Dad hack! How to clean grubby finger marks off your tech

Smudges, smears, and finger marks on our tech can drive a dad crazy! Sure, wiping them down with a tissue can do half the job, but it isn’t the best way to keep your devices as clean as possible.

Remove pesky fingerprints and sanitise with a bit of know-how and Diggers Isopropyl Alcohol.

 

1. Turn off your tech

Before you clean your device, turn it off, and disconnect any power cords. This will ensure that you don’t damage your tech during the clean or hurt yourself with any static charge. 

For any phones, a switched-off screen will also make any fingerprints and dust particles more visible, for a top-notch clean.


2. Spray with compressed air

Spray the screen of the tech device that you’re cleaning with compressed air, before wiping it down. This will remove any loose particles that could potentially scratch the screen when you do wipe down the surface. 

If you’re concerned that your device may be harbouring loose particles elsewhere – in your laptop’s keyboard, for example – turn it upside down and gently tap it to release any debris that may be trapped.

 

3. Create a cleaning solution

Mix a 70/30 solution of clean water and Diggers Isopropyl Alcohol in a spray bottle. The high evaporation rate of Diggers Isopropyl Alcohol makes it the perfect cleaner to ensure that moisture does not affect your device.

 

4. Wipe away!

To clean your device, simply spray the solution onto a clean cotton swab or 100% cotton cloth and wipe the screen or surface from top to bottom using gentle strokes. 

Applying too much pressure or rubbing when cleaning can result in irreparable damage to LCD screens or surface coatings. Avoid using rough items like paper towels, tissues or polyester to wipe your screen. They’re abrasive and could potentially scratch the screen.

Never spray the solution directly onto the screen.

 

5. Dry your device

When you’re satisfied with the cleanliness of your device, simply dry the surface with a clean, microfibre cloth and let it sit for a couple of minutes.

If there are any visible streaks directly after cleaning, use a microfibre cloth to clear them.

More dad home office hacks!

 

1. Create an efficient filing system

Does looking for files on your computer or cloud storage system feel like a quest for buried treasure? If you have a ‘Downloads’ folder crammed with app installers from three years ago and a desktop filled with Word documents, it’s time to start organising!

Start by deleting duplicate or unnecessary files. You’ll be surprised how many you have stashed away on your desktop.

Then, develop a document filing system that’s based on your everyday life. This may involve creating folders like “Work”, “Finances” or “Music”. If you have a lot of files, consider breaking it down even further, into a structure like “Work > Clients > Projects”. 

 

2. Hide computer cables

If there’s anything that destroys the harmony of a home or work office, it’s cable clutter. Not only do cables get in the way of productive work, but they also create an ideal home for dust.

Spiff up your office in no time with some cable management! Simply bind your cables together with a twist tie or plastic zip tie, and tuck them behind your desk.

 

3. Tidy every day

Keeping your workspace clean and tidy probably isn’t the highest priority task on your to-do list. However, it’s a proven fact that mess causes stress – especially if it’s the first thing you see when you walk into the office. 

Take control of your space by doing a quick, 5-minute tidy every evening before you leave work. Not only will this give you a sense of accomplishment when you finish your workday, but it’ll also bring some positivity to your morning when you return the next day.

 

4. Keep it separated

You’re sitting at your desk, about to head off for lunch, and then bam! Your colleague asks for a file that you have no recollection of storing. You rummage through the large heap of files sitting on your desk, hoping that it will just magically appear. But alas, it takes you half an hour to find. 

If your office is looking a little messy, perhaps it’s time to organise your paperwork. Whether it’s post-it notes, manila folders, or a filing cabinet, adding a touch of order to your workspace can make a world of difference to your efficiency.