How to Properly Clean a Computer Keyboard

September 01, 2011, By Steve McFarlane 0 comments

Most of us spend a lot of time on our computers, working or just surfing the internet or posting on Facebook. We eat and drink near them, and if you have cats, you know they like nothing better than parking themselves right where you're typing. If you want your keyboard to have as long a life as possible, it's a good idea to clean it before it gets really dirty—because the dirtier it is, the harder it will be to clean. Here are some tips to get your keyboard clean after accidental spills or to get rid of general dirt build up.

General Cleaning Tips for Computer Keyboards

Before you begin cleaning, it's important to turn off your computer and disconnect the keyboard as cleaning a keyboard while the computer is running may damage the machine.

For a simple and quick cleaning, turn the keyboard upside down to shake out dust or accumulated dirt that may be caught between and under keys. Do not knock the keyboard against a hard surface; just a simple shake or a few taps with your fingers will do. Try compressed air to dislodge dust and other foreign matter that a brush or shaking won’t remove.

For stubborn stains and grime, wet a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and wipe the top and sides of each key, giving more attention to individual keys with more dirt and grime.

Cleaning Heavy Keyboard Stains

For heavy duty stains and spills, the cleaning of the keyboard will have to get a little more technical. This involves removing keys from the keyboard by gently lifting each key with a small lever or screwdriver. Remove only the keys that require it—they're often tricky to snap back on.

Remove the individual keys and wipe with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol. Lightly wipe all the exposed surfaces and spill areas and then patiently replace the keys, making sure that they are properly seated.

Keyboard Cleaning Tips for Laptops

To clean laptops, switch off the machine and remove the battery. Next, remove the keys from the area where you had the spill, and turn the machine upside down to allow the liquid to drain out. Wipe down the spill area and each key gently with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab or a damp cloth and then leave the keys to air-dry. A hair dryer will speed up the process. Once you're finished, make sure that everything is properly dried before reassembling the keyboard.

Cell Phone and PDA Keyboards

To clean cell phone and PDAs keys, use a small pin and cotton dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently rub between the grooves of your keypad.

More Tips

Here is an important list of things to remember when cleaning the keyboards of your electronic devices.

• Never clean your keyboard while the machine is on.
• Do not use soap and water to clean an attached keyboard like those found on laptops; liquids on electronics really wreak havoc. 
• After wiping the keyboard, make sure that all the areas are fully dried before reattaching the keys and turning the computer back on.
• It should go without saying, but I'll say it just in case: Don't wash your keyboard in a dishwasher or any other machine. You'll kill the keyboard’s circuitry.
• Clean your keyboard every few weeks by running a dust cloth gently over the keys or by using compressed air to remove accumulated dust and debris.