Cleaning a Computer Keyboard: Step-by-Step Guide

A keyboard is an important computer component that is used to give manual inputs. Keyboards are often prone to getting dirty and some chunks of dirt land inevitably in the gaps and crevices. It can hamper the efficiency of your keyboard and that is why you should keep your computer keyboards clean and well maintained. A deep cleanse with the appropriate cleaning supplies can help you scrub your keyboard inside out.

Steps on How to Clean a Computer Keyboard?

Turn it Upside Down

One of the most obvious steps is turning your keyboards upside down and tapping on the underside to get rid of all the easily removable junk.

Unplug your keyboard and hold it onto a surface where you want to collect the dirt and start tapping at different angles to get the loose stuff out. If you have a keyboard with removable keycaps, remove them and then shake the keyboard for efficient removal. 

Use a Brush

There are many cleaning kits available in the market to clean your dirty keyboards. One of the best tools is a nylon cleaning brush or simply a discarded standard toothbrush that can help you effectively remove the stubborn dust from in between the keys. 

You can use soft brushes to clean Bluetooth keyboards like seenda Backlit Keyboard. This wireless model has got good reviews for its quiet and comfortable keys. You can take a look at our blog to know how to install a wireless keyboard.

Use Canned Air 

Canned air is essential to blow out the dust without a lot of effort. You can eliminate the dust by blowing the air which gets stuck under the keys. You need to be careful while doing this so that the dust doesn’t splatter all across the place.

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Remove the keycaps to force out the dust and repeat step one again so that the pieces which were left before come out now easily. 

Use Cleaning Gum

Cleaning gum with a strong adhesive picks up dust by easily reaching the smallest cracks. It can suction crumbles and other small bits and pieces of food. You can also reuse the blob until it turns gray. 

Wash Key Caps 

Mechanical keyboards with removable keycaps are simple to clean. Take a picture before removing the keycaps, so that you know which one to place where when you are done with the cleaning.

Soak keycaps in a container full of soapy water to clean them efficiently. Scrub them with a small piece of cloth after soaking them for a long time. You can let them air dry as you do not want any water to go into your keyboards. Only wipe the non-conductive parts whenever you are cleaning your keyboard or mouse so that you don’t get any water in the switches or the circuits. You can read through our blog to know how to unlock a locked laptop keyboard.

The reviews of Arteck HB030B show that it is easy to clean. You can use a soft towel dampened with alcohol to clean this model. Make sure you keep it off before cleaning.

What Happens When You Don’t Clean Your Keyboard?

Your keyboard can become a host of bacteria and germs when you don’t clean your keyboard. This bacteria can make you sick and if you touch your face after touching your keyboards, it can also cause skin infection. The proper cleaning is important for the proper functioning of your keyboard. The keys on keyboards can get clogged and may not work smoothly.

How Often to Clean the Keyboard?

You should clean your keyboard, like OMOTON iPad Keyboard at least once or twice a week. It is good to use a damp cloth to wipe off the keys when you are cleaning regularly. The deep cleaning can be done once a month, depending on your usage. You won’t require deep cleaning of your keyboards soon if you are cleaning your keyboards on a weekly basis.

What Can You Use to Lubricate a Keyboard?

You can use dielectric grease, lube dry film lubricant, and olive oil to lubricate your mechanical keyboards. Consider looking for lubricants that do not dry out soon after the application. It is not essential to lubricate your keyboards, but it will improve the performance of keyboard keys by reducing friction. Make sure you don’t over-lube your keyboards.

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Conclusion

Cleaning a keyboard is fairly easy if you know all the right steps. You can look for substitutes for some cleaning tools and wipe your keyboard routinely for a clean and shiny appearance. Many tools are easily available inside our homes. Maintaining your computer peripherals is essential for its smooth functioning. You can also reset your keyboard to its default settings if it is not working smoothly.

Globalideas rates and reviews the best PC gaming keyboards based on their popularity, quality, performance, and durability.

Maddie Otto
Maddie Otto

Maddie is currently in her fifth year of medical studies at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney, where she also manages workshop projects Before her medical career, she pursued music professionally and academically in Melbourne. With a foundation in community arts, Maddie has always blended her passions for the arts and disability support. She champions intersectional gender equity and is deeply committed to enhancing accessibility and inclusivity within the healthcare sector.

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