Like what you just read? You’ll love our magazine! Go here to subscribe. That said, if you’re the only person using your computer, most of that bacteria likely won’t cause you any serious harm, and other research finds that once per week is okay.īut prevention is key here: Washing your hands regularly and keeping snacks away from your computer will keep the area less grimy. In the same study above, the researchers reported that 52% of people said they clean their keyboard about once or twice a month-but to properly disinfect, you should aim to clean it with a disinfectant wipe daily, the authors say. ✅ Depending on your device’s specific user manual, many manufacturers recommend removing the keys completely (they should pop right off) for a deep-cleaning at least once per year. You can also spray a cotton swab with the diluted alcohol and use that to clean hard-to-reach areas.Īfter you give it a gentle sweep, let your keyboard rest for a few minutes while it dries off-and always make sure everything is 100% dry before powering back on. If you’re using a wipe, you may need to squeeze out excess liquid. In this case, “wet” doesn’t mean soaking-you want to see moisture on the surface of the keys, but liquids shouldn’t be allowed to soak into the keyboard. “Clean the keys and the surrounding area by wiping them and keeping them wet for about three minutes if you’re looking to disinfect,” Maker says. Do not use aerosol cleaning sprays or wipes that contain bleach. Apple recommends a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. Here, Maker explains, you have a choice: You can use either a disinfectant wipe or a microfiber cloth coated with diluted rubbing alcohol (equal parts water and alcohol). But when you think about how many snacks you’ve had sitting over your computer, then it won’t surprise you.” How do I clean the surface of my keyboard? “It is shocking how much stuff comes out of there. “This is not a step to be skipped,” Maker says. When they fall out, sweep them up and send them packing. It’s important to do this process top to bottom, ensuring that crumbs and dust fall out instead of getting lodged in a forgotten corner. (For external keyboards, a toothbrush alone works just fine for this step, but compressed air will be gentler on laptops.) “If you have compressed air, you can start doing short blasts from top to bottom to squeeze any of those crumbs out of the areas between keys.” Now, use a clean toothbrush to sweep out larger or stubborn debris in short strokes. ❗Always shut down your computer before cleaning any parts. For laptops, aim for a 75-degree angle, per Apple’s website. Then, “start by taking the keyboard and tilting it up on its short side, straight up, over a flat surface,” Maker explains.

External keyboards should be disconnected from your computer completely. To play it safe, make sure you shut your computer down first. Some of this equipment is interchangeable-a soft toothbrush can fill in for compressed air, for example-but it’s best to have all of it at hand, just in case.

Keyboard cleaning only takes a few household items, according to Maker. What equipment do I need to clean my keyboard? It might even work better after a bit of elbow grease. Whether your keyboard has seen one too many desk lunches or your laptop is about to become your de facto office (looking at you, people stuck working from home), this cleaning technique only takes a few minutes and will leave your keyboard squeaky clean.

Keyboard cleaner website