Your computer’s keyboard is bound to get dirty at some point. Because, snacks are often our closest companions while we’re typing away at our computers. Cleaning the keyboard is extremely important, and sadly, many of us do not do this on a regular basis, if at all. When it’s time to sanitize your keyboard and evict that nasty grime and bacteria, don’t fret you can remove all of it effectively in just a few steps.
Before you get started, make sure your laptop or keyboard is unplugged from the power cord and completely powered off to avoid damaging any electrical components.
We definitely cannot douse it with water and bleach, so there must be a better way that doesn’t end up damaging the device.
How do you clean the inside of a keyboard?
1- Tilt the keyboard upside down and shake it to remove any loose debris. If you have a can of compressed air, you can spray it in between the keys as well or For more caked on dust, try the brush hose attachment of a larger vacuum cleaner to help scrape off dust bunnies. The suction power from a dust vacuum lifts away most stubborn debris stuck between the keys.
2- If you’re using a keyboard with removable keycaps (mechanical keyboards, especially, tend to feature these), take those off and shake out the keyboard without them in the way. Tap the underside of the keyboard to ensure that it’s free of anything clinging onto the surface.
3- A common problem in offices, dust can really make typing unpleasant. For daily maintenance, you can use a small soft-bristled dusting brush.
4- Wipe the keycaps using isopropyl alcohol (standard rubbing alcohol) and a cotton swab or lint-free cloth. Dip a cotton swab into some gentle isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and brush it in the area surrounding each key. You may need to use multiple swabs, depending on the amount of dirt. If you’re unsure of the alcohol’s strength, try it on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure that it doesn’t cause discoloration or remove the lettering on the keys.
Note: Do not use ethyl alcohol — it will likely remove the printed lettering on your keys and other surface finishing.