Your laptop touchpad is one of the dirtiest parts of your computer. Unfortunately, you often overlook it when it comes to cleaning, but it’s essential to keep it clean so that your device runs smoothly. This article will show you how to clean your laptop touchpad in a few simple steps. Follow these instructions, and your touchpad will be as good as new!
Also, check; how to clean your laptop fan without taking it apart
What You Will Need To Clean Your Touchpad
- Clean cloth; it will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface of the touchpad.
- A cloth dampened with water
- Cotton swabs with isopropanol; Isopropanol is essential because it ensures that you won’t harm the touchpad while cleaning it.
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Clean water
How To Clean A Laptop Touchpad In A Few Simple Steps
Laptops are essential for many people, and keeping them clean ensures they last as long as possible. The touchpad is one of the most used parts of the laptop, and it can quickly become covered in fingerprints and other marks. Here are seven steps on how to clean a laptop touchpad:
Power off Your Laptop
Begin by powering off your laptop and unplugging it from any power source. We power off our laptop because we do not want to damage the touchpad while cleaning it accidentally.
Pre-wipe The Touchpad
Use a paper towel or soft, dry cloth to wipe down the touchpad. You can dampen the cloth with water or rubbing alcohol if there are any stubborn spots. The dampened cloth helps in removing any tough spots on the laptop’s touchpad. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scrub too hard, as this can damage the touchpad. Paper towels are ideal for this task.
Deep Clean Hard Stains
Once you’ve wiped down the touchpad, use a cotton swab dipped in water or rubbing alcohol to clean any hard-to-reach areas. The alcohol helps in breaking down any oils or dirt that may be stuck on the touchpad.
Let The Touchpad Dry Up
Allow the laptop’s touchpad to dry completely before continuing. It is essential to wait because if there is any moisture left on the touchpad, it can damage the device.
Clean The Surrounding Area
To clean the surrounding area, use a dampened cloth to wipe down the bezel and keyboard. Be sure not to get any water on the circuitry! Getting water on the circuitry is dangerous because it can cause a short circuit. You should also clean your laptop speaker to ensure everything is just right.
Don’t Forget To Blow The Keycaps
Use a compressed air can to blow away the dust that may have accumulated on the keycaps or in other hard-to-reach areas. When using compressed air, you must remove all the dust from the touchpad or the laptop’s trackpad.
Finish Up
If you had re-assembled your laptop, then it’s time to put it back together. If you were just cleaning the top part then ensure everything is check and start using your clean touchpad.
How To Remove Oil From Your Touchpad
Over time, the surface of your touchpad will become covered in oil and other residues from your fingers. It can make the touchpad less responsive and more challenging to use. There are a few ways to go about this, and it depends on what you have on hand. The easiest way is to use a cotton swab, or Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
Gently rub the solution over the oily areas of your touchpad. You may need to use a little elbow grease to remove stubborn oil patches. If you don’t have alcohol on hand, you can also use a vinegar and water solution.
Just mix equal vinegar and water, and apply it to your touchpad with a cloth. Again, rub until you remove the oils.
Finally, if you’re in a pinch, you can always use a bit of soap and water. Just lather up your touchpad and rinse it off with clean water. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before using it again.
How To Disinfect Your Touchpad
Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather. However, it’s also the season when viruses and bacteria are most active. If you spend time working on your laptop outdoors, it’s essential to take steps to disinfect your touchpad regularly.
- The first step is to clean the touchpad with a damp cloth. Be sure to remove any dirt or debris on the surface.
- Next, use a mild disinfectant such as rubbing alcohol or vinegar to wipe down the touchpad.
- Finally, allow the solution to air dry completely before using your laptop again.
How To Prevent Your Touchpad From Getting Dirty In The Future
If you want to prevent your touchpad from getting dirty in the future, you can take a few simple steps.
- Ensure you regularly clean your keyboard and screen, as these are two of the most common sources of touchpad contamination. You can use a damp cloth or a mild cleaning solution to wipe down these surfaces.
- Another way to prevent your touchpad from getting dirty is to avoid eating or drinking near your laptop. If you do eat or drink near your laptop, be sure to clean up any spills immediately.
FAQs
How Often Should I Clean My Touchpad?
Often we recommend that you clean your touchpad once a week. However, if you use your laptop daily, then you may want to consider cleaning it more frequently.
What Is The Best Way To Clean My Touchpad?
The best way to clean your touchpad is to use a soft, slightly damp cloth. You can also use a mild cleaning solution, such as dish soap or window cleaner. Be sure to avoid using harsh cleaners, abrasives, or anything with ammonia, as they can damage the surface of your touchpad.
Can I Use Alcohol To Clean My Touchpad?
Yes, you can use rubbing alcohol to clean your touchpad. However, be sure to use a diluted solution and avoid getting any on the surrounding area, as it can damage the finish on your laptop.
What Should I Do If My Touchpad Is Still Not Working Properly?
If your touchpad is still not working correctly after cleaning it, you may need to replace it. You can purchase a new touchpad online or at a local electronics store. You can also call a specialist to check what the problem could be.
Conclusion
Cleaning your touchpad is a simple and effective way to keep it working correctly. Be sure to clean it regularly using a soft, damp cloth or a mild cleaning solution. You can also disinfect your touchpad by wiping it down with rubbing alcohol or vinegar. These simple steps can help prevent your touchpad from getting dirty and prolong its life.