Thursday, July 21, 2011

How to clean your Apple iPod (all models)


1.       Unplug all cables and turn off iPod touch (press and hold the Sleep/Wake button, and then slide the onscreen slider).
2.       Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe over the surfaces. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don’t use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives to clean iPod touch.

How to clean a gas BBQ


Whilst cleaning your BBQ, check the flexible hose for cracks and damage and replace if necessary. Consult your owner's manual for any specialised maintenance requirements. Ensure the gas is disconnected and check the metal tubes under each burner. Spiders and other insects like to nest in these tubes. Use a paper clip or toothpick to clear these holes if necessary. Remember that many gas grills are made of aluminium products, so you'll want to avoid abrasive cleaners, including oven cleaner, metal brushes or scouring pads.
1.       Soak the grill and any removable parts in dishwashing liquid and hot water. Scrub away any build-up of grease with a rag, sponge or plastic scourer.
2.       Remove the flame bars and run them through the dishwasher. Or scrub them with a brass wire brush.
3.       Replace the lava rocks every year with new ones or boil them in soapy water to remove built-up grime.
4.       Tape over any gas openings and then clean the inside of the barbecue with hot, soapy water and a rag, sponge or plastic scrubber.
5.       Clean the outside of the barbecue with hot, soapy water and a rag or sponge.
6.       Hose out the barbecue. Allow it to dry thoroughly before you replace all of the parts.
7.       After everything is dry, rub the grill with vegetable oil and any wooden parts with linseed oil.
8.       If you have a quick disconnect, make sure it is securely fastened before you use the grill.

How to clean your Weber BBQ (or similar charcoal BBQ)

1.       Use a stiff wire brush to scrape away any loose debris from the grill and grates, and then remove the grill and grates.
2.       Scoop out any ash at the bottom of the barbecue.
3.       Clean using dishwashing liquid, water and a plastic scrubber (not abrasive cleaners and metal scrubbers). If your barbecue does not have a painted, non-stick or an aluminium surface, clean the inside and outside of the barbecue with baking soda (or another abrasive cleaner) and a little water using a metal scouring pad.
4.       Place the grill and grates in a large plastic bag and cover them thoroughly with oven cleaner. Allow them to sit for several hours or overnight. If the grill and grates are aluminium, soak them in dishwashing liquid and water instead.
5.       Remove the grill and grates from the plastic bag and place them atop several layers of newspaper.
6.       Use a metal scouring pad or stiff brush to scrub them clean. If the grill or grates are aluminium or non-stick, use a plastic scrubber, not a metal one.
7.       Hose off the grill and grates to remove any remnants of the oven cleaner. Use the hose to clean out the barbecue itself as well.
8.       Allow everything to dry thoroughly before replacing the grill and grates.
9.       Coat the grill with vegetable oil to prevent rusting and future build-up.

How to clean your Apple iPhone (all models)


Clean the iPhone immediately if it comes into contact with any contaminants that may cause stains, such as ink, dyes, makeup, dirt, food, oils, and lotions.
1.       Unplug all cables and turn off iPhone (press and hold the Sleep/Wake button, and then slide the onscreen slider).
2.       Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don’t use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives to clean iPhone.
3.       The front and back glass surfaces have an oleophobic coating. To remove fingerprints, simply wipe these surfaces with a soft, lint-free cloth. The ability of this coating to repel oil will diminish over time with normal usage, and rubbing the screen with an abrasive material will further diminish its effect and may scratch the glass.

How to clean an Apple Macbook / Macbook Pro / Macbook Air


1.       Ensure your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air is shut down and the power adapter has been disconnected.
2.       Use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the computer’s exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Do not spray liquid directly on the computer. Do not use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives that might damage the finish.
3.       To clean the screen on your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air, first shut down the computer and unplug the power adapter. Dampen a soft, lint free cleaning cloth with just water and wipe the screen. Do not spray liquid directly onto the screen.
4.       To clean the bottom case of the MacBook, use a 3M Gray Microfiber or soft dye-free, lint-free cloth as the bottom of the case uses a soft non-slip material.

How to clean an Apple iPad


1.       Ensure the iPad is turned off. Although only a small amount of water will be used, it is not wise to clean the iPad with it on.
2.       Disconnect any wires or cables and remove the case (if present).
3.       Take a microfibre cloth and apply a small amount of water so that the cloth is damp. Make sure that the cloth is not dripping as this clearly can be dangerous to your iPad. DO NOT use any other type of cleaner including window cleaner, aerosol cleaner, or any other chemical cleaner.
4.       Using the damp cloth, gently rub all of the exterior surfaces of the iPad. Do this until you have wiped away all of the smudges on the screen and casing. Avoid getting water into the openings. The iPad has an oleophobic coating on the screen, the ability of this coating to repel oil will diminish over time with normal usage, and rubbing the screen with an abrasive material will further diminish its effect and may scratch your screen.
5.       Use the dry portion of the cloth (or another one if necessary) to dry off the phone, failure to dry properly will leave streaks. Make sure the iPad is completely dry before turning it back on.

How to clean a pool table


1.       Start by cleaning the edges of the table (the non-felt portion of the top of the table). Brush off any dirt, either onto the felt or the floor. Use any standard cleaner and a cloth to wipe off the surrounding edges of the table.
2.       Use a hand brush to sweep any dirt from the felt and into the pockets of the pool table. Do so gently, so you don't damage the felt. Only worry about the dirt and chalk particles you can see, as you will be wiping off the table later.
3.       Run a hand-held vacuum cleaner along the felt of the pool table. This will collect any dust you missed when sweeping the table. Attach a hose to the end of your normal vacuum cleaner and clean out the pockets of the pool table.
4.       Use a pool-table cleaner to remove the dirt that is deep in the felt. Quick-Clean Pool Table Cleaner is one such product you can use. Place the product on the felt and let it sit for 60 seconds. Use a cloth to remove the cleaner from the felt. Be sure to wipe the entire cleaner from the felt. The cleaner will not leave the felt of your pool table damp.
5.       Wipe down the remainder of the outside of the table, including the legs and around the area where the balls gather after they travel through the ramps. Any cleaning product (including Pledge or Murphy's Oil) will be fine.

How to clean stereo speakers


1.       Remove the grille from the speaker. Be careful doing this as you do not want to damage the grille.
2.       Clean the grille of your speakers. The grille on your speakers can get dusty. If they are not catching dust they are not working properly. If the grille is a fabric one you can vacuum it to get rid of the dust. If the grille is soiled or stained gently rinse with warm water and lay them out to dry before putting them back on. If the grill is metal or plastic the best way to clean them is by using a cloth that is either dry or a little damp.
3.       Clean the driver in the speaker. Dust can accumulate in the drivers. When removing the dust use a soft bristle paintbrush. If your drivers have become very dusty because you do not have grilles on your speakers you may want to begin to use them.
4.       Look for other areas within the speakers that have accumulated dust. Use a dry cloth or paint brush to remove any other dust in the speakers.
5.       For sensitive small parts of the speaker use a micro-fibre cloth to remove the dust.

How to clean taps


There are commercial products but you can also you can use a vinegar and water base. Ensure there are no electrical devices plugged in or left on the counter top.

1.       Start by giving the taps a good spray, leave for a few minutes.
2.       Use a toothbrush to scrub around the edges of your tap and the base of your tap, and then down in where the handles join the base. This is where the calcium builds.
3.       Use a cup of water to rinse off the chemical or cleaning solution.
4.       Dry with paper towel, to polish it dry.

How to clean gold-coloured taps


Gold-coloured fixtures are a beautiful addition to a home. In the kitchen or bathroom, gold taps can make even the most drab of rooms look regal. Most gold taps are made of brass, although some older models may be made of gold or copper. Regardless of the material they're made with, you can achieve a beautiful shine on your gold fixtures with minimal upkeep and a few household cleaning items.
1.       Make a habit of spraying a little bit of ammonia on the rag a few times a week. After using the tap, wipe the fixture with the damp rag. This helps maintain shiny gold taps with minimal upkeep.
2.       If your fixtures are antique, they may require some more effort to keep them shiny and clean. They also may not react well to some commercial cleaners and are probably not made out of brass, but gold or copper. Heat linseed oil over the stove, dip a rag in the warm linseed oil, and rub vigorously on the taps. This gently cleans antique fixtures without being too abrasive.
3.       Use vinegar, salt and flour to polish neglected taps. If you have a brass tap that hasn't been cleaned in quite some time, mix vinegar, salt and flour into a thick paste. Rub vigorously with a rag or sponge and leave the mixture on the tap for 10 minutes. Add a small amount of hot water, scrub the tap, and then rinse with hot water.
4.       Use commercial brass cleaner on particularly tough jobs. Commercial brass cleaners contain harsh chemicals that take the tarnish off of your tap easily. Spray or rub onto the taps, let sit for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse carefully. Always wear gloves when using commercial brass cleaners.
5.       Continue cleaning your gold coloured fixtures regularly. Once you have gotten your taps clean, keep them that way by wiping your taps regularly after using them.

How to clean a digital camera


To be safe, always clean with the materials that are recommended for cameras and take special care as replacing camera parts can be very expensive.

1.       Thoroughly clean the exterior of the camera with a soft, dry lint-free cloth. These can be purchased at a camera store or you can use any chemical-free soft cloth you have available. Clean the exterior first to prevent dust and dirt from falling into the camera when you remove the lens.
2.       Clean the mirror and the focusing screen gently with a can of compressed air (available from Dick Smith Electronics or Officeworks) or a Giotto’s Rocket Air blower (available at Ted’s camera stores). You can also lock up the mirror and clean the sensor with compressed air if it is required. Never touch the sensor or use anything on the sensor besides air. The sensor is only exposed when the mirror flips up during exposure. While you need to clean the focusing screen and mirror regularly, it is unusual to have to clean the sensor. Since replacing the sensor is very expensive you should take it to a camera service specialist if you are not sure. Usually the camera and mirror will only have dust to clean off. Hold the camera body face down when cleaning so the dust will fall off. If the mirror is smudged you can use a small amount of lens cleaner and lens tissue to clean it.
3.       Clean the front element of the lens with air to remove the dust. If the lens is smudged use lens tissue and a small amount of lens cleaner to clean off the smudges. Make sure you remove the filters and clean both sides of the filter as well as the front of the camera lens.
4.       It is very important to clean the rear element of the lens. The light is more focused when it passes through the rear element and dust on the rear elements will attract heavier particles than the dust on the front element. Clean the rear element in the same manner as the front element with air and then lens tissue and cleaner.
5.       Clean the camera back and top glass areas. Always clean the eyepiece in the same way you clean any lens. The operating screen and viewing screen are not as critical as the other glass parts of a camera, but clean them the same way as the lens. It is very important to be consistent in cleaning your camera. Never use any cleaning supplies that are not manufactured for camera cleaning. Windex and other alcohol-based cleaners will damage camera elements. Facial tissue and paper towels are manufactured with chemicals that could damage camera elements.

How to clean a Nintendo DS cartridge


These game cartridges are small and very sensitive. As they are electronic, be very careful when cleaning and don’t spray the cartridge with chemicals.

1.       Use something soft and small (like a cotton bud) to gently wipe the fibres on the electronic parts of it.
2.       If you've really spilled something on there and it's stained, use just a tiny drop of alcohol on your cotton bud.
3.       Use a microfibre cloth to wipe away any smudges or materials that may be on the outside of your Nintendo DS cartridge.

How to clean the inside of your PC safely


First check your owner's manual to see if the manufacturer has provided any specific cleaning instructions. If they haven’t, follow the instructions below.
1.       Gather the following supplies: a can of compressed air (available from Dick Smith Electronics or Officeworks), a specialised electronics cleaner (such as Endust for electronics) or any household plastic or metal cleaning fluid, a soft brush (such as a paintbrush) and an anti-static rag, plus a dust mask if you're allergic to dust.
2.       Shut down the computer.
3.       Leave the computer plugged into the surge protector (if you have one).
4.       Disconnect all peripherals from the computer.
5.       Remove the computer cover (see your owner's manual for instructions).
6.       Ground yourself to the computer with any professional grounding equipment or by touching a metal part of the chassis.
7.       Spray compressed air on the fan blades, power supply chassis, drive chassis and circuit boards.
8.       Gently brush off dust that the compressed air didn't dislodge.
9.       Brush any remaining dust out from the bottom of the chassis.
10.    Spray your specialised electronics cleaner or another cleaning fluid onto an anti-static rag.
11.    Wipe the inside and outside of the cover thoroughly.
12.    Replace the cover and reconnect the peripherals.

How to clean an LCD computer monitor


There are a few products that can actually harm the LCD monitor so it is important to ensure that products containing acetone, ethanol alcohol, ethanol acid, ammonia, and methyl chloride are avoided. Different manufacturers have different ideas of what you can use or can’t use on their monitor. Some say a damp cloth with water and just a little bit of soap would be okay. Others say it won’t be okay. To be safe, you may want to consider using wipes specially formulated for use with LCD screens.

1.       Turn your monitor off
2.       Lightly spray the monitor with water or detergent if the manufacturer approves.
3.       Wipe the monitor down with a soft cloth or wipes formulated for use with LCD monitors.

How to clean your laptop fan(s)


1.       Locate your laptop’s inlet and outlet vents (usually on the bottom, side or rear of the laptop).
2.       With a can of compressed air (available from Dick Smith Electronics or Officeworks), spray compressed air into the vents to remove any dust build-up.
3.       Repeat once a month to ensure there is no dust build-up.

How to clean a flat screen TV


1.       Turn off and disconnect your TV before you clean it. This will more clearly show the dirt and smudge and is safer.
2.       Choose either lukewarm water or a cleaning solution to clean your TV. Commercial cleaning kits that include both a cloth and cleaning solution are available. These cleaning solutions are specially formulated to clean flat screen TVs and monitors safely and are specifically labelled safe for "laptop screen" or "LCD screen." If you wish to use a solution, ensure it is marked thusly.
3.       Dampen a soft cloth (preferably chamois, micro fibre or 100 per cent cotton) with either the lukewarm water or cleaning solution. Just a gentle wiping of the screen is enough. Rubbing, scrubbing and hard pressure can damage the screen.
4.       Dust your TV and its screen regularly to avoid a build-up of dust and damage.

How to clean spills out of a laptop


1.       Shut down the computer immediately.
2.       Wipe up any liquid and tilt the laptop to the side to drain any liquids.
3.       Disconnect and move any external accessories from the laptop, including the power cord, printer and mouse cables, CD drive, external hard drive, modem and battery, don’t remove internal parts.
4.       Once the external accessories have been disconnected and moved, gently lift the computer and turn it to the side and upside down to drain any liquid. Tilt the computer in a variety of directions to verify that there are no pools of liquid lurking, but be careful not to shake it or handle it roughly.
5.       Repeat with removable accessories.
6.       Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry the laptop and its accessories if you can.
7.       Allow the computer and its accessories to dry for 24 hours before you turn it back on (or an hour if it’s urgent).
8.       If the computer does not work properly or does not turn on, take it to a professional.

How to clean spills out of a keyboard


1.       Unplug the keyboard.
2.       If you spilled water, turn the keyboard over and let it drain and dry out for at least 24 hours.
3.       If you spilled something sticky, try prying the small key caps off of the keyboard with a flathead screwdriver to get better access to the mess. Don't remove the spacebar, the Enter key or other large key caps. (Take a picture of the keyboard layout, or make a quick sketch of it, before you remove any keys so you can put them back where you found them.)
4.       Gently clean the keyboard with a wet cotton swab. Use either hot water or rubbing alcohol to get rid of the sticky residue.
5.       Replace the key caps after rinsing them and letting them dry.
6.       Let everything dry for at least 24 hours before plugging the keyboard back in

How to clean a computer keyboard


Ensure you have a can of compressed air (available from Dick Smith Electronics or Officeworks), a soft clean, a nonabrasive household cleaning fluid suitable for cleaning plastic and a dust mask if you're allergic to dust. Also ensure you check the owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer has provided specific instructions. It is also best the computer is shut down and the keyboard is disconnected:
  1. Use compressed air to clean between the keys. Spray at an angle to dislodge dust and grime. 
  2. Shake loose dust gently out of the keyboard.
  3. Spray a small amount of the nonabrasive household cleaning fluid onto a cloth.
  4. Wipe the keys and chassis.
  5. Once the keyboard is dry, reconnect it to the computer.

How to clean a carafe-style coffee maker


1.       Fill the carafe halfway with cold water. Add distilled white vinegar to fill the carafe completely. Pour the mixture into the reservoir.
2.       Place the carafe in the brewing position. Run the brewing cycle until 3 to 4 cups of the vinegar and water solution run through. Turn the pot off and let it rest for 45 minutes. Run the remaining solution through the brewing cycle and then pour it out. Let the carafe cool completely.
3.       Fill the reservoir with clean water using the carafe. Run the water through a full brewing cycle and then discard. Let the carafe cool before repeating this step again.
4.       Place 4 tsp. of salt with 1 cup of crushed ice cubes into the cooled carafe. Add 1 tbsp. of water. Swirl the solution around in the carafe until the coffee stains disappear. Rinse the carafe thoroughly.

How to clean a coffee machine


Professional technicians or repairers should always be called upon for anything more serious than a general clean. However, if you clean your coffee machine consistently, you won’t need to call in the professionals too often. If you are ever unsure as to the cleanliness levels of your coffee machine, pull a cup without using any coffee and examine the water…would you/could you drink it? If the answer is no on both occasions, it’s definitely time for a clean. Cleaning is recommended after every 80 brewing cycles for soft water and after every 40 brewing cycles for hard water:
  1. Remove all drip trays and soak in soapy, lukewarm water. Do not put any soap directly into your coffee machine. Rinse all soapy water off before replacing parts.
  2. Remove and clean milk wand with pipe cleaner and soapy water. Rinse soapy water off. Let off steam without actually frothing milk, to cleanse the wand internally.
  3. Remove any used ground coffee from group handle immediately after brewing. Rinse off the filter basket with warm water. Scrub the portafilter and filter basket with a scourer if any brown-black residue is left behind.  Do not use any soap.
  4. Wipe down your machines ‘shower-head’ with a clean damp cloth after every use. Again, no soap here.
  5. Be aware of the calcium levels of your tap water, you may have to think about using distilled water if calcium levels are too high.
  6. For a moderate internal clean: If your coffee maker isn't significantly clogged, white distilled vinegar may be your best option. Simply fill the reservoir halfway with cold water and halfway with white vinegar. Put a clean filter in the basket, and turn on the pot. Allow the machine to go through its entire cycle and then discard the water and vinegar mixture. Refill the reservoir with clean cold water and run through a normal cycle again. Discard the water and refill with clean water once more. Run the machine again to flush out any remaining debris and get rid of the vinegar scent. If you simply can't tolerate the smell of vinegar, lemon juice may be used instead. Lemon juice is acidic, which means it will eat away at any mineral deposits, but it also leaves behind a pleasant smell. Lemon juice is not recommended for severely dirty or clogged coffee makers, however. Use the same technique for cleaning with vinegar, and continue brewing with cold water until you can no longer smell lemons.
  7. For a heavy duty internal clean: For severely dirty coffee makers, vinegar or lemon juice may not be strong enough. If the state of the machine is affecting the taste or smell of the coffee, the brewing time or the heating element, a commercial product may be your best bet. A professional lime and rust remover will get rid of the toughest mineral deposits inside your machine. To use, fill the reservoir with cold water and then add 2 tbsp. of liquid lime and rust remover. Turn on the machine and run it through a regular cycle. When done, empty the water and refill the reservoir with clean water. Run through once more and then you should notice a considerable difference. Cleaning your coffee pot regularly with vinegar or lemon juice will prevent it from becoming severely dirty and will reduce the need to use chemicals.
  8. Pull a cup without actually using any coffee and throw it out without drinking it or tasting it, immediately after de-scaling your coffee machine. Repeat this once or twice to make sure all the toxic agents have been removed.
  9. Shine the exterior chrome of your espresso machine as often as you like.
Never submerge your coffee maker in water, as this will damage the electrical components

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