In this article, we will discuss the importance of knowing how to clean a keyboard and the different tools that we can use to do the cleaning process.
Why Should We Clean Our Keyboard?
There are countless reasons as why you should know how to clean a keyboard. An unclean keyboard can contain germs and bacteria, thus increasing the risk of you getting ill. Moreover, it can also affect the performance of the keyboard and make its appearance annoying. A clean keyboard represents a tidy user and adds to a safe and appealing working environment. It can also prevent the keys from being clogged and sticky. The possibility of malfunctions or even overheating can also be avoided.
Negative Effects of Not Cleaning Your Keyboard
According to a study made by microbiologists, the computer keyboard is five times dirtier than the average toilet seat. That said, when you do not clean your keyboard, bacteria can be transferred to your hands when you use it. It’s a gross analogy, but it’s almost like touching poop. Imagine touching your uncleaned, filthy keyboard and then touching your face or putting food into your mouth. Bacteria can easily enter your body. Not only is that nasty, but it’s also bad for your health and others too. You can make other people sick by letting them use your poorly maintained keyboard. In addition to this, if you don’t clean your keyboard, it may lead the keys to malfunction or not function at all. If you’re wondering why your laptop keyboard is not working, it might be because dirt and dust are trapped in your keyboard or causing it to overheat. Keeping your keyboard clean is not only a way to care for your health but also the health of your keyboard itself. Before you start looking for new work or gaming keyboards, make sure you check your keyboard first—it may only need a good cleaning. Now, if you’re ready to start cleaning or fixing your keyboard, it would be good to know how to remove keyboard keys safely first.
How to Clean the Keyboard of a Desktop Computer?
Here are the processes you can go through in order to thoroughly clean your desktop keyboard.
Removing Loose Debris
Using a Can of Compressed Air to Blast Out Dust
Wiping Off the Top of the Keys
Cleaning Between the Keys
After wiping off the keys, it is now time to clean between the keys. The best way to do this is by using a cotton swab, a toothbrush, or a makeup brush.
Handling Liquid Spills
Spills can damage not only the keyboard’s keycaps but also the circuitry. If you accidentally spill liquid on your keyboard, these are the things that you need to do:
Deep Cleaning by Disassembling and Washing Keycaps
For Membrane Keyboard
For Mechanical Keyboards
How to Clean Laptop Keyboards?
Eliminating Dirt, Dust, and Debris
Dealing With Liquid Spills
If you accidentally spill liquid on your laptop keyboard, these are the things that you should do:
Cleaning by Removing the Keys
Before proceeding in removing the keys of your laptop, you need to do understand and be sure about how to remove your laptop keys. This is because there are different types of laptop keyboards and ways on how to remove the keys.
How to Clean a Mac Keyboard?
Eliminating Dirt, Oil, Grime, and Debris
Deep Cleaning by Disassembling the Keys
Useful Tools to Help You Clean a Keyboard
Lint-free cloth Cotton swabs or Q-tips Camera Liquid soap or mild detergent Paper towel Rubbing or isopropyl alcohol A clean microfiber cloth Compressed air can Disinfecting wipes Toothbrush Slotted and Phillips screwdriver Bowl with warm water Clear tape or cleaning slime Denture tablets Keycap puller Small computer vacuum (optional) Hairdryer (optional)
Pros and Cons of Cleaning Your Keyboard
Pros
Health and hygiene benefits Retains its near-new appearance Prevents keyboard breakdown Fewer repairs Prevents overheating Contributes to productivity Environment-friendly process, rather than disposing of the keyboard Helps lengthen the keyboard’s lifespan Less maintenance Avoids visits to the repair shop
Cons
The circuitry may be damaged. You can’t be sure if you can put the keys back. The letterings may be erased or tampered. It may damage the keys.
Final Word on How to Clean a Keyboard
We all encounter problems with our computer and laptop keyboard. However, some of us are not looking for ways on how to handle these problems. Some of us tend to just wipe the dirt off without taking into consideration the circuitry and the keycaps. If the keyboard is not working, some will just dispose of their keyboard and buy a new one. We need to be practical nowadays, so we have to find ways in everything just like in cleaning our keyboard. Research everything and apply what you read. Just follow the process, be cautious, and patient, and everything will work out well with our keyboard if you care for it consciously.
