How to Clean a Keyboard

Shut down the computer and detach the keyboard connector before any cleaning procedure. Do not remove or connect a keyboard while the computer is running. Doing so may damage the machine if you have a non-USB-based keyboard. Detaching the keyboard while the computer is running is safe when the keyboard is connected to the computer via USB. For a quick cleaning, turn the keyboard upside down and use a can of compressed air to blow out any foreign matter. Be sure to do this in a location where falling debris can be cleaned up easily. Turn the keyboard upside down and tap on it a few times. You should see a bit of dirt fall out. Change the angle and tap harder to make most of it get out. Clean the sides of the keys with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. For a more thorough cleaning, remove all of the keys. Do this by gently prying up each key with a small screwdriver or a similar lever. When the keys have been removed, blow out any debris with compressed air. With a moist (but not wet) cloth, lightly swab all surfaces. Do not allow any type of fluid to enter the keyboard.

Belinda

1. Turn your computer off.
2. Disconnect the keyboard.
3. Gently turn the keyboard over and shake to remove loose dust and particles.
4. Use the compressed air to blow between keys and dislodge dirt trapped underneath.
5. Turn the keyboard over again and shake to remove loosened dirt.
6. Put a small amount of cleaner on the cloth or swab. They should be slightly damp to avoid dripping liquids into your keyboard.
7. Gently clean keyboard keys and other surface areas. Do not use abrasives or scraping action on the keys, or you may risk removing their labels.
8. If there is still grime around the edges of the keys, try using an alcohol-based wipe or a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a dust free cloth. Once again, this may remove or damage the letters on top of the keys, so proceed with caution.
9. Allow the keyboard to dry, if necessary, before plugging it back into your computer.


Pattira031_4EN

Dip a cotton swab into some gentle isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and brush it in the area surrounding each key. You may need to use multiple swabs, depending on the amount of dirt. If you’re unsure of the alcohol's strength, try it on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure that it doesn’t cause discoloration or remove the lettering on the keys.


Arisa 046 4EN

I don't know.
I never clean the keyboard.
I'm a bit dirty.

1. Unplug the keyboard from the computer.
2. Assemble your cleaning supplies.
3. Clean betwixt the keys.
5. Clean the keys themselves.

Pikunsri 004 4EN

The best way to clean your keyboard keys is to soak them in a mixture of hot water and hand or dish soap. I find that dish soap works best for this and helps to remove any and all food particles attached to the keys themselves. Mix the keys around with your hands and scrub them with a washcloth to ensure that they are fully cleaned. Lay them out to dry for a few hours and once they are completely dry gently place them back into your keyboard and plug it back into your computer. This may seem like a long time, but you want to ensure that there is no left over water that could ruin your keyboard

Thurada 4EN (051)

Remove Loose Debris
Shut down your computer. If you’re using a wired desktop keyboard, unplug it.
Tilt the keyboard upside down and shake it to remove any loose debris. If you have a can of compressed air, you can spray it in between the keys as well.
Clean the Keys
Dip a cotton swab into some gentle isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and brush it in the area surrounding each key. You may need to use multiple swabs, depending on the amount of dirt. If you’re unsure of the alcohol's strength, try it on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure that it doesn’t cause discoloration or remove the lettering on the keys.
Dip a cloth or towelette into the isopropyl alcohol, and brush it along the tops of all the keys and surfaces, taking care to scrub heavily used areas (such as the Enter key and spacebar) to remove buildup. For particularly dirty spots, you can use a toothpick.
Use a dry, lint-free cloth to remove dust and polish the keyboard.
If you’re using a wired desktop keyboard, plug it back in.
With such periodic cleaning, your keyboard will stay relatively germ-free and appear brand-new. But if your keyboard looks more like a hazardous-waste zone, you can do a more thorough industrial-strength cleaning.

Remove and Clean the Keys
Most desktop keyboard letter keys are designed to allow you to remove them with a blunt tool such as a butter knife or flathead screwdriver. Simply place the tool under a corner of a key, and pry it off. If you’re unsure of your particular model, or if you are using a laptop, consult your device's manufacturer to learn whether key removal is supported, so that you avoid damaging your keyboard.
Once you've removed the letter keys, you can wash them individually with water and soap, or alcohol, to remove dirt.

After washing, dry the keys, and then place them on a towel to continue drying.
Clean the Keyboard Trenches
With most of the keys removed, you should have better access to the area underneath. Thoroughly blow out this area with compressed air, or even a gentle vacuum.
Dip a cloth or towelette into isopropyl alcohol, and wipe it along the inner surfaces.
Rebuild the KeyboardAs soon as the keys are totally dry, pop them back into place. Each key should snap back on with a small amount of pressure. If you forget where each key goes, consult a keyboard map.

Give everything one last wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth.
If you’re using a wired desktop keyboard, plug it back in.

Kamonwan 048 4EN

To clean out the crumbs, hold your keyboard upside down over a wastebasket and shake it gently. Then hold the keyboard vertically, still over the wastebasket and use a can of compressed air to spray between the keys. These two actions should dislodge most of the physical grit.

Dueanchat 024, 4EN