My Keyboard
September 6, 2010
I am not a germaphobe but I like things reasonably clean. Our main computer keyboard is used on a daily basis several times a day unless we are away. While it is used mainly by my husband and me, it is also used on occasion by one or more of our kids and friends. I do the old dust off routine so it usually doesn't look too bad. The other day my husband said he heard that computer keyboards were less sanitary than toilets. Well that doesn't surprise me all that much since most kitchen sinks are less sanitary than toilets [something to think about]. So I pondered his statement then decided to act because I couldn't remember the last time I gave the keyboard a good cleaning. Note that I said I couldn't remember when not that I haven't cleaned it. I've heard a lot of ways to clean a keyboard including putting it into the dishwasher. Here's the way I clean ours:
- unplug from the computer - Ours is a MAC but this method works on a PC as well.
- turn the keyboard over and hold on an angle resting on solid surface
- lightly tap the keyboard to dislodge any larger pieces dust or dirt
- vacuum the keyboard to get any remaining dust or dirt
- wipe the surface of the keys with rubbing alcohol
- dip a Q-tip into rubbing alcohol to clean between each key, changing Q-tip as needed
- any stains that remain can be removed with a Mr. Clean magic eraser
- wipe the surface again with rubbing alcohol
- plug the keyboard back into the computer - The keyboard is now clean and sanitized ready for use.
Garden Gnome
©2006-2010
3 comments:
I actually take the keys off. Just take a picture of the keyboard before you do it!
I take the keys off, too... and then put them in one of the little bins you use in the dishwasher for tiny things... and run them through the dishwasher. The rest of the keyboard gets a good cleaning with my favorite cleaner of the month. I just replaced a keyboard after about 10 years. If it hadn't been for the semi-annual cleanings, it probably wouldn't have lasted much more than three years.
Taking the keys off and running them through the dishwasher sounds like a good plan as well. The downside is you have to wait until the dishwasher cycle is over and the keyboard is reassembled to use it.
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