Here's how to safely clean your computer screen, keyboard and mouse, according to experts

Let's get real: When's the last time you gave your computer and keyboard a thorough cleaning? In most cases (and for myself included), it's long overdue. From our phones to our refrigerators, items we use daily become a breeding ground for germs. Computers and accessories like mice and keyboards are no different.

If you work from home and occasionally eat at your desk (guilty, anyone?) everything from crumbs to tiny dust bunnies may be trapped in between your keyboard's keys. And, unless your computer screen is at just the right angle, you may not notice that it's covered in dust and oily fingerprints.

According to research from the University of Arizona, most people don't know that hot spots, including their desks and keyboards, are actually germier than a toilet seat. (Um, gross.) But it makes sense: Our hands are all over these surfaces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that hand hygiene is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of germs, but despite that, many of us type away with less-than-squeaky-clean fingers.

With all this in mind, don't worry: We've found the best ways to clean your keyboard, computer screen and mouse to cut down on germs and bacteria. If you're unsure of where to start, we've got you. Below is an expert-approved, step-by-step rundown on how to safely freshen up your tech.

How to clean your computer screen in two easy steps

According to experts, you should clean your tech relative to how often you use it. Microbiologists gave a more specific timeline in this 2012 study, advising that everyone should wipe down their desk space, including that all-important screen, at least once a week.

Justin Carpenter, CEO and founder of Modern Maids, told House Digest that "cleaning your computer screen is a necessary step in keeping it looking great and functional." Luckily, according to Carpenter's instructions, doing that is simple — and inexpensive. Here's how to do it in just two east steps.

Step 1: First, power off and unplug your computer.

Step 2: Dampen a microfiber cleaning cloth with distilled water and gently wipe the screen in a circular motion to remove any dust and grime.

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Carpenter also said that you can use an electronics-safe cleaner that's quick drying to clean your screen. Several experts swear by these screen shine wipes from Whoosh! that are damp, not wet, so they won't damage your tech.

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How to clean your keyboard in three easy steps

Have you ever looked at your keyboard and mouse and thought they didn't need to be sanitized or wiped down because they "looked" clean? Research shows that it's not that simple.

A study in the Journal of Medical Science and Clinical Research found that your tech can still harbor viruses, bacteria, molds and even fungi that you can't see. Researchers also found that just one cleaning can remove over 95% of germs and bacteria, so it's well worth your time. Here's how experts say you should clean your keyboard.

Step 1: Start by unplugging your device (assuming it's not wireless).

Step 2: Next, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth or one of the shine wipes mentioned above to gently wipe away any dust and debris.

Step 3a: Though this step is optional, Varela recommends investing in and using a keyboard cleaning brush kit. The specialized tools will better remove any dust that has settled in between the keys.

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Step 3b: Joe Silverman, founder of New York Computer Help, told Women's Health magazine that compressed air is one of the best, most affordable investments for keyboard cleaning, especially if you often eat at your desk. "All those crumbs and meals and snacks usually fall in between the keys," he said. He also added that food particles under and in between keys can eventually lead to mold, so canned air is one of the best ways to make sure nothing is still lurking.

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How to clean your computer mouse

This is where things can get a bit tricky. There are often tiny crevices and corners on computer mice that are practically impossible to reach, but we're not quitters, right? A slightly damp microfiber cloth can help remove dust, residue and fingerprints, but the spinner wheel and click pads usually accumulate the most debris.

To clean these, Varela recommends using an electronic air duster. "An air duster will work just as nicely, especially for the mouse sensor, as it should not be cleaned with any liquids at all," he said.

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Don't want to spend on another gadget? You can also try using a toothpick covered in a cloth to get rid of any grime along the edges of your mouse, Varela said.

What not to do

While cleaning your tech can be empowering, it's important not to go overboard. According to Silverman, steer clear of messing with trackpads (the "mouse" attached to your laptop), vents, fans and speakers.

"I've seen customers clean up their trackpads, and then their trackpads don't work," he said. (If you want to have these cleaned, take your computer to a professional.)

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