Do you clean your keyboard?

[Mehta23]

I've just had a thought that I'[ve never cleaned a keyboard. My new-ish X4 doesn't look that bad, but I can see some crumbs and things down there...

Any ideas for cleaning? I'm guessing I can just remove the keys (how?) and then use my Dyson to suck the dirt up.

 

[saptech]

I usually just turn it upside down and shake anything loose out. Then use a can of compressed air to blow anything else from it. I normally don't eat or drink, or allow others to eat & drink, near my computer, if I do I have a side table I sit it on.

 

[lunatic59]

Keyboards are generally simple devices of contacts springs and a circuit board. If you are having problems from contamination, then you *could* disassemble it and carefully clean it, but you can easily break/loose pieces in the process. If the keyboard works, just shake out the loose stuff and wipe off the keys with alcohol.

I've had liquid spills on keyboards and taken them apart to clean them and depending on the manufacturer they can be as easy as a couple of screws or it can be like trying to assemble a pocket watch with vice grips while wearing mittens ... in the dark.

Personally, if the keyboard is a couple of years old and showing signs of wear, I will replace it rather than bother trying to clean it.

 

[Mehta23]

I usually just turn it upside down and shake anything loose out. Then use a can of compressed air to blow anything else from it. I normally don't eat or drink, or allow others to eat & drink, near my computer, if I do I have a side table I sit it on.

Compressed air might be something to get then. Keyboard isn't that old but I was also worried about breaking the keys :S

 

[Shane2943]

I usually just turn it upside down and shake anything loose out. Then use a can of compressed air to blow anything else from it. I normally don't eat or drink, or allow others to eat & drink, near my computer, if I do I have a side table I sit it on.

Yep. I hit it with 120 PSI from my air compressor and then clean the keys and exposed plastic with alcohol. It's amazing the hair and crumbs and junk that come flying out from under the keys when I use that much PSI of compressed air.

A can of compressed air works too when an air compressor is not convenient.

 

[SiempreTuna]

Definitely, if you want to try your dyson on a laptop keyboard, remove the key tops first - its either that scrabble through the dust in the vacuum to get 'em back later

Here speaks the voice of experience ..

On a regular keyboard, may not be such an issue as they tend to be better connected.

Have to say, I usually stick with the turn-it-upside-down-and-shake method. Then maybe wipe the keys with one of those baby wipes.

 

[Mehta23]

This look ok? 5 Star Air Duster Can HFC Free Compressed Gas Flammable 400ml: Amazon.co.uk: Office Products

 

[unnamedny]

my logitech keyboard has bunch of designed holes on bottom for the dust to drop out.

 

[sfbloodbrother]

Yeah, just get something that can lift up the keys to pop them out. Then you can use something to clean tho gunk out of there. You also may want to use rubbing alcohol to clean the keys.

 

[Co1dNight]

I clean mine once a week.

 

[Davdi]

I clean mine when the crumbs under the keys start attracting mice.

 

[corvaxmuzzy]

Air compressor.

Or take it apart.

Alcohol or white vinegar.

Do NOT eat near your keyboard.

Wash your hands before touching your keyboard.

 

[Mehta23]

I dont always eat near the keyboard, but I never sue it with dirty/greasy hands ( I cant stand that)

I see a few recommending removing some keys, but Im worried that they wont get back on properly, and will wobble about a bit...

 

[NightHawk877]

I haven't cleaned my keyboard in years. Not looking forward to it.

 

[corvaxmuzzy]

I dont always eat near the keyboard, but I never sue it with dirty/greasy hands ( I cant stand that)

I see a few recommending removing some keys, but Im worried that they wont get back on properly, and will wobble about a bit...

Please, do not remove your keys. Most keyboards can be easily disassembled (from the bottom). This is not the same as "removing keys." If such sounds scary to you, there are other options:

You can take your keyboard to an auto mechanic & ask them to blast the keys with their air compressor. They will probably be so amused that they will not charge you.

Or, just take the keyboard outside & blow on it (the areas between the keys) as hard as you can. Finish by douching it with alcohol and or a strong disinfectant.

 

[sfbloodbrother]

Not occiasionally. But I do when I notice things inside the keyboard.