Computer maintenance is important not only to protect the computer and its value, but also to present a professional image. If you have business partners or clients coming to your desk, a tidy and clean environment is key. Start by making sure your keyboard is sparkling clean to give the right impression. If you look to outsource your commercial cleaning services, then you should ensure that this service is included. If you are looking for office cleaning in London or throughout the UK, then please get in touch with GCC Facilities Management.
Want to know how to clean a keyboard with inexpensive methods? Read on!
How to Clean a Keyboard: The Seven Easy Ways
Some of the methods below can be used to get rid of all debris, paperclips, sandwich crumbs and dirt. Others may be more effective when used in combination with some of the other methods listed. You may be more inclined to do a number of these methods together when you find out that: your keyboard may have 400 times more bacteria in it than a toilet seat!
The Tilt and Shake
One of the most basic ways to remove keyboard dirt is to manually shake it out. To do this safely, you must first disconnect it from the computer and make sure it is turned off. Then tilt the keyboard upside down and gently shake the keyboard over your desk, or even better, over a bin.
Using Compressed Air
For a slightly more thorough method, you can use the method above, but instead of shaking the debris out from between the keys, you can blow it out. For this, you will need to grab some compressed air, which can usually be bought from office supply shops. Remember to tilt the canister at an angle before using, or you may just push the debris further into the keyboard.
Time for Some Gentle Vacuuming
A vacuum can also work well at removing dirt from a keyboard. You will need the right type of attachment to make this method effective. Namely, a smaller hose attachment or even a brush attachment. Keys can be sucked up into vacuum cleaners, so it’s important that the vacuum is set to the lowest setting and tested before applying it to the keyboard. There are some mini desktop vacuums which are effective.
Cotton Buds and Isopropyl Alcohol
Okay – so this one is better for desktop keyboards with raised keys because a laptop or Mac’s keys have the hardware very close to the surface. Simply dampen a cotton bud with isopropyl alcohol and start cleaning in the small crevices between the keys. Isopropyl alcohol is a better choice than water because it dries quicker and is therefore safer.
If you haven’t got any cotton buds to hand, try wrapping some microfibre cloth around a knife and adding the isopropyl alcohol.
How to Clean a Keyboard with Flubber
Flubber isn’t exactly the name of the product we are referring to, but if you remember Robin Williams’s classic film, it will give you an idea of the product we are talking about. Many gooey-like products have been designed specifically to be moulded over your keyboard and pick up all the trapped dirt.
There are other specific products available in the form of wipes that are easy to get hold of and quite effective.
Hunt Down Some Clear Tape
Using the same sticky principle as the flubber method, clear tape can also do the trick. Simply apply clear tape to all the in-between spaces of the keys, making sure to wedge it in the small openings. When you remove the tape, it should also bring off dust and small pieces of dirt and debris.
Call in the Pros
Sometimes your keyboard may be especially dirty, or some debris may have gotten wedged between keys and is difficult to remove. Instead of risking the condition of your keyboard in these circumstances, it may be better to go to a tech store that can remove keys safely and give it a professional clean.
Before doing this, always consult your warranty to ensure using one of these services doesn’t invalidate your keyboard warranty. It is not recommended to take the keyboard apart yourself unless you really know what you are doing.
Spilt Liquid on Your Keyboard? Don’t Panic!
Accidentally spilling liquid on a keyboard can be a shocking event. But first off, don’t panic. Keyboard keys are designed to prevent liquids from seeping into their electronics. Unplug the keyboard from any electronics. Pat it dry with a lint-free cloth. Place the keyboard in a cool, dry area for 24-48 hours to fully dry out.
Don’t Forget the Rest
A clean keyboard is just the start if you want a professional and tranquil office space. Unfortunately, cleaning the rest of the office is not as quick and easy as the methods to clean a keyboard. However, you can outsource this responsibility to a renowned office cleaning company.
GCC Facilities Management is the go-to solution for commercial and office cleaning. Based in London, with national coverage across the UK, we provide a stellar and hygienic cleaning service. Get in touch to discuss your needs and how we can help. Leave the cleaning to us so you can do what you do best.