Tech Bytes: How to sanitize your digital devices

In a column previously shared with Middle School families, MS Educational Technologist Kari Luecke tells how you can put a new spin on “spring cleaning” by cleaning your smartphones, laptops, and other technology.
By Kari Luecke, MS Educational Technologist
 
Sanitizer. Alcohol wipes. Clorox. Singing “Row, Row, Row, Your Boat” twice before turning off the faucet with a paper towel — all familiar hygienic practices and supplies we’ve grown to appreciate. And we have the cracking, dry hands to prove it.

As we’re all taking precautionary steps to keep our families well, check out some of these device-cleaning and general sanitizing tips.

Laptop/iPad/Tablet TV Screens as well as Cell Phones and Smart Watches
Suggested brands or generics: Endust, Zeiss, Nice’nClean
  • Remove the outer protective case, if applicable. Power off.
  • Lightly wipe the screen, using a lens-safe or electronic-safe screen wipe. Repeat.
Attached & External Keyboards, Wired or Bluetooth Mice, All Device Chargers, Device Cases and Remotes for Household Electronics
Suggestion: Use a towel and 91% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol or Alcohol Prep Pads (Curad, Care Touch or generic)
  • Wring out excess alcohol, as to not cause unintentional internal damage.
  • For keyboards or remotes, carefully wipe the keys first. Turn upside down to knock out the yucky stuff, and repeat. Use a cotton swab and alcohol if needed for all areas in between keys/buttons. Let air dry.
  • For laptop trackpads, mice & bricks/chargers, carefully wipe down with alcohol. Repeat if desired.
  • Slide alcohol wipe down all cables and cords to remove remaining residue.
  • DIY Sanitizer or DIY Natural Sanitizer because whoever thought store shelves would be sold out?
Apple claims it’s now safe to use disinfectant wipes on your iPhone. See how.
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More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Construction progress as of August 7, 2026.

    Back Lawn transforms with turf field, track

    Expect to see an active construction site as students, families, and faculty return to the Edgehill Campus. Progress continues on USN's most anticipated campus improvement of summer 2026.
    Read More
  • In June 2026, a group of USN students spent two weeks in Mendoza, Argentina through a program organized by Sister Cities Nashville.

    Curricular travel opportunities return for the 2026-2027 school year

    University School of Nashville is excited to announce the return of curricular travel opportunities. Student applications for the 2026-2026 school year will open Friday, August 21, 2026. Additional details, including, financial aid processes, and application timelines, will be shared with families soon.
    Please contact K-12 Director of Experiential Learning Kalee Barbis with any questions, kbarbis@usn.org.
    Read More

  • Back-to-school Popsicle Party cancelled

    Mother Nature is not cooperating for our annual Popsicle Party. Depending on which weather app you use, actual and feels-like temperatures are 98 to 101 and higher. Under these conditions, we would limit student activities, so, in the interest of everyone's health and well-being, we are going to cancell our gathering at the River Campus. There is just not enough shade and certainly no air conditioning to bring relief to hundreds of USN families. Thank you for understanding. We look forward to seeing you in a few days for the start of our new school year.
    Read More
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2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  615-321-8000
Fax:       615-321-0889 
Email:    info@usn.org

River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218

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USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.