How to clean Dirty Laptop Keyboard?
Don’t Let Your Keyboard Get You Down: How to Clean Your Dirty Keyboard
All keys on your keyboard are not created equal, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take good care of them. Your computer can only function properly when the keys function properly, and when your keyboard gets really grimey, it can make using your computer more difficult than it needs to be. Keep your computer running smoothly with these tips on how to clean your dirty keyboard.
The three main stages of keyboard cleanliness:
To clean your keyboard, you’ll need a bowl of soapy water, some paper towels and some disinfectant wipes. And although it’s tempting to dive right in, remember that it’s important to clean your keyboard at each of these three stages. A good rule of thumb is every time you feel like going on a long writing session or are concerned that your workspace is too gross, get out your cleaning supplies and give your keyboard a thorough cleaning. If you follow these steps often enough, you’ll never have to deal with soggy or dirty keys again!
1. Soak-Soak up any excess food or liquid off your keyboard using a damp paper towel (or two). Disinfectants can be used if there’s visible food particles stuck to your keycaps. Make sure not to leave any moisture on—this will just create more problems later on down the line when you’re trying to dry things off. After all, you don’t want mold growing between your keycaps and shorting out electrical components! Just pat dry everything gently with a few paper towels until all excess moisture has been absorbed.
2. Scrub-Once you’ve soaked up all excess moisture, move onto scrubbing your keyboard thoroughly with an antibacterial wipe. This step is especially important for keyboards that have come into contact with particularly nasty substances like coffee or soda; both drinks contain sugar and sugar attracts bacteria. While we’re on the subject of what not to use, here’s a list of other things you should avoid when cleaning your keyboard: -Dish soap -Bleach -Alcohol -Lemon juice -Vinegar
3. Dry-Finally, let everything air dry completely before putting it back together and plugging it back in. Do NOT try to turn it back on while anything still feels wet!
What you’ll need to get the job done:
A few rags and a bottle of isopropyl alcohol (91% or greater) will do. If you want your keyboard looking spiffy, you’ll also need some cotton swabs and some compressed air. Here’s what else you’ll need:
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Unplug it from its power source—and all other wires connected to it—and lay it face down on a soft surface like an old towel.
3. Start by wiping away any large debris from around your keys with a rag that’s been dipped in isopropyl alcohol; be sure not to miss any spots!
4. Next, use cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean between each key individually; again, be sure not to miss any spots!
5. Finally, blow out any excess dust with a can of compressed air.
6. When you’re done cleaning, plug your computer back in and turn it on so that it can dry completely before being used again.
7. You may notice a slight odor after cleaning your keyboard but don’t worry: The smell should go away within 24 hours if left undisturbed—though if you’re still smelling something funky after 48 hours, take note so that you can try another solution next time! 8. That’s all there is to it! Your keyboard should look as good as new when you’re done!
Gather all the gunk
If you’ve got a laptop, disconnect it from your computer. Then take a can of compressed air, which is sold at most office supply stores and many electronics retailers. Blow through all of the cracks and crevices in your keyboard (make sure not to point it at your screen). If there’s any gunk on top of your keys, flip over your keyboard so you can get under them as well. Next grab some rubbing alcohol (also available at drugstores) and a clean cloth. Set aside a few minutes and gently rub each key with a little bit of alcohol until all letters are clear again; then give them an extra scrub with some damp paper towels if necessary.
There’s more than one way to skin a cat – or in this case, clean your keyboard
Use Q-tips with care
Before you start cleaning your keyboard, make sure it’s turned off. If you can do so without using any tools, flip it upside down and give it a little shake. Any loose crumbs or dust that haven’t made their way into crevices yet should fall out. This will help get rid of as much grime as possible right off the bat. If it doesn’t look too bad, you can choose to skip ahead a step!
Give it a good rinse before switching it on again
With a commercial cleaning product, or with DIY staples you probably already have in your kitchen. Commercial Solutions For those that want a quick, easy and relatively foolproof way to keep their keyboards fresh, there are several commercial solutions out there. Perhaps one of your co-workers has recommended one they like, or perhaps you’ve tried it in the past and remember enjoying it. Whatever the case may be, if all you need is something simple and fast, here are some options for getting your keyboard clean without breaking too much of a sweat: * Febreze Air Effects Odor Eliminator For Carpet & Upholstery.
Step away from the keyboard … for now!
Take a break and walk away from your keyboard. When you come back, your mind will be fresh and clear. It’s easy to get so lost in thinking about what you’re trying to write that it stops being a process that feels enjoyable. Take some time off and start fresh after you’ve cooled down. Sometimes just walking away is all it takes!