How to Keep the Keyboard Clean?

May 15th, 2008 | email this

Leave your comment Posted by Life is Colourful

Couple of days back, I posted about dirtier keyboards than toilets. The simple reason behind it was to wake you up because I care about your health. From the comments, I have realized that not many of us were aware of this bitter fact. Looking at your willingness to take preventive measures, I thought I should give you some direction on how to clean your keyboard.

What all you need? A good disinfectant, a soft dusting cloth and a ear bud should be enough for you to clean it off.

Remember to switch off your workstation by pulling the power supply. I would suggest to completely remove the plug than turning the electric switch off only to be 100% sure of no electrical damage would take place with the disinfectant fluid you are using.

Now dip the earbud into the disinfectant and gently weave through the keys of keyboard.

Once you are done weaving through the small keys, dip a corner of the duster into the liquid and wipe off the broader areas of the keyboard and mouse.

You might have spilled some extra liquid by now on the keyboard. This might cause some trouble, so quickly use the dry end of the duster, wipe off any excess fluid.

Well, are you not satisfied with the job you are doing and want to get it thoroughly cleaned, get out a screwdriver and dislodge each of the keys by placing the tip of the screwdriver below the key and gently levering the tip upwards. No need to tell you that you should not try this with a laptop keyboard or a non-membrane keyboard.

Hey by the way, do you remember what keys were placed where in the beginning?? Then you messed up dude. You might want to note down the exact location of each key. This will prevent you clipping the keys back in the wrong location.

Once you have dislodged a line of keys, wipe each of them off well and dust out the bottom of the keyboard gently and with a dry cloth. Once you’re done, replace the keys and you should be looking at a spotless, disinfected keyboard.

Well, I know what I explained is not a rocket science certainly, but I am sure explaining this process in detail will help you some or other place. Enjoy the germ free keyboard now :). Enjoy the health tips and Be safe!

13 Responded To This Post

10129. Computer Repair said in May 15th, 2008

Good points. My keyboard is a Fellows Microban. I highly recommend them.

10157. Internet Marketing said in May 16th, 2008

My keyboard now is germ-free! I actually cleaned my keyboard while reading your post. Thanks for the tips!

10159. philippine web designs said in May 16th, 2008

i bought a special brush to clean my keyboard but because of your tips, it makes easier for me to clean

10237. Chelle said in May 17th, 2008

I used to do this all the time when i worked in an office, now not so much…but its definitely a good reminder!

10243. seo said in May 18th, 2008

Is there any chemicals that can esily help clean the keyboard?

10550. Pinnacle Trade Show Displays said in May 24th, 2008

I thank you, and more importantly, my wife thanks you. I saw this post yesterday and told myself I wouldn’t comment until I cleaned my keyboard (my wife has been bugging me about it for a while). So this morning before I fired up the old beast, I unplugged the keyboard and took it out in the kitchen. I needed a damp sponge to get several years of “character” (my wife says grime) off of the keys, but it worked. With crossed fingers, I plugged the keyboard back in and fired up the computer. Everything works! This is probably one of the most valuable posts I have read this year! Thanks again!

PS. Should I tell my wife it’s her turn with the toilet now?

10596. Business tips said in May 25th, 2008

When I was still working in my previous company, we have maintenance personnel who do the keyboard cleaning job. Thanks for this post because at last, I can make it on my own

11817. pc repair birmingham said in June 10th, 2008

hey thanks, my keyboard is so clean that MRSA is hiding from it ! lol

thanks again

15226. Jeff said in July 8th, 2008

Thanks for these good hints!
It sounds funny, but it was really not easy for me to clean it.
And I noticed now some things I should better do, and it works!

15818. Norhafidz said in July 14th, 2008

I admit that I’m not taking too much attention on my keyboard, thanks for tips though!

16437. Convention Displays said in July 30th, 2008

I simply use the air cans to blow away any dust or loose particles within the keyboard. To disinfect I spray disinfectant on a towel and wipe the keys down. Thanks for the tips though.