Since laptops are lightweight and portable, it can be tempting to treat your laptop like any other item you can carry around. However, these pieces of technology still need to be handled with care. To avoid the need for untimely computer repairs, avoid the following bad habits for laptop use.

What Not to Do When Using Your Laptop

1. Put Objects on Your Laptop

While laptops tend to be durable, they aren’t storage shelves. Avoid resting items on top of your device, as doing so can strain and wear out the keyboard or touchpad components. Even relatively light objects like a pencil or a pair of earbuds could damage the display or crack the hinge if you forget to remove them before closing the lid.

2. Eat Near Your Laptop

When you eat, crumbs can get into the crevices of your keyboard or clutter the vent ports and fan area inside your laptop. In addition, drinking anything near your laptop is a recipe for disaster. Keep liquids away from your laptop, and eat away from your workstation. While you may worry that doing so will harm your productivity, you won’t lose much time at all — and consider the time you’ll save by avoiding the need for emergency computer repairs.

3. Place Your Laptop on Plush Surfaces

The mobility of laptops can make it tempting to place them on plush surfaces such as beds or blankets. However, doing this can obstruct the airflow under your laptop, possibly leading to overheating. If you often use your laptop in bed, consider placing it on a portable tray.

4. Wipe Your Screen with Harsh Liquids

Keeping your screen clean is necessary for optimal viewing, but don’t use harmful detergents to get the task done. Some detergents have harsh chemicals that can seep into the display and corrode its internal parts. Instead, use a microfiber cloth to wipe out the dirt and a gas duster to blow away debris on the touchpad and keyboard. You can also purchase special cleaners that are safe for liquid display screens.

5. Constantly Drain the Battery

Laptop batteries eventually get old and will start to drain more quickly when you use them. These batteries have a finite number of charge-discharge cycles, and repeatedly allowing your battery to die before charging it will reduce its lifespan. To keep it running longer, don’t let the battery power go below 30% before charging it. 

If your laptop has been damaged, get help from the experts at RadioActive in Kalispell, MT. This team of professionals has over 60 years of combined experience, offering top-notch computer repair, smartphone repair, and IT support at affordable rates. For more information, visit their website or speak to a representative at (406) 257-5999.