Computer valeting

Computer valeting is the in-depth cleaning of the physical components of a personal computer. Usually performed by a computer repair technician, this service addresses the different ways that dirt builds up on four main components: the keyboard, the monitor, the mouse, and the tower/desktop unit.

The keyboard

The crumbs, dust, and other particulate that fall between the keys and build up underneath are loosened by spraying pressurized air into the keyboard, then removed with a low-pressure vacuum cleaner. A plastic-cleaning agent applied to the surface of the keys with a cloth is used to remove the accumulation of oil and dirt from repeated contact with a user's fingertips. If this is not sufficient for a more severely dirty keyboard, keys are physically removed for more focused individual cleaning, or for better access to the area beneath. Finally, the surface is wiped with a disinfectant.

The monitor

Fingerprints, water spots, and dust are removed from the screen with a cleaning wipe specialized for the screen type (CRT, LCD, etc.). A general plastic-cleaning agent is used on the outer casing, which requires a less gentle cleanser but may need more focused attention to unusual buildups of dust, grime, pen marks, etc. idiosyncratic to the user and environment.

The mouse

The top surface of the mouse is wiped with a plastic cleanser to remove the dirt that accumulates from contact with the hand, as on the keyboard. The bottom surface is also cleaned to ensure that it can slide freely. If it is a mechanical mouse, the trackball is taken out, not only to clean the ball itself, but to scrape dirt from the runners that sense the ball's movement and can become jittery or stuck if impeded by grime.

The tower/desktop unit

The case is opened to expose the internal components, which accumulate dust brought in by the airflow maintained by fans to keep the PC from overheating. A soft brush is used throughout the case and components to remove as much loose dirt as possible; the remainder is dislodged with compressed air and removed with a low-pressure vacuum. The case is wiped down with a cleaning agent.