How does one clean USB ports

[howto]

As in the female ports on laptop/desktop.

And the flash devices (male).

[phetphet]

Maybe try one of those "Can of air" compressed air dusters, used by computer repairers and photographers.

[gerry123]

my suggestion would be to suck out (hoover /cleaner)any debri /dust failing that a small cotton bud dipped in some nail varnish cleaner

and very gently wipe area clean the areas

[lopburi3]

Have never had the urge myself - as they slide together expect most dirt will be removed with use. Have never seen anyone report issues from dirt but admit for TV sets do use pigtail units to avoid frequent usage causing damage.

[KhunBENQ]

my suggestion would be to suck out (hoover /cleaner)any debri /dust failing that a small cotton bud dipped in some nail varnish cleaner

and very gently wipe area clean the areas

That I would not. Nail varnish cleaner is acetone, which might be aggressive to certain plastic materials.

I would not risk.

I would stick to usual "glass/screen cleaners".

[Don Mega]

I wouyld buy a can of contact cleaner and give them a blast. then blow them out with a can of compressed air.

[IMA_FARANG]

my suggestion would be to suck out (hoover /cleaner)any debri /dust failing that a small cotton bud dipped in some nail varnish cleaner

and very gently wipe area clean the areas

That I would not. Nail varnish cleaner is acetone, which might be aggressive to certain plastic materials.

I would not risk.

I would stick to usual "glass/screen cleaners".

glass/screen cleaners".

Correct.....then moisten the end of a Q-tips with that liquid and CAREFULLY wipe any dirt out of the port/connectors area.

Then let it dry to evaporate.

[Chicog]

Get on of those CD Cleaning kits with the spray, and then Q-tips as above.

But be gentle of course.

[Crossy]

I would be wary of spraying anything into the port.

As above Windex or CD cleaner (rubbing alcohol) on a Q-tip should do the trick.

If really corroded the fine side of one of Wifey's nail boards will fit, but be very gentle.

[keeniau96]

The contacts themselves are gold so little cleaning needed, contact cleaner spray and maybe Q-tips. The frame may get a bit rusty but not really have much effect.

[Somtamnication]

How I do it: Lightly dampen a glass cleaner cloth ( like those that come with glasses ) with blue alcohol or windex.

Wrap once around a broken tweezer and simply slide it left to right. Qtips are ok for in between keys on the keyboard, but they do leave cotton everywhere.

If anyone wants sexual advice, please contact Hans or Livinginkata.

Edited November 7, 2015 by Somtamnication

[cyberfarang]

This is the kiddo (Kloud contact cleaner) works like magic. Just spray directly onto the parts that require cleaning.

I buy mine from the Amorn centre. Check for your branch,

http://www.amorngroup.com/en/branch.php

[Torrens54]

Try using a small tooth brush.

[WorriedNoodle]

I find some of my USB connectors get rusty - and some don't? No hope for the rusty ones I suppose?

[Somtamnication]

Could be a miriad of things. Near a beach? Shitty components? Alcohol should clean it ok.

[cyberfarang]

I find some of my USB connectors get rusty - and some don't? No hope for the rusty ones I suppose?

For rusty electrical connectors lightly rub with a piece of sandpaper or one of those cardboard sandpaper lined ladies nail buffers (pictured) that can be trimmed to fit. Once sanded spray with Kloud contact cleaner or wipe with alcohol.

[howto]

Thanks for the replies,
This is what I've done in the past.
Tools:
- a vac/hoover
- paintbrush, (from childens watercolors)

- isopropol alcohol (blue)

- popsicle sticks, 2 (new) (square the ends)
- scotchbrite cloth, (not sandpaper!)

On the Female ports::

- vac the port while using the paintbrush

- use a pop-stick, soaked in alcohol.

On male ports::

- scotchbrite the external till bright,

- vac, then alcohol, then,

- pop-stick

((* This one must be scraped down with a razor,

otherwise it is too thick,

I used a bench vice and a razor blade.

Razor at a 90 angle and scrape.))

- use the pop-stick, soaked in alcohol.

DONT'S

- do not use acetone (nail polish remover/paint thinner)

- do not use an emory board (wifes nail file)

those contacts are very thin gold plated, not solid.

- I do not suggest the use of a 'contact cleaner'

until one knows what chemical which is used.

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

Back home, I could get dummy plugs for all types of ports.

Can't find them here, well that was 4 years ago.

cheers