The keyboard is one of the most overused elements of your computer. While working, gaming, or surfing the web, your keyboard collects dust, filth, crumbs, and other materials that may compromise its performance and cleanliness. Your keyboard may potentially contain germs, bacteria, and viruses that may harm you and others. So, my question is, How do I clean the keyboard?

This post shows you how to clean your keyboard easily and effectively. We’ll cover wired, wireless, laptop, mechanical, and membrane keyboards. We will also cover exceptional instances like cleaning a spilled keyboard or a keyboard that hasn’t been cleaned in a while.

You can clean your keyboard quickly and confidently by following this advice.

How to Clean Keyboard: The Basic Steps

All keyboards need the same cleaning procedures. They require shutting down your computer, disconnecting your keyboard, flipping it over, shaking away trash, and using compressed air. These methods will remove most dust, grime, crumbs, and other particles between and beneath your keys.

The essential methods for cleaning your keyboard are:

1. Turn off and unplug your computer. Turn off and remove the batteries from a wireless keyboard.
2. Detach your keyboard from your computer. If you have a wired keyboard, unplug it from the USB or PS/2 port. If you have a laptop keyboard, you might need to use a screwdriver or a pry tool to remove it from the laptop case.
3. Turn your keyboard upside down and gently shake it over a trash can or a paper towel. This will dislodge any loose debris that is trapped on your keyboard.
4. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any remaining dust or dirt from your keyboard. Hold the can at a 45-degree angle and use short bursts of air to avoid damaging your keyboard or creating moisture. Aim the air at the gaps between the keys and around the edges of the keyboard.
5. Use a soft-bristled brush, a cleaning gel, or a microfiber cloth to wipe away any stubborn dust or dirt from your keyboard. Be careful not to scratch or damage your keys or the keyboard surface.

These are basic keyboard cleaning steps. Repeat to keep your keyboard clean and functional. Clean your keyboard completely by following additional instructions based on its kind. The following section details these steps.

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How to Clean Keyboard: The Advanced Steps

Advanced keyboard cleaning procedures differ by type. They need keycap removal, key wiping, alcohol or disinfectant wipes, or keyboard cleaning. The steps remove keyboard stains, grease, germs, and liquids.

Depending on your keyboard type, follow these advanced keyboard cleaning instructions:

• Wired or wireless membrane keyboard: The most popular keyboard has a thin rubber or plastic covering beneath the keys. Remove the keycaps, wipe the keys, and then use alcohol or disinfectant wipes to clean this keyboard.
  • Use a key puller or paper clip to carefully remove the keycaps from the keyboard. Avoid breaking or losing keycaps or clips. Keep note of keycap placements to reposition them afterward.
  • Use a moist cloth or cotton swab to gently clean the keys and their surroundings. Avoid water and fluids that might harm the keyboard. Use a paper towel or dry cloth to dry each key.
  • Choose alcohol or disinfectant wipes that are safe for devices and avoid bleach, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals. First, test the wipes on a tiny area of your keyboard to ensure no discoloration or damage. Then, carefully clean each key and its surroundings with wipes. Before replacing the keycaps, let the keyboard air dry.

Wired or wireless

• Wired or wireless mechanical keyboards include switches beneath each key for tactile feedback and sound. This keyboard may be cleaned by removing the keycaps, wiping the keys, using alcohol or disinfectant wipes, and cleaning within.
  • Use a key puller or paper clip to carefully remove the keycaps from the keyboard. Avoid breaking or losing keycaps or switches. Keep note of keycap placements to reposition them afterward.
  • Use a moist cloth or cotton swab to gently clean the keys and their surroundings. Avoid water and fluids that might harm the keyboard. Use a paper towel or dry cloth to dry each key.
  • Choose alcohol or disinfectant wipes that are safe for devices and avoid bleach, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals. First, test the wipes on a tiny area of your keyboard to ensure no discoloration or damage. Then, carefully clean each key and its surroundings with wipes. Before replacing the keycaps, let the keyboard air dry.

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Detach the back panel and carefully

• Laptop keyboard: This is a type of keyboard that is integrated with the laptop case and cannot be detached easily. To clean this type of keyboard, you can use compressed air, alcohol or disinfectant wipes, and cleaning gels.
  • To use compressed air, follow the same steps as described above for wired or wireless keyboards. Make sure that your laptop is turned off and unplugged before using compressed air.
  • To use alcohol or disinfectant wipes, follow the same steps as described above for wired or wireless keyboards. Make sure that your laptop is turned off and unplugged before using wipes. Avoid using too much liquid that can seep into the laptop and cause damage.
  • To use cleaning gels, choose gels that are safe for electronics and avoid gels that contain bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals. Test the gels on a small area of your keyboard first to make sure they don’t cause any discoloration or damage. Then, apply a small amount of gel on your keyboard and press it gently with your fingers. The gel will absorb the dirt and dust from your keyboard. Peel off the gel carefully and dispose of it properly.

These keyboard-cleaning methods are advanced. Perform as needed for a deeper clean. You may need to take additional steps to clean a spilled or neglected keyboard. The following section details these steps.

How to Clean Keyboard: The Special Cases

Special instances need extra keyboard cleaning techniques. Cleaning a keyboard spill, a keyboard that hasn’t been cleaned in a while, or a keyboard with sticky or broken keys are examples. Be careful and cautious in these circumstances, since they are more difficult and hazardous.

Your keyboard

• Cleaning a spill on your keyboard: This is one of the worst scenarios that can happen to your keyboard. If you spill any liquid on your keyboard, such as water, coffee, soda, or juice, you need to act fast and follow these steps:
  • Unplug your keyboard from your computer or turn off your laptop immediately. This will prevent any short-circuiting or electrical damage to your device.
  • Blot out as much excess liquid as possible from your keyboard using a dry cloth or a paper towel. Do not rub or wipe the liquid, as this can spread it further into the keyboard.
  • Turn your keyboard upside down and gently shake it to drain out any remaining liquid. You can also use compressed air to blow out any liquid in the gaps between the keys.
  • Dry your keyboard completely using a hair dryer, a fan, or a dehumidifier. This can take several hours or even days, depending on the amount and type of liquid spilled. Do not use any heat sources that can melt or warp your keyboard, such as a microwave or an oven.
  • Check for any damage or corrosion on your keyboard. If you see any signs of rust, mold, or discoloration, you might need to replace some parts or the whole keyboard. You can also try cleaning the affected areas with alcohol or vinegar, but this might not work for all types of liquids.
  • Test your keyboard by plugging it back into your computer or turning on your laptop. If it works normally, then you are lucky. If it does not work or works partially, then you might need to contact a professional for repair or replacement.

Clean for a long time

• Cleaning a keyboard that has not been cleaned for a long time: This is another scenario that can affect your keyboard’s performance and hygiene. If you have not cleaned your keyboard for months or years, you might notice that it is covered with dust, dirt, grease, grime, and other contaminants that can make it look and feel unpleasant. To clean this type of keyboard, you need to follow these steps:
  • Follow the basic steps to clean your keyboard as described above. This will help you remove most of the loose debris from your keyboard.
  • Follow the advanced steps to clean your keyboard as described above. This will help you remove any stains, grease, germs, or liquids from your keyboard.
  • Use a toothpick, a dental flosser, or a cotton swab to clean any hard-to-reach areas on your keyboard, such as the corners, the edges, or the spaces between the keys. Be careful not to scratch or damage your keys or the keyboard surface.
  • Use a disinfectant spray or a sanitizer to kill any bacteria or viruses that might be lurking on your keyboard. Spray a small amount on a cloth or a paper towel and wipe down your keyboard gently and thoroughly. Completely air-dry it before using it again.

Keyboard that has sticky or damaged keys

• Cleaning a keyboard that has sticky or damaged keys: This is another scenario that can affect your keyboard’s performance and usability. If you have sticky or damaged keys on your keyboard, such as keys that are stuck, missing, broken, loose, or unresponsive, you need to follow these steps:
  • Follow the basic steps to clean your keyboard as described above. This will help you remove any loose debris or liquid that might be causing the problem.
  • Follow the advanced steps to clean your keyboard as described above. This will help you remove any stains, grease, germs, or corrosion that might be affecting the keys.
  • Use a lubricant spray or silicone oil to lubricate the keys and switches. Spray a small amount on a cloth or a paper towel and apply it gently and sparingly to the affected keys. Do not use any oil or grease that can attract more dirt or damage your keyboard.
  • Replace any missing, broken, or worn-out keys or parts. You can buy replacement keys or parts from online stores or contact the manufacturer of your keyboard for assistance. Make sure that you buy the right type and size of keys or parts for your keyboard model.

Instances demand extra keyboard cleaning

These particular instances demand extra keyboard cleaning measures. You may do them as required for any occasion. If you’re unclear about or uncomfortable with any of these processes, see a specialist.

This post shows you how to clean your keyboard easily. We explored wired, wireless, laptop, mechanical, and membrane keyboards. We also covered exceptional circumstances like cleaning a spilled keyboard or a keyboard that hasn’t been cleaned in a while.

Cleaning your keyboard frequently may increase typing speed and accuracy, lengthen its longevity, improve its aesthetic, and safeguard your health and safety. Compressed air, brushes, gels, wipes, and sprays may aid with this process.

Tips and advice for keyboard hygiene and performance:

• Clean your keyboard at least once a month, or more often if you use it frequently or in a dirty environment.
• Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics near your keyboard to prevent spills, stains, or crumbs.
• Use a keyboard cover or a dust cover to protect your keyboard from dust, dirt, or liquids when not in use.
• Keep your keyboard away from heat, moisture, or sharp objects that can damage it.
• Clean your keyboard gently and carefully to avoid scratching or breaking it.

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