Computers still cost money, and you want them to last, so here are some tips to keep your computer clean, not only to preserve the mechanisms, but to improve your health.

Monitor

Monitors, whether flat or CRT, are best cleaned with a damp cloth. Whatever you do, don't spray Windex on the monitor screen. Also, make sure to watch the vents on the top and/or back of the monitor for dust buildup, and use a damp cloth or Q-tip to clean out the vents.

Keyboard

Your keyboard is probably the dirtiest part on your computer, just because it's touched the most. Crud builds up from your hands, dust, and food particles. Over time, especially on a shared keyboard, these keys and crud can collect and spread disease, so it's a good idea to keep it clean. Here are some quick and dirty (so to speak) tips for cleaning it.

When cleaning a keyboard, disconnect it from your computer. Since most use USB, you don't have to shut down the computer first like in ages past. This will prevent not only accidental keystrokes, but just in case you drip on the circuitry, it'll prevent an electrical short.

Compressed air is great, and every computer owner should have a can on hand (keep out of reach of children and untrustworthy teens, though--it's dangerous if inhaled directly), but sometimes, you need a little more.

A soft bottle brush will allow you to gently scrub under the keys to loosen up crumbs and other debris to be blown away by compressed air. Find one with a long wire handle but thin enough to fit under the keys. Make sure it fits easily between rows, or you could damage your keys. Follow with the compressed air.

Avoid sugar: if you must drink by your keyboard, stick with diet soda or coffee or tea, either unsweetened or sweetened by artificial sweeteners, and no milk. If it gets spilled, these won't be sticky after drying, and milk just stinks and gets crusty after drying.

Baby wipes can get built-up crud off of the tops and sides of keys, but make sure you wring excess water out first to avoid dripping.

In case of a spill

If you spill a liquid on a keyboard, follow these steps to restore it:

1. Immediately disconnect the keyboard from the computer. Pull the plug however you can as fast as you can.
2. You were drinking a sugar-free drink like I recommended, right? If not, put your keyboard in the top rack of the dishwasher, no soap, and turn off the heat cycles. Run a light wash. Really. All but the most complex keyboards are top-rack dishwasher safe, and the keyboard's dead anyway otherwise, so you have nothing to lose.
3. Set the keyboard in the sink, standing vertically, and generously pour isopropyl alcohol on the keys. This will wash away the water and any dyes in the drink. Alcohol will also evaporate more quickly than water or most other fluids.
4. Drain as much liquid off as possible. Use a dry dish towel or paper towel to absorb additional liquid.
5. Set keyboard upright (tall, against a wall or other verticle surface) in a dry, well-ventilated, low-traffic area. Leave it there to dry for 5-7 days. Check frequently for any liquid collecting in the bottom or other pockets.
6. Once dry, connect to your computer, but if you notice any odd key entry behavior (keys not working or working when not pressed or repeating strangely), disconnect immediately and allow to dry for a few more days.

Do you have any computer cleaning tips? Post them in the comments below.