Dell has provided some pretty easy-to-follow directions that we have captured below. They were also kind enough to produce a quick "how-to" video. Please NEVER spray or dump "cleaning" solutions or chemicals directly onto any D11 computer or device. Use an approved electronic cleaner, preferably made up of 70% isopropyl alcohol/30% water.

Here is a helpful video on How to Clean your PC by Dell Support.

Step by Step Guide for Cleaning any D11 Computers

1. We recommended you wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces

2. Turn off the device you plan to clean and disconnect AC power

   • Also, remove batteries from items like wireless keyboards

   • Never clean a product while it is powered on or plugged in

3. Disconnect any external devices

4. Never spray any liquids directly onto the device 

5. Moisten any microfiber cloth with a mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol/30% water

   • The cloth should be damp, but not dripping wet. Excess moisture should be removed if the cloth is wet before wiping the device

   • Using any material other than a microfiber cloth could cause damage to your device

6. Gently wipe the moistened cloth on the surfaces to be cleaned

   • Do not allow any moisture to drip into areas like keyboards, display panels, etc. Moisture entering the inside of an electronic product can cause damage to the device

   • Excessive wiping potentially could lead to damaging some surfaces

7. When cleaning a display screen, carefully wipe in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom

8. Surfaces must be completely air-dried before turning the device on after cleaning

   • No moisture should be visible on the surfaces of the product before it is powered on or plugged in

9. After cleaning or disinfecting a glass surface, it may be cleaned again using a glass cleaner designed for display surfaces following directions for that specific cleaner

   • We recommend you avoid glass cleaning products containing Ammonia

10. Discard the disposable gloves used after each cleaning. Clean your hands immediately after gloves are removed and disposed

Depending on how much/how frequent you are cleaning, you may experience some visible cosmetic changes to finishes over time as a result of the cleaning process outlined above on some surfaces. However, other cleaning chemicals are very harsh and will damage surfaces. Avoid using any of the following chemicals or products containing these chemicals:

• Any chlorine-based cleaner, such as bleach

• Peroxides (including hydrogen peroxide)

• Solvents such as; acetone, paint thinner, benzene, methylene chloride or toluene

• Ammonia (i.e. Windex)

• Ethyl alcohol

Using any of the chemicals listed above will cause permanent damage to some product surfaces.

By following the steps outlined in this document, you can minimize the risk of damage. Constant cleaning is not necessary. In fact, to avoid damage Tech Services recommends cleaning only if you feel like you are excessively dirty or have been in contact with someone who has confirmed illness.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Support Center via a HappyFox ticket or by calling 719-520-2211. 

Please Note: 
The information provided in this knowledge base article is a living document and is subject to change. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content per the last edited date, but due to the evolving nature of the subject matter, updates and revisions may occur at any time. Please continue to check back to the knowledge base for the most updated information or call the Support Center at the number above.
 

This article was adapted from "How to Clean your PC". (2021). Retrieved from https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000133659/guidance-for-keeping-your-dell-technologies-equipment-clean