How to Clean a Computer Keyboard

If you can't tell which keys are which on your computer keyboard, then there's a good chance that it needs a good cleaning. Follow the steps in this guide for to clean your keyboard quickly and efficiently to make it look as good as new!

In this in depth video, Veronica Belmont shows you how to clean a computer keyboard. in just a few easy steps.

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Mahalo Daily: How to Clean a computer Keyboard
- YouTube: How To Clean Your Keyboard (5:22)
Introduction
- If you use your computer on a regular basis, you've probably noticed that your keyboard can become pretty filthy after a while. With all of the dust, dirt and debris that can be floating around your work station (not to mention the food and drinks you may have spilled), it's no wonder that your keyboard can become a sticky, grimy mess! Not only can a dirty keyboard affect its functionality, but the germs and bacteria that accumulate can also pose a health risk. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have your keyboard looking like new in no time.
What You'll Need
1. ]
2. Compressed Air
3. Lint-Free Cloth or Rag
4. Electronic Cleaning Fluid
5. Cotton Swab or Q-Tip
6. Small Flat-Head Screwdriver
Step 1: Unplug Your Keyboard
- - The first thing that you'll want to do before doing any cleaning is to make sure that your keyboard is detached from any electrical power source. That way you won't get shocked!
    Turn your computer off.
    Unplug your keyboard from the computer.
    Wrap the cord up nicely so it doesn't get in your way.
Step 2: Remove Your Keys
- - Since most of the dirt and debris that gets stuck in your keyboard is caught underneath or in between the keys, you're going to have to remove your keys in order to get your keyboard completely clean. While this may sound like a complicated and difficult process, most people don't know that the keys on their keyboard actually pop off quite easily. Here's how:
    Before removing any of the keys, make sure to jot down a diagram of the position of keys on the keyboard (or refer to the basic diagram provided below). This way you will know exactly where they go when you're putting them back.
    Take your screwdriver (a pocket knife, fork or even a car key will do) and place it in the space underneath each key.
    Gently lift up until the key pops out of its post. Place each of the keys in a plastic bag or bowl so they don't get misplaced or lost.
    Some of the larger keys (Space Bar, Enter, Shift, Caps Lock) can be tough to get back on, so you will probably want to leave those on.
- For a complete keyboard diagram, click here: Mac or PC
Step 3: Clean Your Keyboard
- - Now that you've removed all the keys, you are ready to get in there and clean out all that grime.
    Turn your keyboard upside-down over a trash can and shake it gently to remove any large pieces of debris.
    Take your can of compressed air and spray throughout the keyboard. The powerful spray should loosen and remove even more dirt.
    Moisten your cotton swab with a small amount of cleaning fluid and start to clean those hard to reach places (such as corners, angles, and around each key post).
    Use your cloth to do a final wipedown and cleaning.
    Set your keyboard aside to dry.
Step 4: Clean Your Keys
- - Once you've got your keyboard clean, it's time to start cleaning your keys as well. Chances are that they have some caked on dirt from the sweat and grime of your fingertips, so cleaning them can improve the overall appearance of your keyboard drastically.
    Grab your bowl or bag of keys.
    Put a liberal amount of electronic cleaning fluid on your lint-free cloth.
    Clean and scrub each key individually, and put them on a dry paper towel to dry.
    Give a quick scrub to the large keys that you left on the keyboard.
    Let the keys dry.
Step 5: Put It All Back Together
- - Now that everything is clean, you're ready to reassemble your keyboard and get back to typing. But don't rush it. It's better to be safe than sorry when mixing liquids and electronic products.
    Wait a full day to let your keyboard and keys dry out completely. If you use your keyboard while it's still wet, you can permanently damage its circuitry.
    After drying, use your diagram and reattach each of the keys onto your keyboard. Test each one to make sure it is properly attached.
    Turn your computer back on, and plug in your keyboard.
    Bask in the glory of your shiny white keys!
Tips For Keeping Your Keyboard Clean
- As with most things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In order to keep yourself from having to repeat all of these steps every few months, try using some of these tips to keep your keyboard clean:
  1. Don't eat or drink around your keyboard. I know that this may seem like common sense, but many people forget and end up with a keyboard full of cookie crumbs. (By "many people," I mean me.)
  2. Purchase a Vinyl Keyboard Cover to protect your keyboard from dust and debris while you are away from your computer.
  3. Wash your hands before you sit down to type. This will lessen the amount of dirt on your fingers that gets on your keyboard.
Resources For How to Clean Your Keyboard
- HelpWithPics.com: Cleaning Your Keyboard
- MetaCafe: How to Clean Your Computer Keyboard (Time: 10:11)
- WebMD: Clean That Computer Keyboard April 26, 2006
- Washington Post: How to Clean Your Keyboard October 1, 2006
- About.com: How to Clean a Desktop Keyboard