Maintenance of electronic equipment should be essential to a housekeeping routine.
Before you begin: Make sure you read the instruction manual before you clean electronic equipment. There may be special instructions for care and maintenance.
TVs: Use an anti-static cloth or a damp, soft, clean cloth to wipe the screen. There are several anti-static cleaning products on the market that can be used on TV screens. Never apply an aerosol cleaner directly onto the screen – liquid can drip into cracks and damage equipment. A damp cloth can be used to clean the remainder of the TV. Always check to make sure ventilation slots are free of dust.
VCRs: The exterior of your VCR should be cleaned with a damp, soft cloth.
Nevertheless, it is the tape heads, which attract dust and dirt particles, that need the most critical maintenance. Cleaning is as simple as placing a cleaning tape cartridge in the VCR, pushing the play button and letting the cleaner do its work. Heads should be cleaned after every 20 hours of use. Clean more frequently if a lot of rented tapes are played. Always use high-quality videotapes.
Videotapes: Always store tapes in their cases to protect from dust and dampness. Keep away from any heat source.
Remote controls: Wipe with a damp cloth. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean around buttons.
Audio systems
— Tape decks: The two main pieces that attract grime and dust are the tape deck and CD player. As a cassette tape moves over the heads of the tape deck, bits of oxide particle coating can flake off and stick to the heads or on the tape path mechanism. Use a high-quality audio head cleaner to clean the heads and tape path. This should be done every 15 to 20 hours of playing time. Always keep cassettes in their cases and out of high temperatures.
— CD players: Because the CD drawer opens and shuts, the laser pickup can attract dust. A CD lens cleaner, which is a CD with a small brush mounted on the surface, can be used to wipe the laser pickup.
— CDs: If the CD player skips, it most likely is because of dirt on the disk. Dust and fingerprints can be removed from surface with a lint-free, dry cloth. Do not use an alcohol-based solvent or household cleaner. To clean disk, use straight strokes outward from center of disk to edge and from outer edge to center.
— Speakers: The speaker casing can be cleaned with a damp cloth and wiped dry. Use a vacuum’s soft brush attachment to clean the speaker grille or baffle.
Sources: Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association, Electronic Industries Association, “All-New Hints from Heloise” (Perigee Books, $13)
