Tips for Cleaning a Computer Keyboard

A filthy keyboard is an unavoidable side effect of frequent computer use. Even if you do everything possible to keep your computer’s keyboard clean, dirt, grit, and grime will accumulate.

Best methods for cleaning a keyboard

1. CLEANING BY HAND

Before we get into the intricacies of how to clean a computer keyboard, it is vital to understand the various cleaning methods. Using your hands to clean your computer is the first step to a great approach.

Begin by shaking the keyboard upside down, being careful to disconnect it, and wipe the USB port if it’s wired. Remove the batteries from any wireless external devices before washing. On a mechanical keyboard, you may also clean the area underneath certain keys by taking off the keycaps.

After shaking everything out, you may begin the thorough cleaning. Wipe away any residue using a microfiber cloth, disinfectant wipes, isopropyl alcohol, or cleaning slime.

2. APPLY COMPRESSED AIR

Do you want to clean your keyboard thoroughly? Make use of compressed air. It helps you to blow off dirt and dust particles from your keyboard, as well as any particles that have become trapped between the keys. Hold the pressurized air can upright and away from your body, and depress the nozzle while aiming it towards the keyboard. This will produce a forceful jet of air, which will aid in the removal of any undesirable particles.

3. APPLY A DUST VACUUM

The third and most efficient method of cleaning your keyboard is to use a dust vacuum. You may either purchase a dust vacuum designed particularly for keyboards or use the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner. To avoid hurting your keyboard, only use the hose attachment on the lowest setting.

Cleaning a Laptop Keyboard

Because it is directly attached to your laptop, cleaning a laptop keyboard is significantly more difficult than cleaning a wired or wireless desktop keyboard. Furthermore, if you clean too aggressively, you risk damaging the equipment. Here’s how to do it right.

1. TURN OFF THE COMPUTER AND GENTLY SHAKE

To begin, make sure you turn off your laptop to avoid hurting it during the cleaning process. You may now disconnect your laptop, flip it upside down, and gently shake it to remove the majority of the dirt. Then, using a crevice tool or a thin brush, clean between the keys.

2. APPLY COMPRESSED AIR

If you want a deeper clean, continue to hold your laptop upside-down and spray a quick stream of compressed air to remove any lingering dirt and dust. If you come across any tenacious debris that won’t budge, use a toothpick or similar tool to remove it.

3. STAY AWAY FROM LIQUID CLEANERS

Because your laptop keyboard is directly connected to the hardware, you should avoid using liquids on the surface, such as rubbing alcohol or soapy water.

Instead, thoroughly wipe the keyboard with a cotton swab or lint-free cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol. To avoid any damage, you should then properly dry it.