A laptop keyboard is exposed to dirt and other contamination. It collects dust and exfoliated dead cells (from your fingertips), which go on to become food for bacteria and mites. That’s why it’s so important to keep the keyboard clean. Below we offer a few tips on how to clean the laptop keyboard not only as part of your everyday routine, but also in case of emergency, e.g. when you spill juice on it.
In this article you will find out:
- how to take care of your laptop keyboard on a daily basis,
- how to clean a flooded keyboard,
- what to use to clean a laptop keyboard.
How often do you have to clean the keyboard?
If you use your laptop on a daily basis, you may not notice that the keyboard gets dirty. Unfortunately, the heat of the computer attracts dust. There are also germs you carry on your hands as well as various crumbs and other tiny bits that can get in the spaces between the keys. You workstation (or gaming station, for that matter) should therefore be kept clean and tidy. If possible, try having your meals away from your computer. But this is not enough – the best way is to clean the keyboard regularly.
How often do you have to do it? It depends on how extensively you use your laptop. It’s good to wipe the keyboard every time you clean your desk – and this is something you should do at least once a week. You can do it more often if you keep your laptop open most of the time – uncovered keyboard accumulates dust much faster.
And once in a while you should clean the laptop keyboard thoroughly. You can do it every few weeks or months – and definitely when you can see it’s particularly dirty.
Everyday cleaning of your laptop keyboard
It’s not difficult to implement a regular cleaning routine. It’s enough to use a damp cloth or special antibacterial wipes. Wipe the surface of the keyboard to remove fingerprints, dust and exfoliated dead cells. Make sure the cloth you are using is not dripping. No liquid should find its way between or under the keys.
You can also dry-wipe the surface of the keyboard. That’s how you remove dust. But when you notice crumbs on the laptop keyboard, it’s time to use something more powerful. You definitely don’t want any of them to get under the keys, because this will interfere with the smooth operation of the keyboard. Fortunately, they can be blown out with compressed air. Use the tube attached to the spray, so that the crumbs can be removed from the surface of the laptop. Alternatively, you could turn the laptop upside down and shake it gently.
How to clean a dirty laptop keyboard?
The above procedures are sufficient for the regular maintenance of your laptop keyboard. In extreme cases you will have to try something better, though. For example when you spill something on your laptop or when another substance is stuck between the keys.
The most important thing is to disconnect the laptop from the source of power and close down the system. On this occasion, disconnect all peripherals and turn the laptop upside down, so that the liquid can drip out on a paper towel or a cloth. Don’t shake the laptop and be extra careful with the screen – you don’t want the fluid to spread all over the device. For this reason it’s a bad idea to use a hair-dryer.
If the laptop is flooded with water and you are quick to respond, you will be able to save the computer. But if it’s some kind of a sticky liquid, the chemicals may contribute to the electrochemical corrosion of the components inside your laptop. That’s why it will be necessary to dismantle the keys and wash them with water and detergent. The surface of the keyboard itself should be wiped with isopropyl alcohol diluted in distilled water.
What products can be used for cleaning a laptop keyboard?
In this short summary it’s good to come up with a list of products you could use to keep your laptop keyboard clean. As mentioned above, the basic thing in this case is an absorbent cloth (preferably made of microfibre) and antibacterial wet wipes. On top of this, it’s good to have isopropyl alcohol and distilled water, to help you get rid of more troublesome contamination. In order to reach the innermost corners of the keyboard you can use ear sticks.
And when you want to remove crumbs and dust, it’s best to use compressed air. An interesting alternative could be a special slime you apply on the keyboard. It collects all the specks. What is more, the slime is also antibacterial and reusable.
If you need a replacement keyboard, you’ll find one in Battery Empire!
If you take proper care of your laptop keyboard, you will be able to use it for years. But if it’s damaged after an accident, you can always find another one in our online store!
