It’s a fact of life that things get dirty and tablets are no different. In fact, they’re quite a bit more likely to develop a layer of grime than your laptop or MP3 player. Dirt is not only a question of aesthetics. It can severely impact the usability of the tablet’s touchscreen, from increasing response times and causing lag to make it hard to see what’s displayed on the screen. In worst case scenarios, malfunctions can occur if the dirt forces its way into the device. Since cleaning the tablet takes just a few minutes out of your day, there’s no reason not to.
Making the Touchscreen Live Again
Of course, removing dirt from the device’s screen can be a bit tricky. Most chemical cleaning solutions are simply too aggressive and can gradually corrode the glass protecting the touchscreen. At a minimum, it will leave stains that will put you back at square one. Thankfully, with a bit of caution, you can easily remove the grime. Use a damp microfiber cloth to gently remove the grime, making sure that you’re not pressing on the screen too hard. Don’t use any additional chemicals, as these can have the opposite effect. If you don’t have such a cloth on hand, don’t use materials that feel coarse to the touch. These can scratch the glass surface.
Cleaning the Openings
Of course, a tablet is more than just its touchscreen. It also has plenty of buttons on its case and usually several ports on the rim of the device. While the former being dirty is usually merely a nuisance, the latter can cause damage to the device if not cleaned up. This is especially important in the case of larger, high definition tablets like the Nook HD, which usually feature a large HDMI port. Ports have a nasty affinity for debris and grime. When cleaning them, avoid any and all moisture. Buy a can of compressed air and blow out any debris you might find lodged inside. Don’t use a continuous stream of air. Instead, use short, concentrated bursts to dislodge the bits that found their way inside.
Making the Casing Beautiful
Compared to the other parts, cleaning up the tablet’s casing is extremely easy. Just use a damp cloth and remove any grime and dirt you find. Unlike the touchscreen, the casing can withstand a more vigorous cleaning, though it’s probably a good idea not to overdo it. Be careful around openings and especially the speakers if your tablet has them. Use compressed air or a dry cloth instead.
Bottom Line
The best way to clean your tablet is to not let it get dirty in the first place. There are plenty of different ways to ensure that, but the most popular is usually a screen protector (doubling as an additional defensive layer for the screen) and a cover that encases the entire tablet. While these may cost a little more (or a whole lot more, in the case of covers) than cleaning implements, they may be a better choice if you find yourself routinely having to clean your tablet thoroughly.