The keyboard usually is the most germ filled item in one’s office; in many cases, computer keyboards have more germs than a toilet seat. It’s important to clean a computer keyboard not only to get rid of any bacteria (which can be dangerous and cause illness), but also having dirt, dust, and hair buildup can stop the keyboard from working.
It’s important to make sure that the computer is turned off (or unplugged if using a USB keyboard) before cleaning the keyboard. Leaving the computer turned on while cleaning the keyboard may result in accidently pressing keys that cause the computer to perform tasks you don’t want the computer to be performing.
Many people clean the keyboard by turning it upside down and shaking it. A more effective way to clean a keyboard is to use compressed air, which is pressurized air contained in a can with a very long nozzle. To use the compressed air, spray the air between the keys which blows away all of the dirt and dust buildup located in the keyboard. Another way to effectively cleaning a keyboard is by using a vacuum cleaner (but before using the vacuum cleaner make sure the keys are securely tight so they don’t accidently get sucked into the vacuum cleaner). For a more meticulous cleaning however, you might want to remove the keys from the keyboard (but not while vacuuming the keyboard).
After the dirt, dust and hair has been removed spray a disinfectant onto a cloth and rub each of the keys on the keyboard. It’s important to never put any liquid onto the keyboard (which is why a cloth should be used to clean the keys).
Substance spilt into the keyboard
If anything has spilled on the keyboard (such as coffee and other drinks), neglecting to take the proper steps necessary for cleaning can cause the keyboard to no longer function.
Below are a few ways to clean the keyboard once something has spilled on it:
If anything is spilt onto the keyboard turn off the computer (or disconnect the keyboard) immediately. To prevent what has spilled from going into the circuits, turn the keyboard upside down and shake it over an area that will be cleaned later. While the keyboard is still flipped over, a cloth should be used to clean and remove the substance that spilt; after this, the keyboard should remain upside down during the night to dry. After the keyboard is dry, the keyboard should be continued to be cleaned to get rid of what has spilled.
If the keyboard works but is sticky from the spilt liquid, try washing the keyboard in the dishwasher as a last resort.
If after doing all the above steps the keyboard does not function properly it’s time to buy a new keyboard.
