Six Tips To Spring Clean Your Digital Devices
Spring is in the air… and you’ve probably got a deep-cleaning checklist as long as a donkey’s tail. But there’s one part of your home that might be dirtier, danker and stankier than a teen boy’s bedroom, because it almost NEVER gets cleaned.
We’re talking about your digital devices.
Whether it’s a laptop that’s been your ride-or-die through many a Netflix marathon, or a gaming console that works overtime, your tech needs a spring refresh just as much as your house does.
If your machine has been a little sluggish lately, or you suspect there might be some nasty stuff lurking under the hood (hello cat hair), then this is the spring cleaning checklist for you.
Check off these six tasks to make your laptop, computer or gaming system feel like new again.
Tip #1: Wipe Off Those SKETCHY Fingerprints
Spring cleaning your tech starts with cleaning the screens, keyboards, trackpads and panels. We recommend using a microfiber cloth dampened with a little water. Skip the Windex and paper towels– they’re not needed, and they could scratch your device.
Compressed air is the easiest way to remove dust and debris from your keyboard. Avoid blowing compressed air directly into vents, which may push the dust in deeper. There’s a better way to get your device cleaned from the inside out (more on that below).
External mice, headphones and wearable devices can simply be turned off and wiped down with a soft, damp cloth. Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove earwax buildup from your AirPods (gross, but oddly satisfying!).
Tip #2: Do a Digital Declutter
As more and more aspects of our lives move online, most of us accumulate huge piles of digital clutter (photos, files, downloads, that one random app that keeps popping up at weird times). Taking the time to streamline and simplify your digital space can help your computer (and your brain) run better.
Follow these steps to clear out the junk and make space for productivity:
✓ Sweep up the digital dust bunnies: Clear your cache, delete your cookies, and don’t forget to take out the trash (empty your Trash bin).
✓ Dump the deadbeat apps: If you haven’t opened that “CoolPhotoEffects2019” app in three years, it’s time for a breakup. Don’t just drag it to the trash—actually uninstall it so it doesn’t leave its digital socks behind.
✓ Organize your photo storage: Go through your phone’s camera roll, your cloud storage, and your old SD cards and flash drives. Delete the duplicates, blurry pics and random junk (do you really need 27 pictures of your foot? Didn’t think so.) Then centralize all your good pics in one photo-storage cloud service, like Apple Photos for iPhone users or Google Photos for Android peeps.
✓ Let the OS do the dirty work: Use your computer’s built-in “cleanup” features (Storage Sense on PC or Optimize Storage on Mac).
A word to the wise: don’t go on a blind deleting spree. If you don’t recognize a file, err on the side of caution and leave it be. Always back up your data as you go. Remember: One backup is none; two is one. Which brings us to our next tip…
Tip #3: Back It Up, Chuck
Spring cleaning is the perfect time for a reality check. Most of us don’t give much thought to data safety until our hard drive calls it quits mid-project.
We suggest using both a cloud storage service and a physical hard drive for data redundancy (having multiple layers of protection greatly reduces the risk of loss).
TechRestore offers a comprehensive Cleanup & Backup bundle for laptop and desktop computers. We perform a full system cleanup and back up your data to a high-quality external hard drive so your info is actually safe. It’s peace of mind you can hold in your hand.
Tip #4: Fix Sluggish Performance With a Deep Clean
Is your computer running slower than molasses? There are a lot of possible culprits, and TechRestore can help you find them. A professional tune-up is way cheaper than a new machine and you’ll be amazed at the difference it can make to performance and speed. Here’s what our Cleanup service looks like:
- Software optimization
- Opening your device to physically clean the hardware
- De-gunking fans to enhance your cooling system
- Checking for and diagnosing any underlying issues
Our mission: to make sure your computer is running as lean and clean as the day you unboxed it.
Tip #5: Clean Out That GROSS Gaming System
Gaming PCs and consoles have a way of getting really disgusting on the inside. They have big fans that pull in lots of air to keep those high-end GPUs cool. The problem? Those big fans also suck in a TON of dust, dander, hair and even bugs.
For the serious players, TechRestore offers a specialized gaming system cleanup. This includes taking apart the console, deep cleaning all hardware, and re-applying liquid metal to help dissipate heat.
We use a premium thermal material that pulls heat to the fans so they can effectively cool your machine, ensuring you don’t lose frames (or your mind) due to thermal throttling.
Tip #6: Sell or Recycle Old Devices
Apple is making waves this spring with the launch of the iPhone 17E and the $599 MacBook Neo (its cheapest laptop ever). If you’ve purchased a new device this season, you may be wondering what to do with your old (but still functional) phone, laptop or tablet.
Don’t shove it into the back of a junk drawer! Bring it in to us and get paid cold, hard cash instead. We offer up to $300 per device, depending on the year, brand and model. If your device doesn’t qualify for a trade-in, we’ll securely recycle it for free. Learn more about our recycling program here.
Getting rid of your old digital devices and keeping them out of a landfill? Sounds like a win to us.
Ready to Refresh?
At TechRestore, we take pride in keeping your digital devices in peak condition (and having a blast while doing it!). We make it super simple to keep your laptop, desktop or gaming console looking and running like new.
Spring Cleaning Price List:
- $135: Cleanup/Cleanout With Cloud Backup (Computers)
- $150: Gaming System Deep Clean (With Liquid Metal Application)
- $200: Cleanup/Cleanout With an External Hard Drive (Computers)
How To Get Your Tech Professionally Cleaned
Walk-In: If you’re in the Louisville area, visit our Hikes Point shop anytime during business hours. No appointment is needed, and we’d love to see your nice face (and your dusty computer).
Mail-In: Not local? No problem! We provide secure mail-in repairs from anywhere in the country. Start your mail-in repair request here.
