How to Clean Laptop Speakers?

In recent times, laptops have been of great convenience for all those who have been on work from home schedules. Through the last few years, laptops have become an imperative part of not only the workstation but also for entertainment and other educational purposes. The millennial generation spends a major part of the day with their laptops. 

However, this is the sole reason behind the laptop components getting dirty. Users tend to eat and sleep with the laptop, which exposes them to food splatters, crumbs, and other types of dirt and dust. The speaker holes are most prone to be clogged with dust or food crumbs. Moreover, the slim build of the models makes it difficult to clean the speakers. Therefore, if you are looking for a solution to clean the laptop speakers, then you can make use of the following methods. 

Using Alcohol and Q-tips

Q-tips are popularly used for cleaning laptop speakers because of the soft texture that they have and can be used to remove dirt easily. Follow the given steps to have your laptop speakers cleaned properly. 

• Switch off the laptop
• Remove the battery.
• Dip the Q-tip in rubbing alcohol.
• Wipe the speaker grills well.
• Use a cloth to remove the debris. 
• In case, the speaker holes have dust particles; prick them gently and carefully with a Q-tip, one by one. 

Using a lint-free or a microfiber cloth

You might think of using a paper towel in place of a lint-free or a microfiber cloth. However, using a paper towel might leave some of the dust on the laptop. Moreover, paper towels have a rough texture and might stain or damage the laptop. Therefore, it is recommended to use a microfiber or a lint-free cloth for effectively cleaning the laptop speakers. 

• Switch off the laptop
• Remove the battery
• Wipe the speaker grills gently
• Dip the cloth in water and drain the excess water out of it
• Again, get the speakers a good wipe with the dampened cloth
• You might also use toothpicks to get the excess dirt out of the speaker holes
• Be careful while using the toothpicks.

Using a Brush

A brush is a popular choice while cleaning the laptop speakers. The vessels of the brush can effectively clean the small holes of the speakers, which might be clogged with dust. Using a soft toothbrush can reach for the speaker holes and clean them thoroughly. Here, it is very important to ensure that the brush vessels are angled away from the speaker mesh. This will make sure that dust is not pushed further into the laptop. Once you are done with cleaning with the brush, then a soft wet lint-free cloth can be used to wipe the speaker grills for effective cleaning.

Using Wet Wipes

One of the unique features of wet wipes is that some of the wipes are specially designed for cleaning laptops. Follow the below steps to clean the laptop speakers using wet wipes.

• Switch off the laptop
• Remove the battery 
• Use the wipe to clean the speaker grills
• Completely dry the laptop before switching it on
• Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the excess dirt off the speaker body and grills. 

Using Compressed Air

Compressed air is hugely preferred to clean the dust and dirt from the laptop components. However, it is essential to use compressed air in short bursts as long presses can severely damage the interiors of the laptop. Switch off the laptop and remove the battery. Then spray the can of compressed air on the exterior portion of the speaker grills. Next, blow air inside the grills at least three times in short bursts. Finally, use a wet lint-free cloth to clean the speaker’s outsides. 

Using Hand Held Vacuums 

This is a unique way to clean the laptop speakers thoroughly. It does not matter if you have not cleaned the speakers for quite some time, a handheld vacuum can draw the dust out of the speakers easily. However, it is crucial to make sure that the vacuum device does not have a high suction power, which might harm the laptop components. Usually, handheld vacuums come with the exact suction power required to do the job. Start with the speaker grills. Use the vacuum for a 15 to 30 seconds spell. After you are finished with it, use a wet lint-free cloth to clean the speaker’s outsides. 

Using a Lint Roller

This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to clean a laptop. A lint roller has to be rolled over the speaker grills. It will remove debris, dust, and other unwanted particles from the surface. Use it to clean the speakers regularly for effective cleaning. 

Opening up a Laptop for better cleaning

You can always clean the laptop speakers by dismantling them part by part. Do not go for this method if you are not accustomed to assembling a laptop after opening it up. 

• Switch off the laptop
• Remove the battery
• Remove the base panel of the laptop
• The speaker grills can be reached more easily
• Blow or wipe the dust and dirt off the speakers
• Place the panel and other components in place and reassemble the laptop

Using a Blu Tack

Blu Tack is an adhesive that can be used in a similar way to a lint roller. Attach the Blu Tack to the laptop speakers and clean them off the dust and dirt. Blu Tack is useful for cleaning the dust and dirt, which is stuck on the speaker grills. Keep the Blu Tack on the speaker grills for some time and then remove it for cleaning the laptop speakers effectively. 

FAQs

How to clean speaker cones?

You can use a dry microfiber cloth to clean the speaker cones. In case, of too much dirt, damp the cloth and wipe off the dirt.

Can dust damage the speakers?

Dust accumulation on the speakers can affect the sound quality, damage the wiring, and can affect the loudspeakers. 

Conclusion

These are some of the potential methods to clean the laptop speakers. It is recommended to clean the unit daily so that the speakers do not have an excess layer of dust or dirt on them. Moreover, the speaker grills should be cleaned with a microfiber cloth after daily use to keep them clean.