What is the best method you ever adopted to clean your keyboard? First, have the answer at the back of your mind while we take you through how to clean a keyboard here in this article.
If your keyboard has dirt and debris in it, and you are looking for proven methods you can use to clean the keyboard that will ensure you do not damage the keyboard. In that case, you can read through this article to learn how to clean a keyboard.
Keyboards are an essential part of the computer system, and due to overtime use, it is expected that it accumulates dirt.
Also, because we typically spend a lot of time on our systems and might occasionally chew on a snack or other food items, there is a possibility that pieces of the food or snack you are eating get logged in your keyboard.
Suppose the keyboard has accumulated a large amount of dirt. In that case, there is a chance that it might prevent the keyboard keys from functioning, which can be an incredibly stressful situation for you as typing is an essential part of working on a system.
If you are in that situation, you do not have to worry, as the next section of the article will explain proven methods you can use to clean a keyboard.
How to Clean a Keyboard
It is a given that no matter how carefully you use your keyboard and ensure that no food particles or other forms of dirt fall on it, your keyboard will still get dirty from extended use.
If the dirt and debris get stuck under your keyboard keys, it might prevent some keys from working.
However, the good news is that most of the time, it does not cause permanent damage, and once you have cleaned out the dirt, your keyboard keys will resume functioning correctly.
There are different methods you can use to clean a keyboard, but before you start any cleaning process, it is essential that you detach the computer from any cables that might supply power to the keyboard.
Disconnecting the power cable is essential to reduce the possibility of an electric shock when cleaning drastically.
If you plan on deep cleaning, you should remove the batteries from your wireless keyboard or shut down your computer to unplug your USB or non-USB keyboards.
You can also check out How to Pair your Logitech Keyboard.
Once you have prevented the risk of an electric shock, you can clean a keyboard using any of the methods listed below.
Turn Your Keyboard Upside Down For Manual Cleaning
One of the easiest methods you can use to clean a keyboard is to clean it manually.
This entails turning the keyboard upside down and shaking it gently. This will help dislodge every food particle and debris that might have stuck under the keys.
If you use a mechanical keyboard, you can remove each keycap to clean underneath the keys.
Once you have removed a considerable amount of the dirt stuck under your keys, you can use any cleaning product of your choice with a microfiber cloth to remove the debris between the keys.
If you feel up to it, there are specially designed keyboard brushes that you can also use to gently remove the dirt lodged between keys.
Once you are satisfied that you have thoroughly cleaned your keyboard, you can connect it to your computer and try out the keys to see if they are now working as expected.
How to Clean Keyboard With Compressed Air
Compressed air is usually one of the effective methods you can use to clean a keyboard, as it easily allows you to blow out dust and dirt particles from your keyboard, including particles that might be lodged between the keys.
When using compressed air, ensure that you hold the compressed air can upright and away from your body. Then place it at an angle where you directly aim it at your keyboard while depressing the nozzle.
Doing this will help create a strong stream of air that will help remove unwanted particles and keep your keyboard clean.
How to Clean Keyboard With a Dust Vacuum
You can use a dust vacuum to clean a keyboard, as its suction power will help you lift and wipe away hard to remove dirt and debris on your keyboard.
This is considered the most efficient method you can use to clean a keyboard, as it can reach every nook and cranny of your keyboard for deep cleaning.
You should use a dust vacuum with a hose, as some are specifically designed for keyboard use, but if you do not have that, you can attach a brush attachment to your regular vacuum cleaner.
How to Clean Keyboard With Isophryl Alcohol
Isopryl alcohol is a good cleaning agent to use for your keyboard; you only need to dampen a microfiber cloth with some of the alcohol and gently use the cloth to wipe your keyboard keys, as scrubbing it hard can clean off the print on each key.
You can also dip a cotton swab in the alcohol and gently clean between your keyboard keys to ensure that you remove every dirt on the keyboard.
You can use any of the methods explained in this section of the article to clean a keyboard.
How to Clean Keyboard KeyCaps
If you use a keyboard with keycaps, you can clean them by gently removing them with a keycap puller and soaking them in warm soapy water for about 30 minutes.
You can then remove them and clean them with clear warm water. Before replacing the keycaps, you can use a microfiber cloth to clean the keys, so you will not be placing clean keycaps on dirty keys.
Ensure that the keycaps have thoroughly dried before putting them back on the keyboard.
How to Clean a Mechanical Keyboard
Mechanical keyboards are pretty easy to clean, and you can clean them by following the instructions below.
- Gently remove the keycaps using a keycap puller.
- Then put the keycaps in warm soapy water for about 30 minutes.
- Then clean the keyboard using compressed air or a microfiber cloth.
- Then rinse and dry the keycaps.
- Reinsert the keycaps into the keyboard once they have properly dried.
If you have followed the instructions above, your mechanical keyboard will now be squeaky clean and free from dirt and debris.
How to Clean Keyboard With Compressed Air
Compressed air can be quite effective for cleaning a keyboard. You only have to ensure that you direct the steam to your keyboard while depressing the nozzle.
The intense steam will help you blow out the dust and particles on the keyboard and between the keys.
Conclusion:
This article has explained different methods you can use to clean all your computer keyboards.
All you have to do is choose your preferred method and remember to detach the keyboard from any power source to prevent an electric shock during the cleaning process.