To clean laptops, which two products are recommended? (Choose two.)
- cotton swabs
- mild cleaning solution
- ammonia
- rubbing alcohol
- car wax
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Computer Hardware Basics Final Exam Answers
Correct Answers and Full Explanation
✔ Correct Answers:
• cotton swabs
• mild cleaning solution
Cleaning a laptop properly is an important part of maintaining its performance, hygiene, and long-term durability. Dust, fingerprints, oils, and debris slowly accumulate on various parts of the device, including the keyboard, screen, ports, and casing. Using the wrong cleaning products can damage sensitive coatings, scratch surfaces, or leave harmful residues. From the options provided—cotton swabs, mild cleaning solution, ammonia, rubbing alcohol, and car wax—the two recommended and safe items for laptop cleaning are cotton swabs and mild cleaning solution.
Below is a detailed explanation of why these two products are recommended and why the others should not be used.
Cotton Swabs: Safe, Gentle, and Precise
Cotton swabs are ideal for cleaning small, narrow, or delicate areas of a laptop. Their soft texture and compact size make them perfect for detailed cleaning work that larger cloths cannot perform.
Why Cotton Swabs Are Recommended
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They reach tight spaces such as keyboard edges, vents, and ports.
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They are gentle and do not scratch plastic or metal surfaces.
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They can be slightly moistened with a mild solution for deeper cleaning.
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They provide precision control, especially around sensitive areas.
Best Areas to Use Cotton Swabs
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Around and between keyboard keys
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Touchpad edges
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Speaker grills
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USB, HDMI, charging, and audio ports
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Hinges and corners
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Vent openings (surface dust only)
Because of their accuracy and safety, cotton swabs are frequently used by technicians during routine laptop cleaning.
Mild Cleaning Solution: Safe for Screens and Surfaces
A mild cleaning solution made specifically for electronics is the safest type of cleaner for laptops. It is non-abrasive, gentle, and effective at removing common contaminants without damaging sensitive surfaces.
Why Mild Cleaning Solution Is Recommended
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It is safe for LCD, LED, IPS, and anti-glare screens.
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It does not contain harsh solvents like ammonia.
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It removes fingerprints, smudges, and dirt easily.
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It is suitable for keyboards, casings, and touchpads.
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It leaves no residue and does not affect protective coatings.
Best Uses
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Cleaning the laptop screen
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Wiping the keyboard surface
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Cleaning the outer casing and palm rest
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Removing oils from surfaces that are touched often
Always apply the solution to a microfiber cloth first rather than directly spraying onto the laptop.
Why the Other Options Are NOT Recommended
Ammonia — Damaging and Unsafe
Ammonia is often found in glass cleaners, but it is unsafe for laptops.
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It damages screen coatings and anti-glare layers.
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It can cause discoloration or cloudiness.
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It may weaken plastic casing over time.
Laptop manufacturers strongly warn against using ammonia-based cleaners.
Rubbing Alcohol — Not the Same as Isopropyl Alcohol
Many people confuse rubbing alcohol with pure isopropyl alcohol (IPA). However, rubbing alcohol usually contains:
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Water
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Fragrances
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Additives
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Other chemicals
These can damage screen coatings, leave residue, or seep into delicate areas. Therefore, rubbing alcohol is not recommended in this context.
Car Wax — Completely Unsafe
Car wax is meant for automotive paint and is harmful to electronics.
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Leaves greasy residue
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Attracts more dust
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Can clog ventilation holes
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Damages matte or textured surfaces
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Makes the laptop slippery
It must never be used on any laptop surface.
How to Clean a Laptop Properly (Professional Method)
Step 1: Power Off and Unplug
Turn off the laptop and disconnect the charger. Remove the battery if possible.
Step 2: Remove Surface Dust
Use a microfiber cloth or cotton swabs to remove loose dirt around ports, hinges, and edges.
Step 3: Clean the Screen
Apply a mild cleaning solution to a cloth, not directly onto the screen. Gently wipe in straight or circular motions.
Step 4: Clean the Keyboard
Use cotton swabs for hard-to-reach areas and a cloth for the main key surfaces.
Step 5: Clean the Outer Casing
Lightly dampen a cloth with the mild solution and wipe the laptop casing and palm rest.
Step 6: Dry Completely
Allow everything to air-dry fully before turning the laptop back on.
Final Summary
From the list of options provided, the two recommended products for safely cleaning a laptop are:
✔ cotton swabs
✔ mild cleaning solution
These products are safe, effective, and widely used by IT professionals and hardware technicians. The remaining options—ammonia, rubbing alcohol, and car wax—can damage laptop surfaces or internal components and should be avoided.