How to safely clean and maintain Power Strips to prevent electric shock and damage?

In our daily life and work, Power Strips are indispensable power distribution devices. They provide convenient power connections for our various electronic devices, but if they are not cleaned and maintained correctly, they may bring risks of electric shock and damage.
1. Preparation before cleaning
Before you start cleaning the power strip, you must first do the preparation. Make sure to disconnect the power strip from the power source, which is a crucial step to effectively prevent electric shock accidents. You can unplug the power strip from the wall socket or turn off the main power switch.
Prepare some cleaning tools, such as a clean soft cloth, cotton swabs, a small vacuum cleaner, etc. Avoid using a wet cloth or detergent containing water, because water is conductive and may cause electric shock.
2. Clean the outside of the power strip
Gently wipe the outer shell of the power strip with a soft cloth. Dust and stains on the surface can be removed. If there are stubborn stains on the outer shell, you can spray a small amount of alcohol or a special electronic equipment cleaner on the soft cloth and then wipe it. But be careful not to let the cleaner directly contact the socket or internal circuit of the power strip.
Check the plug and wire of the power strip. Make sure the plug is not damaged or loose, and the wire is not worn, broken or tangled. If you find any problems, replace the plug or wire in time.
For power strips with indicator lights, you can use a cotton swab to gently wipe the area around the indicator light to remove dust and stains to ensure that the indicator light is working properly.
3. Clean the inside of the power strip
Cleaning the inside of the power strip requires more caution. In general, if you do not have professional knowledge and skills, it is not recommended to open the power strip for internal cleaning by yourself. Because the internal circuit is complicated, improper operation may cause electric shock or damage the strip.
However, if you find obvious dust or debris inside the power strip, you can use a small vacuum cleaner to vacuum and clean it without opening the strip. Aim the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner at the socket of the strip and gently vacuum. Be careful not to use too much force to avoid damaging the metal contact piece inside the socket.
4. Maintain the power strip
Avoid overloading. Power strips have certain power limits. Do not connect too many high-power electrical appliances at the same time to avoid exceeding the strip's carrying capacity, causing the strip to overheat, damage, or even fire.
Check the working status of the strip regularly. You can disconnect the electrical devices on the strip one by one at regular intervals, and then reconnect them to check whether the sockets of the strip are working properly, whether they are loose, have poor contact, etc.
Store the power strip properly. When the power strip is not in use, it should be stored in a dry, ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and humid environments. The strip can be packaged in plastic bags or boxes to prevent dust and debris from entering.
It is very important to clean and maintain the power strip safely, which can extend the service life of the strip and prevent the risk of electric shock and damage. When cleaning and maintaining, you must strictly abide by the safety operating procedures to ensure your own safety and the normal operation of the equipment.