How to Clean the Keyboard

The keyboard will get dirty after a period of use, especially when users often eat or smoke in front of the computer. If the keyboard is dirty, its usability will also be affected. Common problems are that the keyboard doesn’t work or the keys get stuck and characters get repeated while typing. Note that dismantling the keyboard following the instructions below may violate the warranty.

Table of Contents

General hygiene

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Turn off the computer and disconnect the keyboard before performing the cleaning process. Do not disconnect or attach the keyboard while the computer is still active. This can damage the computer if you use a keyboard with a traditional connection. Disconnecting the keyboard while the computer is still active is only safe when the keyboard is connected via the USB port.

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For quick cleaning, turn the keyboard upside down and use a can of compressed air to blow out the stuck objects in the keyboard. Remember to do this in a place where debris can be easily wiped away. Turn the keyboard upside down and type on it a few times. You will see the dirt start to fall out. You keep changing the angle and knock harder to thoroughly clean the dirt inside.

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Clean the side of the keys with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol.

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For a more thorough cleaning, you will remove the keys. Do this by prying each key with a small screwdriver or similar tool. Once the keys have been removed, you will use a can of compressed air to blow away the dirt. Use a damp (but not wet) cloth to gently wipe surfaces. However, do not let water get into the keyboard.

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Clean each key and reattach to the keyboard.

Handling when accidentally spilled water on the keyboard

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Disconnect the keyboard immediately or turn off the computer.

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Flip the keyboard over and shake it.

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Try to dry the water with a towel while the keyboard is still upside down.

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Turn the keyboard upside down for as long as possible (at least overnight).

Alternative method

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Turn off the computer and disconnect the keyboard.

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Turn the keyboard over and remove the screws.

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Disassemble the top of the keyboard (the part where the keys are attached) and set the bottom aside.

There will probably be some paper clips on the keyboard, and be sure to look for the screws under the keys.

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Turn the top of the keyboard upside down so you can clearly see the underside of the keys, squeeze the edges of the key to remove it; the spacebar will have a metal rod so it can be difficult, but not impossible, to attach it to its former position.

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Prepare a bowl of cold, soapy water (dishwashing liquid also works).

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Put the keys in a bowl and scrub them clean with a brush.

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Remove the keys from the bowl and rinse with cold water (it is more effective to use a basket to store the keys in this step), then dry the keys or dry with a hair dryer.

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Clean the top half of the keyboard after removing the keys. Use some dishwashing liquid or regular soap and an old toothbrush to scrub the keyboard and dry it out.

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Once the parts are dry, you will reattach the keyboard.

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Fasten both parts of the keyboard together. If the two parts do not match, the clamp between the keys will not touch the circuit and will not produce a bounce.

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Attach the keyboard to the computer, turn it on and use it!

Other alternative method

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Disconnect the keyboard from the computer.

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Take a butter knife, a thin towel, and some all-purpose cleaner.

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Wrap the towel around the blade so that it is tight. Depending on the knife, you may be able to simply place the blade in the center of the towel and fold the edges to create a thick layer around the blade.

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Soak the towel-wrapped blade in an all-purpose cleaner.

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Use moderate force to place the knife between the dirty gaps of the keyboard. Move the blade back and forth so that the towel can clean stubborn stains.

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After 5 minutes of cleaning, you will remove the towel from the knife, rinse and wring dry. Continue to dip the towel in the cleaning solution and re-wrap it on the blade.

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Repeat the operation until the keyboard is cleaned. Be careful not to touch the circuit while cleaning if you are using a cheap keyboard.

Advice

You should consider removing the spacebar as it is difficult to get into place and is very fragile.
You can take a picture of the keyboard with your camera or phone before you remove the keys to see how to snap the keys into place.
Laptop keyboards will be slightly different from desktop keyboards. You do not need to remove the keys on the laptop keyboard to clean. Using isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab or can of compressed air should suffice.
The keys of a laptop keyboard are relatively difficult to attach after removing, especially the spacebar and the Enter key because there are often separate supports below, they need to be attached with the key. Furthermore, removing the keys on a laptop can damage and break the keys, or you may not be able to put the keys back in place.
If you forget where the keys on the keyboard are, just start the computer. On Windows operating system, select Start>All Programs>Accessories>Accessibility>On Screen Keyboard. For Mac operating systems, select Apple Menu>System Preferences>International>Input Menu, check the Keyboard Viewer box, open the menu with the flag in the upper right corner and select Show Keyboard Viewer. This will bring up your keyboard on the screen so that you can easily position the letter/digit/symbol keys.
Some people even put the keyboard in the dishwasher to clean it. You shouldn’t do this unless you don’t mind damaging the keyboard. When cleaning the keyboard in the dishwasher, make sure the keyboard is completely dry before using it. This method is not recommended if your keyboard is wireless.
You can remove all the keys on the keyboard and put it in a small bag that can be tied (such as socks) and crumpled like when washing clothes. Clean the keyboard frame with a vacuum cleaner and a wet cloth.
To replace the can of compressed air, you can use a hair dryer on a high speed. It doesn’t matter whether the heat mode is on or off. Using a dryer is also suitable for blowing away dust.
You can also soak the keys in a plastic bag with soapy water and shake well. This will clean the oil that makes the keys feel greasy and won’t cause the keys to lose characters even with regular cleaning!
Remove the keys in small groups to avoid losing or forgetting where the keys are.

Warning

When spraying compressed air, you should not turn the can upside down. This may cause liquid to spray onto the keyboard and cause damage. Also, remember to use compressed air in a cool place.
When removing the keys, you should keep them out of reach of small children or pets. Detachable keys present a suffocation hazard if swallowed.
Do not inhale the contents of the compressed air. While you can safely use compressed air in a well-ventilated area, the concentrate contained in a can of compressed air is very toxic and can cause injury, or even death.

Steps