In today’s modern life, most students and the working society have traded in their pens and paper for the latest technology. With computers and laptops usually being the norm, most may fail to neglect the cleanliness of what can be considered the most used part of the handy machinery – the keyboard.
Health-focused publication WedbMD states that keyboards are prone to suffer corrosion damage from liquid spills and build-up of dust and debris, and also require constant cleaning and maintenance. “They are also a source of contamination, as they can harbour numerous microorganisms that include disease-causing bacteria.”
WebMD lists the following tools that you will need to clean your keyboard:
- Microfibre cloth
- Paper towels
- Rubbing alcohol
- Portable vacuum
- Cotton buds
- Can of compressed air
Picture: Pexels
Putting safety first, the above-mentioned publication lists the following personal protective equipment (PPE) that you should use:
- Anti-static gloves (to prevent dirt from sticking to your hands).
- Safety goggles (to keep the dust and particles from getting into your eyes).
- Home dust mask (to protect your respiratory system from the fine dust).
Follow the instructions below by WebMD to make your typing a pleasant experience:
- Before starting the actual cleaning process, prepare your working station by laying a towel or cloth on a flat surface for the dirt to fall onto. Wearing your PPE, switch off your device and unplug the keyboard, placing it on the towel to clean.
- Remove any loose particles by turning your keyboard upside down and moving it side to side.
- Using the can of compressed air, aim it at an angle while pointing down toward the keyboard and blow off the remaining fine dust. “It is important that you maintain an angle or else risk discharging refrigerants onto the keyboard,” says WebMD.
- Next, use the portable vacuum to suck up dust the can of compressed air did not blow off.
- Moisten your cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the surface of the keyboard.
- Finally, for a thorough cleaning, use a cotton bud moistened with rubbing alcohol to reach the spaces between keys.
Home cleaning company Sparkle and Shine also shares that removing the filth using a brush will also do the trick.
“The abundance of dirty keyboards has led to the development of specialised computer keyboard brushes in various sizes and shapes,” says Sparkle and Shine. While toothbrushes can help remove the baked-on debris, running a brush between the keys will have your keyboard dust-free.
Also see: DIY tricks to keep your tiles shiny
