Nov. 7--Did you know that dust and dirt buildup can harm your computer and possibly shorten its lifespan? Yes, that piece of equipment that you can barely get through the day without needs TLC just like the other objects in your home.

The more your computer runs, the more dust it is prone to attract. Making the computer a part of your cleaning routine will keep it running smoothly for many years.

Before you even attempt to clean, you should check your owner's manual to make sure there aren't special instructions to follow. In general you'll want to avoid chemical products that aren't specifically designed for computer cleaning. And don't even think about pulling out the vacuum cleaner; it generates static and could harm your computer's components. Remember to turn off the computer before you clean it.

Here are the basic items you need to get started:

Cotton T-shirt or microfiber cloth.

Spray bottle with 1 drop of mild dishwashing liquid mixed with 1 quart of water

Spray bottle of distilled water

Cotton swabs

Monitor. Flat-screened monitors have LCD or plasma screens. Turn the monitor off and allow it to cool completely. Use a cotton T-shirt or microfiber cloth to remove dust from the screen. If you still have the traditional CRT monitor, dampen the cloth with plain water and wipe. Polish with a dry cloth. For the framing surrounding the monitor, spray lightly with the dish soap solution and wipe, then dry.

Central processing unit (CPU). Use the same damp cloth that you used for the framing. Spray it lightly with dish soap solution and wipe down the unit. Use cotton swabs to clean vents and other nooks.

Keyboard. Check your manual to see whether your keys are removable; if they are, remove them. Wipe the area under the keys with a cloth moistened with just distilled water. Don't use tap water; if you have hard water, it could leave mineral deposits. If you can't remove your keys, use a can of compressed air to spray between the keys, using short bursts.

Mouse. Turn the mouse over and locate the ball that it rolls on. Press firmly on the disk around the ball to release. Clean the ball with the dish soap solution. Lightly spray a cotton swab with distilled water and wipe the rollers inside the mouse. Let dry and replace the ball and disk.

Cords . They need cleaning, too; wrap a cloth dampened with the dish solution around a cord and slide it from one end to the other. Give the cords a few minutes to dry before reconnecting.

lamara.williams@newsobserver.com or 919-829-4543

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