Your computer's keyboard is one of its most essential components. Whether you are a gamer, writer, or casual user, you probably use your keyboard daily. Your keyboard can accumulate filth, dust, and grime over time, making it less comfortable to use and potentially hazardous to your health. Therefore, it is essential to regularly sanitize your keyboard to preserve its performance and longevity. This guide will cover everything you need to know to properly clean your keyboard.
Materials Needed
Before you begin cleaning your keyboard, you will need to collect a few supplies. These consist of:
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A can of compressed air is one of the most effective cleaning tools for a keyboard. It can assist in removing grime and dust from inaccessible areas.
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Microfiber Cloth: A microfiber cloth is soft enough to be used on a keyboard without damaging or harming it. It is also extremely absorbent, making it ideal for cleaning up spillage.
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Isopropyl Alcohol Isopropyl alcohol is a powerful disinfectant that can eliminate pathogens and viruses from your keyboard. Additionally, it is effective at removing tenacious stains and grime.
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Cotton Swabs Cotton swabs are ideal for accessing confined spaces on a keyboard, such as between the keys.
- Gel for Cleaning Keyboards Gel for cleaning keyboards is a sticky, gel-like substance that helps remove grime, dust, and debris from keyboards.
Guide to Thoroughly Cleaning Your Keyboard
After gathering the necessary supplies, it is time to begin cleansing your keyboard. Here is a detailed guide to follow:
Step 1: Unplug Your Keyboard.
Before cleaning your keyboard, disconnect it from your computer or power off your wireless keyboard to prevent damage or short circuits. You do not want to risk your keyboard typing or executing commands by accident while you are cleaning it.
Step 2: Shake Out Loose Debris
Flip your keyboard over and shake it gently to dislodge any detritus or crumbs. You may be startled by the amount of debris that falls from your keyboard. After agitating the container, use a can of compressed air to remove any remaining debris.
Step 3: Wipe Your Keyboard
To remove grime, dirt, and oil from your keyboard's surface, dampen a microfiber cloth with a small quantity of isopropyl alcohol or use a keyboard-specific cleaning gel. Ensure you carefully wipe down every key on your keyboard, particularly if you frequently use it. Utilize cotton swabs to clean between the keys and along the keyboard's margins.
Step 4: Cleanse the Keycaps
If you have a mechanical keyboard or a keyboard with detachable keycaps, you should remove the keycaps to thoroughly clean the keyboard. Soak them in a solution of tepid water and soap or use a keycap-specific cleaning solution. Before reattaching them to the keyboard, rinse them with tepid water and let them air dry.
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Step 5: Decontaminate Your Keyboard
After thoroughly cleansing your keyboard, it is essential to disinfect it. Apply isopropyl alcohol to a clean microfiber cloth, and use it to delicately wipe down the entire keyboard. Special attention should be paid to frequently used keys such as the space bar, Enter key, and the keys surrounding it. Before connecting your keyboard back in and using it again, ensure that the alcohol has completely dried.
Tips and Tricks for Maintaining a Clean Keyboard
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Eat and Drink Away from Your Keyboard
One of the easiest ways to keep your keyboard clean is to avoid eating and drinking near it. Crumbs and spills can easily find their way into your keyboard, causing damage and making it harder to clean. If you need to eat or drink while using your computer, use a separate table or surface for your food and drinks.
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Use a Keyboard Cover
A keyboard cover is a thin, transparent layer that fits over your keyboard, protecting it from spills, dirt, and debris. It's an excellent investment for anyone who uses their keyboard frequently and wants to keep it clean.
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Wash Your Hands Before Using Your Keyboard
Washing your hands before using your keyboard can help prevent dirt, oil, and germs from building up on your keyboard. Make it a habit to wash your hands before sitting down at your computer to help maintain a clean keyboard.
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Avoid Harsh Chemicals
When cleaning your keyboard, it's important to use gentle cleaning agents that won't damage the surface or the keys. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could scratch or discolor your keyboard. Stick to mild cleaning solutions like isopropyl alcohol, water, and soap.
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Clean Your Keyboard Regularly
Regular cleaning is the best way to keep your keyboard in top condition. Make it a habit to clean your keyboard once a week or as often as needed, depending on how frequently you use it. You can also use compressed air to blow away dust and debris between cleanings. A clean keyboard not only looks and feels better but also helps to prolong its lifespan.
When cleaning a mechanical keyboard, there are a few common issues that you may encounter. These include:
Dislodged Keycaps: Mechanical keyboards have removable keycaps that can easily come off during cleaning. Make sure to keep track of the keycaps as you remove them and be careful not to lose them. You can also use a keycap puller to remove the keycaps without risking damage.
Damaged Switches: Mechanical keyboards use switches that can be easily damaged if they get wet or are cleaned improperly. Make sure to avoid getting water or cleaning solutions on the switches, and be gentle when cleaning around them.
Stuck Debris: Sometimes, debris can get stuck between the switches or inside the keyboard. Use a can of compressed air to blow away any debris that is stuck, and try to avoid using sharp objects like toothpicks or paperclips, as they can damage the switches or keycaps.
Rust: If your mechanical keyboard has metal parts, they may be susceptible to rust if they get wet during cleaning. To avoid rust, make sure to dry the keyboard thoroughly after cleaning and avoid using too much water or cleaning solutions.
Broken or Missing Parts: If you're not careful, you may accidentally break or lose parts of your mechanical keyboard during cleaning. Always be gentle and take your time when removing keycaps or cleaning around the switches to avoid damaging any parts.
How often should you clean your keyboard?
It's a good idea to clean your computer keyboard regularly to keep it in good condition and to prevent the build-up of dirt, debris, and germs. The frequency of cleaning your keyboard depends on how often you use it and your personal preferences.
As a general rule, it's a good idea to clean your keyboard at least once a month, especially if you use it daily. If you share your keyboard with others, clean it more frequently to reduce the spread of germs. If you eat or drink near your keyboard, you may need to clean it more often to remove any crumbs or spills.
In addition to regular cleaning, it's a good idea to perform a deep clean of your keyboard every few months. This involves removing the keycaps and cleaning the switches and other internal components. A deep clean can help to remove any built-up debris and keep your keyboard functioning properly.
Ultimately, the frequency of cleaning your keyboard depends on how often you use it and how dirty it gets. If you notice that your keyboard is particularly dirty or sticky, it's a good idea to clean it right away to prevent any damage.
It's important to be cautious and take your time when cleaning a mechanical keyboard. If you're unsure about how to clean a specific part of your keyboard, consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek advice from a professional.