Phones and laptops have dramatically changed the way we communicate with one another, learn things, do our work, and get access to many forms of entertainment. As a result, they’ve become a huge part of our lifestyle — and aesthetics as well. This is why, as much as possible, we don’t want to get these gadgets scratched and lose their sleek and polished look. From getting yourself some durable laptop and phone cases to wiping them clean using the right materials, here are eight hacks to protect these precious devices.

Clean regularly. Many gadget manufacturers recommend using a microfibre cloth to clean the surfaces of phones and laptops. To avoid damaging your device while cleaning, make sure to follow the maker’s recommendations on how to clean the specific gadget and brand you have.

Protect them with top-quality cases. Today, there are different phone and MacBook cases available for each type of model. When ordering one, double-check if you’re ordering the right size and recommended material for your device. Purchase only from credible sellers so you can guarantee the durability and quality of these protective cases.

Invest in a screen protector. If you want to prevent your gadget’s screen from getting scratched or cracked, it’s also advised to protect with a specially designed screen protector. Some protectors also have an anti-glare feature to also help protect your eyes. To keep your laptop’s keyboard clean, you can also invest in keyboard skins and wrist pads.

Maintain your gadgets’ cooling temperature. Did you know that your gadget’s temperature can affect the device’s performance? Additionally, maintaining your gadget’s recommended cooling temperature (via cooling stands or desktop fans) can also protect your device from bodily damages. Once it overheats, it can cause the battery to explode.

Don’t eat or drink near your laptop. Many people have made it a habit to snack around their devices. Even if yours are protected with laptop and phone cases, the crumbs that come from what you eat can find their way inside your device, blocking vents and restricting proper airflow. When liquid spills onto your gadget, it can also bring forth bodily damage.

Never pack your gadgets with foods and beverages. You shouldn’t just avoid eating or drinking near your laptop or phone — you also should never pack your gadgets with foods and beverages. This helps prevent your snacks’ and drinks’ packaging from scratching your devices’ surfaces.

Use a bag, sleeve, or pouch designed for gadgets. When taking your gadgets outside or packing them inside a larger bag, don’t forget to put them inside a sleeve or a pouch built for mobile devices and laptops. As an extra measure, you can also invest in bags that are waterproof, slash-proof, and cut-resistant.

Equip your gadgets with antivirus software. While phone and MacBook cases can protect the surface of your devices, you should also pay attention to how you can defend your gadgets from viruses and other technological threats. This is why experts advise gadget owners to equip their device/s with authentic, licenced antivirus software.