The typical keyboard has been found to be so dirty it is sometimes 150 times beyond the recommended bacteria limit, meaning it’s 6 times filthier that your toilet seat. The keyboard is one of the gadgets constantly in use and attracts accidental food, liquid spillage and dust. Since you cannot live without your keyboard, cleaning it is very important if you would like to assure its life and your health.
To clean your keyboard you need a couple of cotton swabs, compressed air can or hand-held type of vacuum cleaner, a screw driver and some Isopropyl alcohol or any alcohol type of cleaning solution. Attempting the following traditional methods will leave your keyboard very clean.
 |
| Dell Wireless Keyboard and Mouse KM113, Available on eBay in GA's Shop |
Compressed air method
To clean the keyboard’s outer surface fast easily including the keys sides, use the compressed air can to blow the dust particles out of your keyboard. First, unplug and hold the keyboard in a comfortable horizontal position. Put the compressed air can’s nozzle or the vacuum cleaner’s inside the keyboard keys and start blowing.
Lots of the loose particles within the keyboard will be blown away. The method is very effective if you want to clean dust particles loosely hanging on the keyboard’s surface. However, it might not remove every one of the stubborn dirt attached to the keys.
 |
| HP Wireless Classic Keyboard and Mouse LV290, available on eBay in GA's Shop |
Isopropyl dipped cotton swabs method
Ensure your keyboard has been unplugged and all the dust particles have been blown away, perhaps using compressed air. Using the cotton swab dipped in cleaning alcohol or Isopropyl alcohol clean the surface off gently including the keyboard’s sides. Give the keyboard some time to dry.
While the keys’ sides will be clean, including most of the keyboard, chances are lots of dust particles that have penetrated inside the keyboard keys will still be around.
 |
| HP Multimedia wired Keyboard and Mouse C2600, available on eBay in GA's Shop |
Keys removal method
This method is perfect if liquids and food crumbs have spilled on your keyboard over a long period of time. Begin by unplugging your keyboard and using a butter knife or screwdriver to pull out the keys gently from their position. After popping out each key at a time, the dust particles will be very clear, including food particles accumulated.
Clean the dirt inside the keys and every key thoroughly prior to re-inserting it. Remember to remove the Space Bar gently since it’s the longest key and improper removal could break it off.
You can also remove every key and clean it prior to inserting; using a soap solution to clean the keys well. Do not scrub the key markings.
Once the keys are clean, let them dry for some time before you insert them back. Simply place each key in its rightful position and press it gently until it has fitted perfectly.
Note: No matter what method you use, remember not to pour any liquid inside the keyboard otherwise you might destroy its unit permanently.
 |
| Logitech Wireless Combo Keyboard and Mouse MK220, available on eBay in GA's Shop |
We are going to look at modern keyboard cleaning methods next.
Keyboards available by brand:
Dell Wireless Keyboard & Mouse KM113
HP Wireless Keyboard & Mouse LV290
HP Wired Keyboard & Mouse C2600
Logitech Wireless Keyboard & Mouse MK220
