Nowadays, many people's work is inseparable from computers, and the office keyboard has become one of the objects that the human body touches.Computer keyboards can get pretty germy if you don't clean them. Regular cleaning isn't just to make them look nice. It also helps them work better, last longer, and keeps you healthy, especially if you share a workspace.
Essential Tools for Cleaning Your Computer Keyboard
Before you start cleaning, get your tools ready. A soft brush is great for dusting. Canned air helps get rid of dirt stuck in the small spaces. Microfiber cloths will clean the surface without scratching it.
If you want to do a really good cleaning, a keycap puller is useful to remove the keys. If you don't have one, a small screwdriver will work. Mix some mild dish soap with warm water to make a good cleaning solution. You can also use disinfecting wipes with isopropyl alcohol. Have a small container ready to soak the keys while you clean them.
Depending on what you have, you can use other things too. A small vacuum with a brush can be used instead of canned air. Cotton swabs are great for cleaning around the keys.
Weekly Maintenance Routine for Keyboard Cleaning
Quick Dusting and Surface Cleaning
First, unplug your computer keyboard. This is important for safety. Use a soft brush to clean the dust and crumbs between the keys. Make sure you clean the whole keyboard, especially the areas where your fingers usually are, because they get dirty faster.
Next, use canned air. Hold the can at an angle and spray in short bursts. This will help get rid of dirt in the hard-to-reach spots. Brushing and using canned air will clean most of the dirt off your keyboard.
Disinfecting High-Touch Areas
Use disinfecting wipes with alcohol to clean the surface of your keyboard. Be careful not to get too much moisture near the keys. Pay attention to the parts you touch the most, like the space bar and the enter key. If your keyboard has a wrist rest, clean that too. Let the keyboard dry completely before plugging it back in. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
Do this every week to keep your keyboard clean and germ-free. This is important for people who care about their health and for those who travel a lot and use different workspaces.
Deep Cleaning for Your Computer Keyboard Once a Month
Keycap Removal Strategy
Before you take off any keys, take a picture of your keyboard. This will help you put them back in the right places, especially if you have a wireless keyboard with a different layout or special function keys.
Use a key puller to gently pull each key straight up. Don't twist them, or you might break the switch underneath. Take the keys off one section at a time instead of all at once. This way, you won't lose any small parts and you'll stay organized.
Put the keys you took off in a bowl of warm water with a little bit of dish soap. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes while you clean the keyboard underneath.
Thorough Base Cleaning
When you take the keys off, you'll see all the dust and dirt around the switches and on the keyboard base. Use a can of compressed air to blow it all away, and then use a brush to get rid of anything that's stuck. If you have some really dirty spots, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and clean around each switch. Make sure your keyboard is unplugged and let it dry completely before you put it back together.
This kind of cleaning gets rid of the dirt that you can't reach just by wiping the surface. It makes the keys work better and helps prevent problems with your keyboard.
Keycap Restoration
After the keys have soaked, rinse them with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth. If some of the keys are really dirty, use a soft toothbrush with soapy water to gently scrub them. Make sure the keys are completely dry before you put them back on. If there's water under the keys, it can damage the keyboard.
Put the keys back on by pressing them straight down until they click. Use the picture you took earlier to make sure you put them in the right spots.
Troubleshooting Common Issues for Your Keyboard
Keys That Stick or Don't Work
Cleaning your keyboard regularly helps prevent most problems, but sometimes keys still stick or don't work. Keys that stick are often caused by dirt or something sticky getting in the way of the switch. Take off the key and clean both the key and the switch with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab.
If a key doesn't work, it could be a connection problem, especially if you have a wireless keyboard. Check the batteries and reconnect the keyboard before you think it's broken. Sometimes, the key just isn't working because of dirt, so cleaning it should be the first thing you try.
Sticky Switch Mechanisms
If your keys feel slow or don't always work right, the switches might be dirty. After you remove the keys, use compressed air to blow out any dirt from around the switches. If they're still sticky, carefully put a little bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and clean around the bottom of the switch. Make sure the alcohol dries completely before you try the key again.
Never use water to clean the switches because water can damage the keyboard.
How Often Should You Clean Your Computer Keyboard
Schedule to clean it two to three times a month. You might need to clean it more often if you use your computer keyboard very frequently or you are working in a dusty area. If you occasionally use your keyboard, then you can clean it thrice a month.
Write down your cleaning schedule and adhere to it. If you do not clean your keyboard often enough, you risk having more severe problems that will have you getting it fixed or even replacing it.
Additional Keyboard Maintenance Considerations
Besides cleaning, there are a few other things you can do to make your keyboard last longer and work better. Stay away from liquids and don't spill anything on your keyboard. If you are in a dirty environment, use a keyboard cover.
If you have a wireless keyboard, make sure to check the batteries. Low batteries can make the keyboard act strangely, which is like it needs to be cleaned.
If you are taking your keyboard on the road, keep it in a protective case. If the keyboard overheats or gets freezing cold, let it return to room temperature before you use it.
Start Your Keyboard Refresh
Your keyboard, particularly if it's ergonomic keyboard, is essential for comfortable work. Maintain its cleanliness to protect your health, boost its efficiency, and prolong its life. Let's create a healthy workspace. Start with dusting it this week, and plan a thorough cleaning for next month. Both your fingers and your productivity will appreciate the care, as it’s a simple task with significant benefits.
