I’m a cleaning expert–computer keyboards trap so much dirt but here’s how to clean between and beneath the keys
MANY of us eat while we work and work while we eat.
This means that our computers and their keyboards become filthy, covered in both visible and invisible crumbs, grime, and debris.
Although you may think you’ve done your job by swiping a cleansing wipe over your laptop every now and then, the truth is you aren’t reaching the little bits that are stuck between and beneath the keyboard’s keys.
Luckily, there are a few easy ways to get your computer looking and feeling new.
LAPTOP KEYBOARD
If you own a laptop with an attached keyboard, cleaning it may be simpler than you think.
Start by turning your laptop upside down and giving it a light shake. This can help loosen and remove any crumbs trapped inside.
According to Kevin Geick, a manager at Bio Recovery, you can also use a can of compressed air to remove the more stubborn bits.
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“Just be careful not to go too deeply under the keys; components under the keys can be delicate,” he told MarthaStewart.com.
STANDALONE KEYBOARD
If you have a computer with a detached keyboard, you can start by trying the flip and shake method as well.
If that doesn’t work, check if your keyboard has removeable keys.
Although the key removal and replacement approach is a viable one, Geick said it is an ultimate last resort.
STUCK ON DEBRIS
Sometimes, both the flip method and the canned air method just don’t get the job done.
Geick said that if that’s the case, you should buy cleaning putty to get into the deeper crevices.
“These go by a few other names, as well, such as cleaning slime and gel, and are affordable,” he said.
As for the “last line of defense”—which still comes before the key removal approach—Geick said they would use a vacuum on a very low setting.
Once you’ve removed the inner dirt, you should use a disinfectant wipe on the keyboard’s surface.
CLEAN OFTEN
Besides these more in-depth methods, Geick explained that it is important to rub down your keyboard regularly with cleansing solutions.
“A general fact to remember is that your keyboard is most likely dirtier than your toilet seat.
“So while cleaning under the keys isn't totally necessary on a weekly basis, giving the exterior of the keyboard a light cleaning once per week is a good idea.”
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