If you use the computer daily, it is basic to know how to clean a keyboard. Taking into account the frequency with which the keys of a keyboard, the germs or bacteria that we collect on our fingers can turn our peripheral into a source of dirt. All this also without taking into account that it can be a shared computer, so imagine everything that can accumulate.
As explained in Reader Digest, in a 2018 study, researchers swabbed 25 keyboards and 25 cell phones and analyzed the samples for the presence of bacteria. One or more types of bacteria were found on 96% of keyboards. It seems that we are not aware of the dirt they accumulate.
And it is that, cleaning a keyboard is not only a matter of hygiene, which is enough. It also helps make it work as it should. Dirty keyboards can start to develop problems, such as keys that get stuck or stop working altogether. If we don’t have one cleaning properly, the keyboard may need to be replaced much sooner than it should.
This, of course, we can extrapolate to any peripheral that we use continuously, such as our mouse or monitor. It is not something that we should do every day, but there are many who commit the sin of leaving them uncleaned for years. That is why today we come with a series of easy steps to leave the keyboard as newly purchased.
How to clean a computer keyboard and remove any dirt or bacteria
1. The first thing we should do, it seems logical, is unplug our keyboard or, in the case of wireless, disconnect it and remove the batteries.
2. After this, it is recommended that we turn the keyboard upside down and shake it gently so that the loose dirt falls off, thus removing a large part of the debris that accumulates.
3. To clean it, it is best to use a specific cleaning brush to remove any crumbs or dust from the keyboard. Of course, you can also use a toothbrush that you no longer use. Be sure to get in between the keys and also brush off any dirt on the underside of the keyboard.
Another option, and really the most efficient, is to use a compressed air spray, although logically we will have to buy this (they are not expensive). However, it is the most efficient and safest option.
If you want your cleaning to be even more effective, you can remove the keys before doing all this. Of course, make sure to take a picture of where all of them were before doing so, in the case of a mechanical keyboard.
4. Once we have done this, if the keys are removable and you have done it before, you can wash them individually with soap and water, using a sponge or small brush. Make sure they are completely dry before reassembling them.
You can also use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean the keys. If you cannot remove them, we recommend using alcohol wipes to 100% disinfect our keyboard and of course, you must dry it thoroughly afterwards. If you use a microfiber cloth to give it the final touch, all the better.
5. Finally, before connecting it, although you have probably already dried it correctly, Leave your keyboard for a few minutes on any surface so that this process, if it has not been completed, finishes drying.
How to clean laptop keyboard
Now, many others surely use your laptop for teleworking or even for playing and despite the fact that things do not change much in terms of cleaning, Yes, there are a number of points that you should know.
For example, before cleaning It must be completely turned off and unplugged from the light. On the other hand, it is important to follow the advice that many manufacturers give when cleaning. In Apple’s case, it recommends that for a Macbook or Macbook Pro, you simply apply compressed air while holding the laptop at a 75-degree angle.
On the other hand, in this case, despite the fact that it is advisable to turn our laptop so that the accumulated dirt falls out, we must be especially careful in case the keys lose grip. As for cleaning, a compressed air spray is recommended in these cases but, taking into account that many do not have it at home, you can use a toothbrush.
Of course, make sure you don’tor getting the keyboard too wet and drying it immediately then conscientiously.
As for the frequency of cleaning, it really depends on the use and how clean you want it to be. If the keyboard is used only by you and infrequently, once a week or even more may be fine. But if you share it with other people and don’t want to spread germs, you’ll need to clean it every two or three days.