The bad news is that USB ports are easy to clean. It only takes a few minutes to do, and you should do it at least once per month (or maybe more often if you own pets that shed a lot).

How to Clean Your Computer’s USB Ports

If you’re not sure how to clean your computer’s USB ports, there are plenty of ways to do it without using specialized tools. You can use a few basic items to clean them, like a cloth and water.

  1. A pencil
  2. A paper clip
  3. A ruler
  4. A tape measure
  5. A drill
  6. A screwdriver
  7. An electric drill
  1. Cut a piece of paper the size of your ruler to fit inside the top of your drill bit (or use a band saw).
  2. Clip the paper to the top of your drill bit, making sure it’s even with the bit (or use a band saw).
  3. Drill a hole in one end of the paper, and then screw it onto the drill bit (or use a screwdriver).
  4. Take another piece of paper and cut it into thirds, so that each half has two holes in it (use a Ruler to make sure they’re even).
  5. Tape one end of each third piece together, so that they form an ‘X’ shape (use a tape measure to make sure they’re even).
  6. Drill two more holes in each side of the X, and then screw them onto the screws on top of the X (use screwsdriver or hand screws if you don’t have a drill).
  7. Now you can hang your new ‘X’-shaped paper structure!

Tweezers Toothpick Q-Tips or cotton swabs Lint-free cloths Compressed air Isopropyl alcohol

Start With Tweezers

If you’re using a USB-C port on a computer, turn off the power to the computer and remove the battery if it’s present. If you’re using a USB-A port, turn off the power to your computer and remove the battery if it’s present.

If you have a broken USB device, remove all pieces that remain behind. Take care not to scratch the contacts with the tweezers. Rubber-tipped tweezers are preferable to traditional tweezers. ..

Use Compressed Air

  • Keep the can at an angle so the condensation doesn’t leak into the port.
  • Try to blow at an angle, coming at the port from the sides, rather than straight-on to avoid blowing the debris deeper into the ports. This will take care of a lot of dust and debris and loosen anything that might be stuck deeper in the port.

Use a Cotton Swab

If you’re having trouble getting your computer to start up, try using a cotton swab or Q-Tip to clean out any debris that the compressed air leaves behind. Dip it into isopropyl alcohol before inserting it. Alcohol concentrations vary, but bear in mind that higher concentrations will dry faster. Wait for the port to be completely dry before turning your computer back on. ..

If you have a dirty port on your phone, using rubbing alcohol can help clean it and ensure a better connection. If you need to dry the port more quickly, use a lint-free cloth instead of another cotton swab. Doing so might leave behind bits of cotton. ..

Contact cleaner is an alternative to alcohol that can be used to clean electronics.

How to Clean Your Android or iPhone’s USB-C or Lightning Port

To clean ports on mobile devices, we need to use a different type of port. USB-C or Lightning ports are great for desktop and laptop computers, but they’re not so great for mobile devices. This is because phones use far narrower USB-C or Lightning ports, and a cotton swab won’t fit inside.

There is an easier solution to your toothache that comes in the form of a toothpick.

How to Clean Your Gadgets With a Toothpick

If your mobile device has a charging port, be sure to clean it out regularly with a toothpick. The debris in the port can cause the phone to stop charging or work incorrectly. By using a toothpick, you can easily remove any build-up and ensure that your mobile device is running smoothly again.

If you have ever taken your phone in for repair, you might notice that one of the first troubleshooting steps Apple technicians take is to check whether you have clean USB ports. If they find debris inside, they use a plastic hook that works like a toothpick.

If you’re going to use a toothpick to clean the port, be careful not to puncture it or poke it into the contacts.

Use a Toothbrush

Another alternative is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. By gently brushing the USB ports, you can remove debris from inside them without risk of harm. Electronics dusters (like a household duster, but on a smaller scale) can serve the same purpose.

Use a Vacuum Cleaner

The best way to clean a USB port is to use a specialized electronics vacuum cleaner. These small, handheld devices provide enough suction to rid your device of dirt and debris without risking any level of harm to them. This is the best option overall, but they are less common than the other supplies.

If your USB cable isn’t being recognized or you think a port on your device is faulty, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. One option is to clean the motherboard. This can help remove any viruses or other debris that may be causing the issue. ..