Isn't it amazing how fast the dust and crumbs accumulate in your keyboard?  And just how long has it been since you cleaned your monitor screen?  Here are some helpful suggestions to aid you in your cleaning efforts.

Routine Care

Note:  Always turn off the computer when cleaning with a damp cloth or before cleaning the keyboard or mouse.

Cleaning your computer case:
Use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the computer's exterior.  For stubborn stains, use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol on a lint-free cloth or swab.

Cleaning your monitor:
Use a damp cloth to wipe the monitor screen or an anti-static towelette designed for cleaning monitors.  Use caution when spraying aerosols or sprays directly on the screen - liquid may seep into the housing and damage a component.  You can order anti-static wipes from Central Supply using product # WIP-001.

Cleaning your mouse:
Remove the retaining plate and ball from the mouse.  Remove any dirt from the rollers by carefully scraping the rollers with your fingernail or a piece of firm paper.  Caution:  Do not let the dirt fall into the body of the mouse.

Wipe the mouse ball clean with a damp cloth.  If needed, the mouse ball can be cleaned with soap and water but remember to dry it thoroughly before reassembling the mouse.

Cleaning your keyboard:

Caution:  Make sure the power to the computer is turned off. 

To clean the tops of the keys and the body of the keyboard, use the same procedures as mentioned for cleaning your computer case.

To clean the dirt, lint, and crumbs from underneath and between the keys:  a simple cleaning tip is to turn the keyboard over and gently shake - you may want to do this over your trash can.

For a more thorough cleaning, used canned, pressurized air to blow away debris.  Use caution when using canned air - too much pressure can dislodge lubricants applied under the wide keys (space bar, enter, etc.).

CLEANING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Never use solvents or flammable solutions to clean your computer or printer.

• Never immerse any parts of your computer or printer in water or cleaning solutions.

• Always turn off the computer before cleaning the keyboard and mouse or when cleaning with a damp cloth.

• Disconnect the keyboard before cleaning it.

Problems Printing from your HP DeskJet Printer?

Faded output or no output may be a sign that you need to replace the inkjet cartridge(s).  Central Supply stocks the black cartridge for a few of HP DeskJet printers.  You'll need to visit Office Depot or any computer supply store for the color cartridges.  Make sure you note the HP cartridge part number before you head out to purchase one.

When changing the ink cartridge, remember to remove the protective tape.

Check to see if your color cartridge needs replacing when you replace the black cartridge.

Be sure to align the new cartridge(s) by performing the aligning procedure in the HP DeskJet Toolbox. Go to Start, Programs, HP DeskJet Utilities, HP DeskJet Toolbox.  Click on the Printer Services tab and select "Align the Print Cartridge."