One of the most emphasized rules of using a computer lab is not bringing food or drinks into the lab. Accumulated food particles can damage computer hardware like keyboards, and it only takes one spill of your drink to damage equipment worth thousands of dollars.
However, almost everyone breaks this rule. With a million things to tick off your to-do list, it’s normal to chew on a granular bar or take lunch while you respond to my work emails. But food crumbs aren’t the only thing that makes your keyboard dirty. Natural hand oils, pet fur, grime, and dust can also accumulate on your keyboard.
It’s, therefore, essential that you learn how to clean your keyboards. This will help you prolong its life, among other reasons, as you’ll see later in the article. Today’s piece will guide you on seven new and simple steps to clean your computer keyboards.
Importance of Cleaning Your Keyboard
Keyboards aren’t just dirty — they can be a potential health hazard. In 2018, researchers found at least one or more harmful bacteria in 96% of the 25 sampled keyboards.
The most common type of bacteria was Staphylococci and Bacillus. Gram-positive bacteria like streptococcus and micrococcus were also present.
The study also showed contamination by Enterobacteriaceae in at least 50% of the keyboards and the presence of yeast and fungi.
Bacteria are a leading cause of infections, such as Staph infection by staphylococci bacteria, so it’s important to keep your keyboard clean and disinfected at all times.
The probability of infection is always high since it’s almost irresistible to touch your eyes, ears, or mouth after touching your keyboard.
You may also want to clean your keyboard because:
- It helps to elevate your mental health, working mood, and productivity.
- Regularly cleaning your keyboard expands its lifespan. Food stuck between the spaces can require more pressure to press the keys, damaging the computer keyboard. Also, the stuck dirt can damage the switches underneath if the keyboard is mechanical.
- Cleaning your computer keyboard helps to enhance its appearance.
Now that you know the importance of cleaning your computer keyboard, what is the best way to clean it?
Let’s find out below
7 Steps for Cleaning Your Computer Keyboard
Here’s how to clean your keyboard without damaging it:
1. Turn Off the Computer and Unplug All Connecting Cables
The first step is to shut down the computer. This is especially important for laptops and wired keyboards.
You don’t want it to short-circuit when using moisture to clean the keyboard.
If your keyboard is external and wired, unplug it from the computer after shutting the personal computer (PC) down. Remember to take the batteries out of the wired keyboard.
2. Turn the Keyboard Upside Down and Shake it
Next, flip your keyboard and tap it gently on the underside to dislodge the dirt. This method will cause most trapped debris to fall off.
Tilt the keyboard in different directions and gently shake off the dirt for maximum results.
Since some crumbs and dust will remain trapped between the keys, use a narrow object like a toothpick to remove the particles.
If you use a mechanical keyboard, remove the keycaps before shaking the keyboard. Soak the keycaps in soapy water and clean them with a soft brush.
Ensure the caps are rinsed completely dry before replacing them on the board.
Please note that this method is only for mechanical keyboards. Attempting to remove the keycaps may damage your laptop or wireless keyboard.
3. Use a Brush to Swipe the Residue
Brush off any residue clinging to the surface of the computer keyboard and between the keys. There are computer keyboard brushes specifically designed for this.
You can also repurpose your baby bottle brush or use a toothbrush. A toothbrush with stiffer bristles is particularly effective for removing the grime that settles on the sides of the key.
4. Use Compressed Air to Blow Stubborn Debris Off
At this stage, you have eliminated most of the dust and dirt on your computer keyboard. However, stubborn debris may often require a little more effort to remove.
Buy compressed air in canned form from your local electronic store. Insert the plastic straw into the canister’s nozzle to use canned air.
Hold the can at a 45-degree angle towards the keyboard and blow short bursts of controlled compressed air. Ensure the can is half an inch above the keyboard to blow off as much dirt as possible.
Repeat this process at different angles of the keyboard. If you are cleaning your laptop keyboard, hold the laptop at a 75-degree angle as you blow it.
5. Vacuum the Keyboard
If you still need to remove more dirt, consider vacuuming the computer keyboard.
You can use a dust vacuum designed for keyboards, or you can use a regular vacuum cleaner with brush attachments.
However, because of the power of the hose attachment, experts recommend that you use it on the lowest power.
Direct the attachment or dust vacuum to the wedges of the keys to suck in all the stuck debris.
Before vacuuming, ensure that all the keys on the board are secured so they aren’t sucked into the vacuum.
6. Disinfect Your Keyboard
Vacuuming is one of the most efficient steps for dislodging all trapped particles and dirt. Your keyboard is probably clean after vacuuming but not safe from bacteria.
The next thing you want to do is disinfect it using isopropyl alcohol.
Take a cotton swab and lightly dampen it in rubbing alcohol. Make sure it isn’t too wet to avoid leaving moisture on your keyboard underneath.
Use the damp cotton swab to gently clean around the corner of the keys to remove any remaining grime and kill bacteria. Replace the swab and repeat this process several times until you’re satisfied with the results.
When cleaning, avoid touching the top of the keyboard. Alcohol can rub off the numbers, words, and symbols painted on the keys.
While disinfecting your laptop keyboard, you should exercise extreme caution. Any amount of moisture can damage your laptop, so ensure you leave the keyboard as dry as possible.
7. Polish The Keyboard
The final step is polishing your keyboard using a microfiber cloth to avoid leaving behind any new debris, including lint.
Wipe off any remaining moisture or stubborn dirt. With that done, your keyboard is fresh, clean, and ready to use.
When you’re sure the computer keyboard is dry, Turn on the PC and plug in the keyboard if necessary. Try using the keyboard to make sure it’s working properly.
To Wrap It Up!
Working on a dirty keyboard and workstation is not only unhygienic, it’s also risky to your health. That is why you must learn how to clean your keyboard at home.
The seven steps above are the easiest, most practical ways to help turn your grimy keyboard into clean, new-looking equipment. Try them out today.