Newswise — Many of us plan to kick off the New Year with various resolutions, perhaps even some that didn't stick in years past. The Vinegar Institute encourages everyone to make cleaning their computer a must-keep resolution this January.

Cleaning your computer is something that should ideally be done monthly, but many people just don't know where to begin. There are a variety of measures to clean out old files from the hard drive, but there's just one sure-fire method to naturally clean the product itself.

Try incorporating these easy steps from the book Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things into your cleaning regimen:

Clear dirt off PCs and peripherals

Before you begin cleaning, make sure you have all pieces in the 'off' position.Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bucket.Dampen a clean cloth in the solution and squeeze out the excess. Avoid spraying directly onto your hardware, as it could cause problems with your circuits.Begin to wipe all pieces down (computer, keyboard, monitor).Use cotton swabs to reach into those tight places, like between keys on the keyboard.

Don't forget the mouse!

Remove the tracking ball and clean with the cloth dampened with the vinegar solution. Clean the mouse itself with the solution (this will get rid of both dirt and pesky fingerprints).Use cotton swabs to help rid the ball chamber from debris.Let it dry a couple of hours and then you're good to go.

Established in 1955, The Vinegar Institute is an international trade association representing the vast majority of vinegar manufacturers and bottlers, as well as suppliers to the industry. The primary mission of the Institute is to raise awareness of the industry and ensure the highest quality vinegar to consumers. Members manufacture a range of vinegar types including white distilled, apple cider, balsamic, red wine, white wine, malt and rice vinegar. For more information, visit http://www.versatilevinegar.org.