Your keyboard is an essential tool in your daily life, whether it’s for work, study, or entertainment. Daily usage inevitably leads to buildup of dust, grime, and bacteria. Thus, understanding how to properly clean a keyboard is not just vital for maintaining its functionality, but also for protecting your health. This guide begins by helping you understand the structure of various types of keyboards, so you can confidently disassemble and reassemble them. This will be followed by gathering the right cleaning materials to avoid any undesired damage. Finally, we’ll delve into the heart of the matter – step-by-step cleaning procedures and techniques for both light and deep cleaning your keyboard.
Understanding Keyboard Structure
Understanding Keyboard Structure
To effectively clean a keyboard, it is essential to become familiar with its structure first. Keyboards, traditionally, incorporate a typical layout known as QWERTY based on the arrangement of their alphabetic keys. There are other variants too, such as AZERTY and Dvorak, but they follow the same basic design. The keys are typically organized into four to five rows, including a numerical row at the top, alphabetic keys in the middle, and a row for the space bar, control keys, and function keys at the bottom. Most keyboards also include a separate number pad on the right side.
Recognizing the Design and Layout
Primarily, keyboards can be either mechanical or membrane-based. Mechanical keyboards consist of individual switches under each key, which provides tactile feedback when pressed. On the other hand, membrane keyboards use pressure pads that require full depression of the keys with less tactile response. Understanding the type of keyboard you have will guide you in the disassembly and reassembly process during cleaning.
Understanding Materials and Sensitivities
Most keyboards are made from plastic materials, but they may also incorporate metal and rubber parts, especially in mechanical keyboards. The keys are usually made with ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) plastic. They are painted or dyed with characters and then covered with a UV or a clear-coat finish. These materials can be sensitive to harsh cleaning solutions, potentially damaging the keys’ surfaces or removing the characters.
Disassembling and Reassembling Keyboards
The disassembly of a keyboard should be carefully undertaken to avoid damaging any components. Mechanical keyboards can be easily disassembled by pulling the keys out using a keycap puller or a similar tool. Remember the current design of the keys, perhaps by taking a pre-disassembly photo so you can correctly place them back during reassembly. For a membrane keyboard, it is usually not recommended to remove the keys because it can be difficult to reinsert them correctly.
Remember, no matter the type of your keyboard, you should always refer to the keyboard manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before proceeding. Some keyboards might have specific disassembly methods that will ensure you clean the device without damaging it.
Gathering Appropriate Cleaning Materials
What You Need: Appropriate Cleaning Tools
The first thing to do when you decide to clean a keyboard is to gather the necessary materials. Some common items that effectively clean keyboards include compressed air, microfiber cloths, and isopropyl alcohol.
Compressed Air
Compressed air is an essential tool in keyboard cleaning. It is used to blow out the dust and debris that gather beneath the keys. The force of the air unclogs the crevices which are otherwise hard-to-reach and keeps the keys stuck free from the minute particles. Compressed air cans are easily available at local computer stores, tech department in convenience stores or can be ordered online.
Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are excellent for wiping the surface of the keyboard. They are gentle, do not scratch your device, and can grab and hold dust particles effectively because of their unique fiber structures. These cloths can be found in electronics stores, online platforms, or even at your local supermarket in the cleaning aisle.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol – often known as rubbing alcohol – is great for tougher stains or sticky keys. It is a mild solvent that helps to break down oils, making it an ideal cleaning solution for certain parts of your keyboard. It can commonly be bought at drugstores, supermarkets, or online.
Warning: Use the Right Tools
When cleaning your keyboard, it’s important to avoid materials and cleaners that can cause damage. In particular, stay away from any cleaners that might be too abrasive for your keyboard like bleach-based cleaners or harsh chemicals. Also, never use water to clean your keyboard, this can cause severe damage by allowing moisture to get into the electronic components.
Take all necessary care while cleaning, especially if you’re dealing with a laptop keyboard, as it’s further connected to the device’s internal parts. Misuse of cleaning items might lead to irreversible damage.
Cleaning Procedure and Techniques
Preparing the Keyboard for Cleaning
The first step in cleaning your keyboard is disconnecting it from your computer. If it’s a wired keyboard, unplug it from the USB port or PS/2 connector. If it’s wireless, switch it off or remove the batteries. This is to prevent any possible damage from moisture or accidentally pressing keys during cleaning.
Light Cleaning Procedure
For light keyboard cleaning, start with simply inverting the keyboard and gently shaking it to dislodge any loose debris. Then, use a microfiber cloth to wipe the surface and keys. Follow this up by using a can of compressed air. Designed specifically for cleaning electronics, these are readily available at electronic stores or online. Angle the can at approximately 75 degrees and spray between the keys to dislodge any trapped dust or debris.
Deep Cleaning Procedure
If your keyboard requires a deep cleaning, slightly more involvement is required. Start by taking a picture of your keyboard. This will serve as reference when it’s time to replace the keys. Proceed to carefully remove the keys. Some keyboards allow for easy removal of keys while others may need a keycap puller, usually provided by the keyboard manufacturer or can be bought from an electronic store.
After removing the keys, repeat the shaking process and use the compressed air for an even deeper cleaning. For stubborn debris, use a soft brush gently. Then, take a cloth slightly damped with isopropyl alcohol and lightly wipe the keyboard base and each key. Don’t submerge keys in liquid; a light wipe down is sufficient.
Proper Drying Methods
After cleaning, it’s crucial the keyboard is fully dry before reassembly. Let the keys air dry, and if needed, use a dry cloth to wipe down the keys and the keyboard base. Avoid using a hairdryer as it could melt the keys or damage the keyboard’s internal parts.
Once the keys are completely dry, refer to the picture taken earlier and start replacing the keys accordingly. Check every key to ensure it’s functioning properly. If everything is working as expected, your keyboard is now clean and ready for use.
Regardless of whether the cleaning needed is light or deep, only do it when necessary and use minimal liquid to avoid any damages. Regular maintenance will keep your keyboard functioning properly and looking good. Always allow enough drying time before using the keyboard after cleaning.
Ultimately, by understanding how your keyboard is designed and what materials are involved, you become better equipped not only to prevent any potential damage, but also to effectively remove dirt and bacteria. Picking the right cleaning tools, such as compressed air, microfiber cloths, and isopropyl alcohol, further ensures the longevity and cleanliness of your keyboard. Furthermore, with our methods for light to deep keyboard cleaning, you would now be capable of keeping your keyboard in the best possible condition, thus improving the overall hygiene, functionality and lifespan of this most used device. It’s time to step up, apply this newfound knowledge, and give your keyboard the care it deserves!
