Buzz
Keyboards tend to get dirty after prolonged use, especially if users frequently eat or smoke near their computers. A dirty keyboard can negatively impact its performance, leading to issues such as unresponsive keys, stuck keys, or repeated characters while typing. Note that disassembling the keyboard as described below may void the warranty.
Steps
General Cleaning
Turn off the computer and disconnect the keyboard before cleaning. Avoid unplugging or reconnecting the keyboard while the computer is still on. This can damage the computer if you’re using a keyboard with a traditional connection port. Disconnecting the keyboard while the computer is running is only safe if the keyboard uses a USB connection.
For a quick clean, turn the keyboard upside down and use compressed air to blow out any debris stuck inside. Make sure to do this in an area where the debris can be easily swept away. Flip the keyboard over and tap it a few times. You’ll notice dust and dirt starting to fall out. Continue changing angles and tapping more firmly to thoroughly clean out the internal debris.
Clean the sides of the keys using cotton swabs dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
For a more thorough cleaning, remove the keys. Use a small flathead screwdriver or a similar tool to gently pry off each key. Once the keys are removed, use compressed air to blow out any remaining dust. Wipe the surfaces gently with a damp (but not wet) cloth. Be careful not to let any liquid seep into the keyboard.
Clean each key individually and reattach them to the keyboard.
What to Do If You Spill Liquid on the Keyboard
Disconnect the keyboard immediately or shut down the computer.
Turn the keyboard upside down and shake it gently.
Use a cloth to dry the liquid while the keyboard remains upside down.
Leave the keyboard upside down for as long as possible (at least overnight).
Alternative Methods
Turn off the computer and disconnect the keyboard.
Flip the keyboard over and remove the screws.
Detach the top part of the keyboard (the section with the keys) and set the bottom part aside.
- There may be some paper clips on the keyboard, and don’t forget to check for screws hidden beneath the keys.
Flip the top part of the keyboard over to expose the underside of the keys. Squeeze the edges of the keys to remove them; the spacebar may have a metal bar, making reattachment challenging but not impossible.
Prepare a bowl of cold water mixed with soap (dishwashing liquid works well).
Place the keys in the bowl and scrub them clean using a brush.
Remove the keys from the bowl and rinse them thoroughly with cold water (using a strainer for this step is more efficient), then air-dry the keys or use a hairdryer to dry them.
Clean the top half of the keyboard after removing the keys. Use a small amount of dish soap or regular soap and an old toothbrush to scrub the keyboard, then let it air dry.
Once all parts are dry, reassemble the keyboard.
Securely attach both halves of the keyboard together. If the two parts don’t align properly, the clips between the keys won’t touch the circuit board, and the keys won’t spring back as intended.
Reconnect the keyboard to the computer, power it on, and start using it!
Alternative Methods
Disconnect the keyboard from the computer.
Grab a butter knife, a thin soft cloth, and some multipurpose cleaning solution.
Wrap the cloth tightly around the knife blade. Depending on the type of knife, you may simply place the blade in the center of the cloth and fold the edges over to create a thick layer around the blade.
Dip the cloth-wrapped knife blade into the multipurpose cleaning solution.
Gently press the knife into the dirty gaps between the keys. Move the blade back and forth so the cloth can scrub away stubborn grime.
After 5 minutes of cleaning, remove the cloth from the knife, rinse it, and wring it dry. Re-dip the cloth into the cleaning solution and wrap it around the blade again.
Repeat the process until the keyboard is clean. Be careful not to touch the circuit board while cleaning, especially if you’re using a low-cost keyboard.
Tips
- Consider avoiding the removal of the spacebar as it is difficult to reattach correctly and prone to breaking.
- Take a photo of the keyboard with a camera or phone before removing the keys to ensure proper reattachment.
- Laptop keyboards differ slightly from desktop keyboards. You don’t need to remove the keys to clean a laptop keyboard. Isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs or compressed air are sufficient.
- Reattaching laptop keys can be tricky, especially the spacebar and Enter key, as they often have additional support mechanisms underneath. Removing laptop keys may also damage or break them, making reattachment difficult.
- If you forget the key positions, simply turn on your computer. On Windows, go to Start>All Programs>Accessories>Accessibility>On Screen Keyboard. On Mac, select Apple Menu>System Preferences>International>Input Menu, check the Keyboard Viewer box, open the flag menu in the top-right corner, and select Show Keyboard Viewer. This will display your keyboard on the screen for easy reference.
- Some people clean keyboards in dishwashers. Avoid this method unless you’re willing to risk damaging the keyboard. If you do, ensure the keyboard is completely dry before use. This method is not recommended for wireless keyboards.
- You can remove all keys, place them in a small, sealable bag (like a sock), and shake them as if washing clothes. Clean the keyboard frame with a vacuum and a damp cloth.
- As an alternative to compressed air, use a hairdryer on a cool, high-speed setting. Heat is unnecessary, and the airflow is effective for dust removal.
- Soak the keys in a plastic bag with soapy water and shake thoroughly. This removes oily residue that makes keys feel sticky, without fading the key labels, even with frequent cleaning!
- Remove keys in small groups to avoid losing track of their positions.
Warnings
- When using compressed air, avoid holding the can upside down. This can release liquid that may damage the keyboard. Always use compressed air in a well-ventilated area.
- Keep removed keys out of reach of children and pets. Loose keys pose a choking hazard.
- Do not inhale the contents of compressed air. While safe to use in open areas, the concentrated contents are toxic and can cause harm or even death.
