Here's how to clean your keyboard.
In general, there are two different types of keyboards,
external and laptop,
each of which requires its own cleaning process.
Use our clickable sections below
to find the cleaning process
that pertains to your keyboard's style.
Let's start with an external keyboard.
Before you get started,
here's what you'll need.
Rubbing alcohol; cotton swabs;
a clean microfiber cloth;
a can of compressed air,
which is great for blowing away dust
in hard-to-reach areas;
and a toothpick,
which can scrape up embedded dirt.
First, unplug your keyboard or remove the batteries.
Next, turn the keyboard upside down
to let any loose debris fall out naturally.
If you have a can of compressed air,
use it to blow loose any additional debris.
Now, dampen a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol
and use it to clean around the keys.
The cotton swab should be wet,
but not dripping.
Dispose of the swab once it's picked up enough dirt.
You may need more than one swab
to cover the entire keyboard.
Next, if you have a toothpick
and see any stubborn debris,
use it to carefully remove that debris now.
Now apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth or towelette.
Again, damp, not dripping.
And use it to clean the tops of the keyboard keys
as well as the surrounding areas.
Finally, use the dry lint-free cloth
to remove the last of the dust
and polish your keyboard.
Many external keyboards
will also let you remove individual keys,
which is great for cleaning
the spaces underneath the keys.
This will also let you give
each key a more thorough cleaning.
Check the manual for your specific keyboard
to see if the keys are removable
and how to remove and replace them if they are.
Now let's clean a laptop keyboard.
Here are the supplies
you'll want to have at your disposal.
Low-adhesive clear tape or a cleaning slime
and disinfecting wipes.
A can of compressed air is optional here,
but it can be useful if you have it.
First, turn off your laptop
and disconnect it from any power sources.
Next, flip your laptop upside down
to let any loose debris fall naturally
out of the keyboard.
If you have a compressed-air can,
use it to blow loose any additional debris now.
Next, if you're using clear tape,
use the sticky side
to collect additional debris.
It's also a good idea
to stick the tape under the keys
and maneuver it around for a more in-depth clean.
Or, if you choose the cleaning slime,
repeatedly press it into the spaces between the keys
and lift, picking up grime as you go.
Next, use the disinfecting wipes
to clean the tops of the keyboard keys,
using the light pressure of your palm.
Remember, the goal is not
to soak your keyboard with disinfectant,
but rather to give it a quick once-over.
So you may want to squeeze
the wipes out beforehand
to reduce moisture.
Lastly, use a dry cloth or towelette
to remove the last of the dust
and give your keyboard a polish.
Make sure to let the keyboard
completely dry out
before using your laptop again.
Now your keyboard is clean
and ready to get back to work.