Gunky keyboards are no good.
Spruce yours up safely with these tips.
For starters, your hands carry all types of bacteria.
Photo:Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali
Not to mention the dust and skin cells that are constantly infiltrating the tiny spaces.
It’s time to clean your laptop keyboard.
We explain how to give it a surface clean and a deep clean with these simple steps.
Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali
Make it a habit to clean your keyboard weekly.
If your keyboard is exceptionally dirty and the keys pop on and off, continue to the next method.
Move the brush slowly across the keys to trap debris.
Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali
Turn the keyboard to different angles to get the best cleaning results.
Disinfect the Keyboard
Your keyboard is warm and a welcome environment for bacteria to thrive and multiply.
A disinfectant will kill the bacteria and help cut through the oils left by your fingers.
Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali
Using a disinfectant to keep it clean will, hopefully, also keep you a bit healthier.
Don’t have a disinfecting wipe?
Dampen a lint-freemicrofiber clothwith isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to clean the keyboard.
Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali
Remember, the cloth should be only slightly damp, not dripping.
Take a Photo With Your Phone
Think you have the keyboard memorized?
Best to play it safe and snap a pic of the keyboard just in case.
Remove the Keys Carefully
Insert the tool under the key and gently pry upwards.
The key should pop off easily.
Don’t force it, or you may break it.
Put the keys in a bowl where you won’t lose them.
This area houses delicate hardware, so you want to avoid using any liquids in this area.
Replace the Keys
Using the photo you took, replace the keys on your laptop.
Don’t force them into placethey should snap into their slots easily.
If you force them on, you could break the plastic and end up needing a replacement key.
No, you should not use tissue to clean your laptop.
Tissue shreds easily; if you clean with it, you may leave fibers behind.
Always check your manufacturer’s website first to ensure it’s safe.
Some cleaning products are too abrasive and can remove the lettering from the keys or damage the unit.
Never use overly saturated wipesyou want them just damp enough to clean with.
Never use any wipes that contain bleach on your laptop.
