and stains around the house 🙂

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\
**Post date:** [January 21, 2007, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-clean-my-computer/388852/3 "2007-01-21T18:49:38Z")

</div>

Don’t use an organic solvent like alcohol or such. Plaskic and finishes may be ruined. I use a soft bristle paint brush dampened with water and pressed dry in a towel to clean the keys and cracks on equipment. The brush is slightly damp and I dab the brush down between the keys to be cleaned. Go side ways on a crack with the brush. This won’t work if your problem is it’s a stain and not just hard to reach the dirt.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Dervorin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Dervorin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dervorin)\
**Post date:** [January 21, 2007, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-clean-my-computer/388852/4 "2007-01-21T20:29:42Z")

</div>

My laptop has a permanent mark where my left palm rests - I suspect the plastic is permanently deformed from the heat of the hard drive below; some stains just aren’t cleanable, unfortunately.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![cornflakes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@cornflakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cornflakes)\
**Post date:** [January 21, 2007, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-i-clean-my-computer/388852/5 "2007-01-21T21:53:26Z")

</div>

Try unscented baby wipes (i.e., Huggies.) I’m serious; I use them for household cleaning almost everywhere. The mild detergent cleans easily without attacking plastic. The soft cloth won’t scratch and keeps the cleaner from dripping into the case…