How to Clean a Computer Keyboard

It's likely that the keyboard beneath your fingers contains dust, food crumbs and other particles. Studies have shown that harmful bacteria and viruses can and do live on most computer keyboards for up to 24 hours. Each person who touches that keyboard carries a sample of those bacteria away with him or her. It's easy to clean a computer keyboard, and apparently good for your health.

Instructions

1. Hold the keyboard upside down and gently shake it to release any of the debris caught under the keys. If a large particle seems stuck, press the key a few times while the keyboard is upside down to jar it loose.

2. Spray a can of compressed air on the keyboard, again while you hold the keyboard upside down. Use the straw nozzle on the can of air to reach underneath the keys and in between the crevices.

3. Dip a cotton swab into either a computer cleaning solvent, alcohol or a solution of water with a drop or two of dishwashing liquid. Dab the swab on a towel to remove any excess liquid and wipe the edge of each key. Make quick work of this by going across each row then zigzagging down between each key.

4. Place cleaning solution on a soft, lint-free cloth and wipe the top of each key and around the entire keyboard. White computer keyboards will show more dirt, but look closely at black or grey keyboards. They contain the same amount of dirt, it's just not as visible.

5. Finish with an antibacterial wipe. Clean each key top and the surrounding keyboard similar to the previous step, disinfecting the entire keyboard.

Tips & Warnings

• Wipe down the keyboard weekly or even daily with an antibacterial wipe.

• Carry a small packet of antibacterial wipes if you are in contact with many public keyboards. Clean it with a quick swipe over the keyboard and most of the infectious germs are history.

• Always turn the computer off before you clean the keyboard. It's good to avoid the mixture of liquid and electrical currents and ensures that random keys aren't accidentally pressed.