A laptop keyboard is one of the most used and exposed parts of your device. Over time, what was once clean is covered in dust, crumbs, dirt and, quite frankly, a bacterium. In addition, regular cleaning not only helps maintain your laptop’s performance but also ensures a hygienic workspace. This guide takes you through the proper way to safely clean your laptop keyboard, with a guide, tips, and precautions to avoid damage.
Clean Your Laptop Keyboard Safely
A dirty laptop keyboard can cause problems, from stuck keys and decreased typing efficiency to spreading germs. Here are the key reasons for why routine keyboard cleaning is essential:
Improved Performance
Dust, debris and crumbs can also wedge under the keys and cause them to be unresponsive or sticky. Keeping your keyboard clean will allow for smooth typing and avoid damage in the long term.
Better Hygiene
That is true, keyboards are a haven for bacteria and germs, especially if you eat or drink near your laptop. Regular cleaning helps keep your workspace a clean environment and reduces the risk of illness.
Extended Lifespan
Cleaning and maintaining your keyboard can help prolong its life, ultimately saving you money on repairs or replacements in the future.
Now that you know why you should clean your keyboard, let’s look at how to do it!
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin, you will need the following items to clean your laptop keyboard safely:
- A can of compressed air
- A soft microfiber cloth
- Cotton swabs
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or greater)
- A small brush (optional)
- Vacuum with a brush attachment (optional)
- A bowl of distilled water (not necessary for deeper cleaning)
- You want to steer clear of anything too harsh or abrasive, as these can fondle your keyboard.
How to Clean a Laptop Keyboard Without Damage
Step 1: Turn Off Your Laptop
- As a final note, always shut your laptop down and detach it from any power source before cleaning. This also contributes to safety by reducing the risk of electric scratches and accidental key presses.
Step 2: Shake Out Any Loose Debris
- Flip your notebook cover up or at an angle.
- Gently shake it to lose crumbs, dust and debris lodged between the keys.
- Gently tap the rear of the laptop to dislodge any stubborn particles.
- This step allows you to clear away larger debris before you deep clean.
Step 3: Use Compressed Air
- Keep the can of compressed air upright to avoid spraying out liquid.
- Spray little puffs of air between the keys, moving methodically from one side of the keyboard to the other.
- Spraying while tilting the laptop helps dislodge particles.
- Compressed air works wonders for removing dust and clutter from hard-to-reach places.
Step 4: Clean the Surface with Microfiber Cloth
- Moisten a microfiber cloth with a bit of isopropyl alcohol or distilled water.
- Dab the keyboard surface to remove smudges, fingerprints and grime.
- Do not oversaturate the fabric, as extra water can harm the internal parts of your notebook.
- Microfiber cloths are non-abrasive, perfect for cleaning delicate surfaces such as keyboards.
Step 5: Wipe Between the Keys
- Soak a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and wring out any excess liquid.
- Drag the wax between the spaces in the keys and on the edges of each key, which are often dust magnets.
- If it gets too dirty, replace the swab.
- It guarantees that those hard-to-reach areas will be cleaned thoroughly.
Step 6: Vacuum or Brush to Remove Residue
- Run a brush vacuum over the keyboard to remove any excess dust.
- Instead, use a small, gentle brush to dust it away.
- A low-suction vacuum should be used to prevent damaging the keys.
Step 7: Dry the Keyboard
Let your keyboard dry entirely before switching your laptop power back on. Do not apply hot air with a hair dryer or heater to the keyboard, as too much heat can destroy it.
Tips for Cleaning Different Types of Laptops
MacBook Keyboards
MacBook keyboards are particularly sensitive, so don’t apply too much pressure during cleaning. For best results, use a soft cloth and compressed air.
Gaming Laptop Keyboards
Most gaming laptops use mechanical or RGB keyboards. Avoid overdoing it with RGB lighting and excessive moisture. These keyboards are well suited to compressed air and alcohol wipes.
Detachable Keyboards
If the keyboard is detachable, you can remove it from your laptop and clean it more completely. To avoid damage, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cleaning a Powered-On Laptop: It is riskier to clean a powered-on laptop because it might get electrically damaged.
Excess Liquid: Excess liquid can seep into the keyboard and damage the internal components.
Using Harsh Chemicals: Don’t use bleach, ammonia or abrasive cleaners, which can harm the keyboard’s surface.
Spraying liquid Directly on the Keyboard: Never apply cleaning solutions directly to a cloth or the keys.
There are mistakes to avoid when cleaning laptop keyboards because if you make them, you’ll cause more harm than good.
FAQs
How do I know if my laptop keyboard is dirty?
For routine maintenance, try to clean your keyboard once a week and more thoroughly once a month.
Can I take off the keys to clean underneath?
Key removal is not recommended unless your laptop’s manufacturer explicitly states that it’s safe. Removing keys incorrectly can damage the keyboard.
Can I use household cleaners to disinfect my keyboard?
No, household cleaners are too strong and can damage the keyboard. For a safe clean, keep isopropyl alcohol or distilled water.
Conclusion
Learn how to clean your laptop keyboard safely with this essential guide. If you follow the step-by-step guide and use the right tools, you will not only keep your keyboard safe from dirt, debris, and germs but also help extend the life of your devices and keep your workspace clean!
This guide includes best practices for a long-lasting laptop keyboard, provided you perform regular maintenance, of course. Be it a student, professional, or gamer, maintaining your laptop keyboard should be one of the simplest yet strongest ways to boost your device’s performance and productivity.
