What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
You can clean and try a secondhand electronic device only if it passes a basic condition check. Identify the device, disconnect it, inspect it for damage, clean only its exterior using a method the manufacturer allows, and let any approved cleaning solution dry fully. Do not plug in a device with a damaged cord, signs of moisture, a suspect battery, corrosion, or unexplained damage. Do not open a CRT display or microwave to clean it.
Before cleaning or powering it on: identify and inspect it
Find the make and model, power rating, and any original operating or cleaning instructions. A method that is suitable for one device may damage another, so the manufacturer’s guidance takes priority over general advice.
With the device disconnected from power, look for a cracked case, exposed or frayed cable, water damage, burn marks, unusual corrosion, or signs of pests or other contamination. On battery-powered devices, check for a swollen, punctured, crushed, wet, or leaking battery. If damage is significant or you cannot tell whether the item is safe, do not test it by plugging it in. Ask a qualified repairer or local electronics recycler for advice.
How to clean the outside safely
- Disconnect it. Unplug the device and let hot surfaces cool. Remove batteries only if the maker’s instructions allow it and you can do so without forcing or damaging the device.
- Remove superficial dust. Use a dry, soft cloth or brush on the exterior. Avoid dry-brushing or blowing unknown dust into the air, especially if the item is broken or heavily contaminated.
- Use liquid only when the manufacturer allows it. If instructions specify an approved solution or cleaning cloth, follow them exactly. Keep liquid away from openings, vents, controls, and connectors. Never spray cleaner directly onto the device. UL Solutions cautions: “Do not spray liquids of any kind into electrical equipment, especially when energized.” UL Solutions’ electrical-equipment cleaning guidance does not identify an individual speaker or publication date.
- Wait until it is fully dry. Do not reconnect power after using an approved damp cloth until all cleaned surfaces are dry. If the device itself has been wet, do not assume it is safe because the exterior looks dry; moisture inside can damage components or create a hazard.
Know when not to open the enclosure
Unplugging a device does not guarantee that its internal parts are safe to touch. Capacitors can retain a dangerous charge after disconnection, so internal cleaning is not a casual next step. Do not open unfamiliar equipment or attempt internal cleaning without the relevant training and equipment. iFixit’s electronics-recycling safety guidance describes hazards associated with several types of older equipment.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
CRT televisions and monitors
Do not open, disassemble, or repair a CRT as a home cleaning task. Its glass tube can implode, and the device can contain potentially lethal high-voltage capacitors and lead. Those are reasons to leave internal work to an experienced technician, not to assume that exterior dusting carries the same risk.
Microwaves
Do not open a microwave cabinet to clean inside. Internal capacitors can deliver a fatal shock, and incorrect reassembly can add hazards. If it is damaged or needs internal attention, consult a qualified repairer.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Older flat-panel displays
Some flat-panel displays made before 2010 use CCFL backlights containing mercury in tube-shaped lamps. If a lamp is broken, a general-purpose cleaning routine is not appropriate: avoid disturbing the material and seek local professional or disposal guidance. This warning concerns certain display designs, not every older flat-panel screen.
Battery-powered devices
For a phone, camera, portable player, or similar device, check the battery for damage and confirm that any replacement battery and charger are compatible with the exact device. Do not use a battery that is swollen, punctured, crushed, wet, or otherwise suspect, and do not let a loose battery touch metal. Follow the current device maker’s battery and charging directions. The CPSC battery and charging notice is from 2013, so use it as general caution rather than a substitute for current, model-specific advice.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
When is it reasonable to reconnect power?
Only consider reconnecting a device that is intact, dry, and free of warning signs after exterior cleaning. Use its correct, undamaged cord and a compatible power supply or charger. For a battery device, follow the maker’s guidance. There is no single first-power-on test that establishes safety for every kind of secondhand electronics.
Stop if the device heats abnormally, smells burnt, sparks, smokes, or makes an unexpected noise. Disconnect power if you can do so safely, and seek qualified help instead of continuing to test it.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Choose a repairer or recycler for damaged or unknown equipment
Do not try to clean or power equipment that is heavily contaminated, broken, or of a type you cannot identify safely. Older electronics can contain component-specific hazards, including mercury, lead, asbestos, or PCB-containing capacitors; these are also hazards identified for electronics recycling workers by OSHA’s electronics-recycling guidance. That occupational guidance is not a home-cleaning procedure. Ask a local qualified repairer or electronics recycler how to handle the item.
The UK Environment Agency’s WEEE treatment guidance says items prepared for reuse at permitted facilities must be fully functional and electrically safe. This is guidance for those facilities, not a consumer certification, a universal home test, or a rule for consumers in every country. The same guidance gives CRT glass composition figures in a waste-treatment context—about 40% lead oxide in neck glass, about 20% in funnel glass, and about 75% in solder glass or frit. Those figures describe materials; they do not estimate exposure from an intact CRT or the risk of ordinary exterior cleaning.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Quick decision guide
| Situation | Safer action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Intact device with superficial exterior dust | Disconnect it, clean the exterior by the maker’s approved method, and let it dry before considering power. | Cleaning and reconnecting are conditional on the device’s condition and instructions. |
| Damaged cord, signs of moisture, corrosion, burn marks, or impact damage | Do not plug it in; ask a qualified repairer or local recycler. | A visual problem can indicate electrical or internal damage that an exterior clean will not fix. |
| Swollen, leaking, wet, or otherwise suspect battery | Do not use or charge it; follow the device maker’s advice. | Battery condition and compatibility matter, and a loose battery should not touch metal. |
| CRT, microwave, or unfamiliar equipment needing internal cleaning | Do not open it; refer it to an experienced technician. | Internal components may retain dangerous charge, and some device types have additional hazards. |
| Heavily contaminated or broken item | Do not brush or blow dust around; seek local professional or recycling guidance. | Unknown contamination and legacy components may require careful handling. |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
