How to Clean a Keyboard

Computer keyboards are exposed constantly to our abuse, dust, and filthy hands. After a while, it's time to clean your keyboard of the germs, dust and grime that builds up underneath. In only four easy steps you can go from sticky keys to a cleaner, germ-free keyboard.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Keyboard
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Q-Tips
• Cotton Balls or Paper Towels
• Canned Air
• Something to pop the keys off with (wooden popsicle stick works well)

1. In order to thoroughly clean a keyboard all the keys must first be removed. To do this, use the popsicle stick or something comparable to pry the keys off. It’s best to start at one edge of the keyboard and work your way across one row at a time. The keys are sturdier than you think so don’t worry about breaking something. Usually they come right off without any trouble. You will want to make sure that you hold one hand over the key you are trying to remove. If you don’t do this the key may end up flying across the room when it lets loose from the board.
2. Lots of things end up getting trapped under the keys so it is important to clean the area under the keys thoroughly. To do this first spray out the keyboard using the can of spray air. This will help remove any excess dust and debris that have gathered. Additionally use a Q-Tip moistened with rubbing alcohol to help remove anything that might be stuck to the board. A Q-Tip will easily get between the keys and rubbing alcohol is safe to use. You will also want to wipe down the keyboards exposed parts. This can be done with the paper towel or cotton balls. Just dip them in some rubbing alcohol.
3. Depending on how dirty the actual keys are you may want to clean each of them individually. This can be a time consuming process. Use a rubbing alcohol moistened cotton ball to wipe each key clean. It’s much easier to clean them all first before putting them back in place on the keyboard. This will allow any excess rubbing alcohol to evaporate before the keys are reapplied.
4. Once you have completed the cleaning process it’s time to put the keys back in place. Most keys will pop back into place without giving you any trouble. Just put them on the right key base and push down to lock them in place. The space bar and the shift keys require you to first put the metal support bracket in the holes before securing the key.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have canned air you can use the attachments on your vacuum or hand vacuum to remove the excess debris from under the keys.
• Wooden chopstick can be substituted for popsicle stick. Any thin rigid plastic or wooden object will work.
• Make sure you know where they keys go before you take them off. If you aren’t sure find a diagram of the keyboard online and print it out before you start.
• Turn the computer off or unplug the keyboard before you start the process.
• Don’t over-wet the keyboard with rubbing alcohol.

Who Can Help:

• Find Computer, Electrical and Telephone Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Electrical Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.