Introduction
A laptop keyboard is a vital component of a laptop, and cleaning your laptop keyboard will help keep it from getting stuck. It might even help you avoid spending money on repairs if you’ve cleaned it regularly. However, cleaning a laptop keyboard can be challenging, and it’s important to use the right techniques and materials to prevent any damage. In this article, we’ll outline the steps you need to follow to clean your laptop keyboard safely and effectively.
Materials Needed
To clean a laptop keyboard, you’ll need a few basic materials. These include:
- A can of compressed air
- Microfiber cloth (The cloth that comes with your eyeglasses is also a microfiber cloth. So yeah, you can also use that.)
- Isopropyl alcohol (If you do not have alcohol you can use Liquid Dish Wash)
- Soft paint brush
- Cotton swabs
- Compressed air
- Flat head screwdriver
Preparation
Before beginning to clean your laptop keyboard, it’s essential to take some preparatory steps. Firstly, make sure you turn off the laptop and disconnect it from power. This is necessary to prevent any damage to your laptop or potential safety hazards. You’ll also want to move the laptop to a flat surface and cover it with a cloth or newspaper to protect against any potential spills. Lastly, prepare the cleaning materials and have these materials at hand before starting to clean the keyboard.
Cleaning the Keyboard
Once you’ve prepared your laptop, it’s time to start cleaning the keyboard. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Flip and Shake the laptop
USEFUL TIP
Place a towel on the table before shaking so that all of the crumbs and dust falls on that towel.
First, try flipping your laptop upside-down and giving it a good shake. Doing so can shake out some of those large crumbs (chunks of your favorite chips you have eaten in front of your laptop) that have been stuck between keys, which you might not be able to reach otherwise.
If you are cleaning your keyboard after a very long time then this step is important for you. Shaking your laptop will remove almost all the crumbs and debris from your keyboard.
2. Clean the keyboard using a paintbrush and compressed air
WARNING:
Don’t spray the compressed air directly under the keys to avoid damage.
Now is the time to take out the big weapons. Use the soft paintbrush to wipe off the dust that has accumulated on your laptop’s keyboard. Take a can of compressed air and attach a long straw to it. Spray the compressed air in the form of a zigzag pattern.
Rotate the keyboard and repeat the process from all four sides of the keys. Hold the laptop at a 45-degree angle to prevent debris from falling back into the keyboard. Spray the compressed air at an angle of 75 degrees to get the best result.
3. Use microfiber cloth with alcohol
WARNING!
Don’t use any liquid that contains a bleaching agent.
Next, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the keys and the surface of the keyboard. Be sure to use gentle, circular motions to remove any dirt or grime. Cleaning with rubbing alcohol is better, as it can evaporate and leave behind no residue.
Rubbing alcohol also has antibacterial properties that help prevent germs on your keyboard. Spray isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth and use it to clean individual keys.
If you don’t have isopropyl alcohol then you can use a 1:1 mixture of hot water and dishwashing liquid. Don’t spray the solution directly on the keyboard. Just to be safe, dry all of the liquid on your keyboard before turning on your laptop.
4. Remove keys if necessary
WARNING!
Laptops have a layer of rubber behind most keys so be gentle and try not to damage it and make sure you get rid of dust and debris without applying too much pressure or your key may break off.
There’s always going to be some crud under your keys that can’t be removed by shaking. So you have to remove your keys from your keyboard and clean underneath it. You can either scrape between them with your fingernail or gently pry them off with a small flathead screwdriver.
To remove the keys from your laptop keyboard just follow the below steps:
- Slip the flathead screwdriver under the key near the top or upper right corner of the key.
- If you are removing large keys like the spacebar place the screwdriver in the middle of the key.
- Once you have placed the screwdriver just gently lift it with very little force and pry the key off.
- After you have cleaned the keys just push them gently into their place.
Once you get all of them off, give ‘em a good scrub with an antibacterial cleaning wipe. Don’t forget about the space between each key that is hard to reach because they need cleaning too.
You can follow the detailed guide here to remove your laptop keys.
5. Use cotton swabs
For hard-to-reach areas, such as between the keys, you can use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to dislodge any remaining dirt or debris.
Letting the Keyboard Dry
Once you have finished cleaning your laptop keyboard, it’s important to let it dry completely before using your laptop again. This will prevent any damage to your laptop or any potential safety hazards. To ensure that your keyboard is fully dried, wait for at least 10-15 minutes after cleaning before turning your laptop back on.
To speed up the drying process, use a can of compressed air to blow off any excess water. Additionally, you can also use a fan to help circulate air and ensure that all areas of your keyboard are dry. With proper drying, you can help extend the lifespan of your laptop and protect it against any future damage.
Maintaining a Clean Keyboard
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your laptop keyboard clean. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your keyboard looking and functioning like new.
Use a Keyboard Cover
Using a keyboard cover is an easy way to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating between the keys. There are a variety of sizes and styles available, so make sure to pick one that fits your laptop’s specific model.
Wipe Down Your Keyboard Regularly
Using a microfiber cloth, wipe down your keyboard every few days to remove any dirt or grime buildup. Make sure to use gentle, circular motions when cleaning to avoid scratching the keys.
Avoid Eating or Drinking Over Your Keyboard
Spills can cause serious damage to your laptop, so it’s best to avoid eating or drinking over your keyboard. If you do spill something on your laptop, be sure to clean it up right away with a damp cloth.
By following these tips, you can keep your laptop keyboard clean and free of dirt and debris. Keeping it clean will help ensure that it continues to work properly and last for years to come.
How to clean a laptop keyboard without compressed air
Using a soft-bristled brush, a damp cloth, a cleaning solution, and/or a handheld vacuum can all help you clean your laptop keyboard without compressed air. Be sure to use gentle, careful strokes and avoid getting any moisture into the laptop. Use a cleaning solution sparingly and carefully on any stains or spills, and use a handheld vacuum on the lowest setting to avoid damaging the keyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I use alcohol wipes to clean my laptop keyboard?
A. Yes, you can use alcohol wipes to clean your laptop keyboard. However, make sure the wipes are only slightly damp before wiping down your keyboard. Do not use too much liquid, as this can damage your keyboard.
Q. How do I clean my laptop keyboard without removing the keys?
A. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, or a microfiber cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol, to remove any dirt and debris from in between the keys.
Q. Can I remove the keys from my laptop keyboard?
A. It is not recommended to remove keys from your laptop keyboard, as it can cause permanent damage.
Q. Can I use wipes to clean my laptop keyboard?
A. Yes, you can use wipes to clean your laptop keyboard, however, make sure they are only slightly damp. You should never submerge your keyboard or use excessively wet wipes on your keyboard.
Q. How to clean a laptop keyboard after a spill?
A. After a spill, you should immediately power off the laptop and unplug it from the power source. Then, carefully tilt the laptop so that the liquid will not enter further, and dry any liquid on the surface with a cloth or paper towel.
Once dry, you can then use a damp cloth and rubbing alcohol to wipe down the affected areas of the keyboard.
Q. How to clean a sticky laptop keyboard?
A. You can try using rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth to clean sticky residue off of your laptop keyboard. Make sure to use a minimal amount of alcohol and gently wipe down the affected areas of the keyboard until it is no longer sticky.
Conclusion
Keeping your laptop keyboard clean is an important part of preserving the life of your device. Following the steps outlined in this article will help you clean your laptop keyboard quickly and easily while avoiding any damage to the device.
Taking your time and being gentle during the process will ensure thorough and effective cleaning, and drying the keyboard completely before use is key to avoiding any further damage. With regular maintenance, your laptop will stay in great shape for years to come.
What to do Next!
If you have cleaned your laptop keyboard, the next thing will be your screen. Check this guide to easily clean your laptop screen safely.
