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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