How to Clean Your Keyboard

Sometimes, it seems as if a computer keyboard gets dirty no matter what you do. As if the particles of dust and dirt that are naturally in the air, attach to it like a moth to a flame. This is why cleaning your keyboard is something we all have to do. In fact, cleaning your keyboard will make it function a lot better. So, whether you are concerned about dirt or germs (or both) being on your keyboard, read more to learn how to properly clean it. The steps explained below will teach you how.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Keyboard
• Keyboard manual
• Can of air
• 2 Lint-free cloths or rags
• Cotton swabs
• Special electronics cleaner (or rubbing alcohol will work)
• Newspapers or old towel (optional)

1. Gather all of your necessary materials and ready your workstation. Cover table with an old towel or newspaper. Consult the original keyboard manual for any precise cleaning directions.

2. Power down and remove the keyboard. Turn off your computer, and then disconnect the keyboard.

3. Eliminate dirt and dust from your keyboard quickly. Hold your keyboard upside down and carefully shake to remove loose dirt. Press various keys as you hold and release to remove hidden grime and dirt. Put the keyboard back onto the table. Use the compressed can of air to spray the keyboard thoroughly, target in and around the keyboard keys.

4. Perform a complete keyboard wipe down. Get a specially formulated electronics cleaner or add isopropyl alcohol to a cotton swab. Wet one of the cloths or rags with the cleaner to clean the tops of the keys, in between the keys as well as other hard to reach places.

5. Dry your keyboard. Use the other dry cloth to thoroughly dry all areas of the keyboard.

6. Reconnect your keyboard. Once you are certain that your keyboard is completely dry, connect it back to the computer. Power up your computer when it has been reconnected.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure that your computer keyboard is entirely dry before reconnecting it. As a precaution, wait several minutes to ensure it is totally dry.