Wearable technology is a
rapidly expanding and innovative industry, with ever more complex technological
functions becoming available in wearable packages for the consumer to enjoy on
a day-to-day basis. These products are marketed on the basis of their
practicality and utility of design, but are these new ideas practical in terms
of cleanliness – and while most of use know how to clean a laptop screen, are
those of us investing in newer tech doing our bit to keep our gadgets in shape?
How to clean wearable fitness tech
Fitness tech, including
heart-rate monitors, music players, and portable GPS – is becoming more and
more affordable, but many units come with their setbacks. A heart rate unit
strapped around your chest will quickly accumulate sweat and grime, and if the
design has been poorly thought out, any nooks and crannies can become breeding
grounds for germs and smells.
Sweat – loaded with
corrosive salts – is the main concern when it comes to maintaining
wearable fitness tech, and while we wait for new products which will actively make the most of this bodily function it's a good idea to
keep your current devices clean. Even “waterproof” materials such as neoprene
can absorb sweat and dirt over time, becoming increasingly odorous and
developing white stains.
If your sports tech has
a fabric casing which can be detached from the electronic component, consider
making it routine to do so after big workouts, and soak it overnight in a
solution of warm water and mild washing detergent. Rinse it through in hot
water the next morning, and dry thoroughly before use – you want to kill the
bacteria causing the smell, so a thorough approach is essential.
How to clean smart watches, phones, and
glasses
Like mobile phones, most
wearable gadgets (including smart watches and glasses) feature ports for
charging and data transfer, and like mobile phones, these ports accumulate
dirt. Pocket lint can be blown out with a can of pressurised air, but what
about sticky layers of grit from sweat and dead skin? A very small amount of
isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud may be the answer you're looking for – get
those prongs clean and shiny to restore your device's capabilities.
Sweat, oil, and other
substances from your skin have a tendency to find their way onto screens too.
As of January last year, wildly popular Gorilla Glass by Corning (as seen on iPhone and more) possesses
antimicrobial properties by way of ionized silver particles within the fabric
of the screen. This is good news in terms of hygiene, but that won't stop an
accumulation of dirt. If your wearable tech's screen has a glass cover, it's
safe to be a little more rough with your cleaning, but the screens of many
current smart watches are LCD, and a little more delicate.
As a rule of thumb, it's
best to avoid cleaning a screen whilst the device is switched on – as most of
us who know how to clean a laptop screen will already know. Many screens can
easily stand up to a little isopropyl alcohol or a damp cloth, but some LCD
displays will be irreparably damaged as chemicals and minerals burn into the
display. Powering off your device before cleaning is the safe option, and
allows you to better see the smudges and crusts of dirt that have hidden away
around the edges. For tips on keeping displays in top condition, (including
laptops) check out this article on how to clean a laptop screen and other
devices.
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