Best Methods to Clean Your Keyboard
The dirt on the keyboard often gets overlooked that we don’t
care enough to clean it, but it is extremely necessary to keep your keyboard
clean, disinfected, and free from viruses and bacteria. It’s hygienic, and it
will also protect your keyboard from unnecessary gunk.
It doesn’t matter for how long you use your computer per
day, the keyboard definitely catches dust more often than you notice. You must
prioritize cleaning your keyword regularly. We have listed some of the best
methods you can use to clean your keyboard, but before that, you must take some
precautionary measures.
Precautions
- Make sure that your keyboard is unplugged as it will keep you and your device safe from electrical shocks or any other electrical accidents. And for laptops, turn off the main switch before you start cleaning.
- This is not a precaution but it will definitely save you some time. Turn your keyboard upside down over the dustbin or a piece of newspaper and shake it strongly so that the big particles can fall out before you begin cleaning the small particles properly.
- Use a wire keycap puller tool to remove the keys from the keyboard. Make sure that you don’t pull the keys too hard; otherwise, dirt can insert deep into the keyboard, and your keys will also get damaged.
- Don’t spray any liquid directly on your keyboard. It will damage the keys.
Methods to Clean
Don’t forget to take all the precautions before you begin.
Following are the methods that you can use:
Use compressed air to blow out the gunk.
Compressed air is the best solution to clean the thin layer
of sticky dust and grime. You can find compressed air easily packed in a can
with a long and thin straw coming out of a nozzle to dispose of the air at high
speed. The best way to blow compressed air is to use it in a zigzag pattern and
keep rotating the keyboard so that you don’t miss any side.
Use rubbing alcohol for wipes
Use a bleach-free disinfectant wipe or damp cloth with some
rubbing alcohol to clean your keyboard. Remember, that the wipe or cloth should
not be soaked entirely in solution; rather, it should be slightly damp;
otherwise, the hardware of the keys can get damaged. And all the keys buttons
and cover should be dry before you plug the device. If you are worried about
too much liquid dripping beneath the keys, then turn over the keyboard or
laptop to stop it from reaching the keys.
Use keyboard cleaning slime
Invest in a good slime product that has a good amount of
stickiness to it so that it can catch all the dirt out of your keyboard without
getting stuck. They are very easy to use, and it makes your work easier and
faster. You, simply, have to coat your keys with the slime; let it rest for a
few seconds; and then, gently, pull the slime off your keyboard.
Use wire keycap puller tool
Check the model of your keyboard to know if you have the
option to pop the keys out of the keyboard. If possible, then your work has
become easier. And if not, you can use the wire keycap tool for popping the
keys off your keyboard. You can purchase the WASD Keyboards Wire Keycap Puller
Tool from Amazon. Use this product gently on your keyboard and clean the dirt
with a Q tip or toothpick.
Tips for cleaning a mechanical keyboard
Since mechanical keyboards are different from standard
keyboards because they have switches under the keys, the cleaning method
becomes slightly different. You have to be extra cautious when you clean the
mechanical keyboard because of their complex switch mechanism.
- Use a key remover tool and carefully remove the keys. Don’t forget to click a picture of the layout of the keys, so that you can fix them back without any trouble.
- Take a cotton swab or q-tips and dip it in an alcohol solution and start sweeping the keys and switches. You can also soak the keys inside a bowl of warm soapy water for a few hours.
In case of spills, don’t flip the keyboard. Instead, remove
all the keycaps; put a dry cloth on the keys or wherever you have spilled the
liquid and let it soak all the liquid. Once it is completely dry, check if
there is any stickiness on the keys. Clean the stickiness with isopropyl
alcohol.
Tips to Clean a Mac Keyboard
Cleaning a Mac keyboard is not poles apart from cleaning any
other keyboard, but Apple company in a documentation explains all the tips,
tricks, and methods you should use to clean your device’s keyboard. They advise
the users to use slightly damp lint cloth to wipe the keyboard surface. If
there is any stubborn mark, you can use a Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
Make sure that the Q-tip is not drenching in the solution; rather, it should be
slightly damp only.
Save the tips and methods for the future as well because you
should clean your keyboard every week. Gently wipe it with the damp cloth or
any keyboard cleaning wipes. And don’t forget to wash your hands every time you
touch your keyboard.
Jackson Henry. I’m a writer living in USA. I am a fan of
technology, arts, and reading. I’m also interested in writing and education.
You can read my blog with a click on the button above.
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