How to Clean a Keyboard

Keyboard is a computer hardware device modeled after the typewriter keyboard. A computer keyboard gets dirty very easily as it is continually exposed. So, it is essential to clean it regularly to avoid damage. Before you start cleaning the keyboard, check the manufacturer's instructions. If he has specified the instructions, follow them, else you can adopt the tips cited below on how to clean the keyboard of your desktop or laptop. The steps mentioned below can be used for cleaning different types of keyboards.

Cleaning a Computer Keyboard

• Materials required for cleaning the computer keyboard are lint free cloth, duster or dry cloth, cleaning fluid like isopropyl alcohol, cotton buds, a can of compressed air or vacuum cleaner and a flat-tipped screw driver.
• Shut down the computer, unplug the keyboard and hold it upside down. Tap on it and shake it a few times so that all the debris in between the keys is released. You can also press the keys so that the debris in between the keys fall out. With a can of compressed air, you can blow debris, dust or foreign materials present under and around the keys. The debris can also be cleaned with the hose of a vacuum cleaner. Tap the keyboard in another angle so that all the remaining dust falls out.
• Put a few drops of cleaning fluid on the cotton bud and clean the sides of the keys.
• Take a lint-free cloth or a cotton swab, dampen it with a cleaning fluid and wipe the surface of the keyboard with it to clean the contour of the keys and chassis. You can also use the fluid Endust for Electronics for cleaning. If you are using this fluid for cleaning, then follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. The cloth should be moist and not wet.
• The next step is to wipe the keyboard with a dry cloth or a duster.
• For meticulous cleaning of the keyboard, remove the keys with a small screwdriver or a similar lever. Ease the screwdriver beneath the key and lightly lift the key-top off. After removing the keys, use compressed air or vacuum cleaner to remove the debris or dust present inside the keyboard. Clean all the keys using the fluid and a cloth, and then wipe with a dry cloth. While removing the keys, be careful so that it doesn't cause a problem while replacing. If required, allow the keyboard to dry before plugging.

Cleaning Laptop Keyboard

• Materials required for cleaning a laptop keyboard are cotton swabs, cosmetic foam rubber cleaning pads, paper towels, water, screw driver, lighter fluid, fine-tipped tweezers, scissors, kitchen strainer, household cleaner or windex and lubricant.
• Remove all the keys with a screw driver. Do not apply excessive force while cleaning as the keys might pop off. All keys are provided with rubber pieces. Collect all of them and keep them safely in a separate container.
• Clean the keyboard with a cotton swab, slightly dampened in water. For extremely small pieces, cut the rubber foam in pieces and use the tweezers for cleaning. Repeat this process with alcohol and cotton swabs. Finally, repeat the same with naphtha and foam rubber.
• Place all keys and rubber components in a kitchen strainer and spray household cleaner on them. Let it stand for 5 minutes. Rinse them with hot water and place them on paper towels. Fold the towels over the keys and rubber components so that all the water is soaked. Let them dry completely.
• Place all the keys in bottom-up position on a paper bag. Coat them with a lubricant from all four sides. Let it dry. Do not overdo this step as it might damage the keys.
• Finally, place all the rubber components and keys in their respective places.

Cleaning the keyboard regularly will increase its durability, performance and lifespan. Only when you start following a regimen, would you know how fruitful the practice, indeed is.