- Shut down your computer. If youre using a wired desktop keyboard, unplug it.
- Tilt the keyboard upside down and shake it to remove any loose debris. If you have a can of compressed air, you can spray it in between the keys as well.
- Dip a cotton swab into some gentle isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and brush it in the area surrounding each key. You may need to use multiple swabs, depending on the amount of dirt. If youre unsure of the alcohol's strength, try it on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure that it doesnt cause discoloration or remove the lettering on the keys.
- Dip a cloth or towelette into the isopropyl alcohol, and brush it along the tops of all the keys and surfaces, taking care to scrub heavily used areas (such as the Enter key and spacebar) to remove buildup. For particularly dirty spots, you can use a toothpick.
- Use a dry, lint-free cloth to remove dust and polish the keyboard.
- If youre using a wired desktop keyboard, plug it back in.
Remove and Clean the Keys
- Most desktop keyboard letter keys are designed to allow you to remove them with a blunt tool such as a butter knife or flathead screwdriver. Simply place the tool under a corner of a key, and pry it off. If youre unsure of your particular model, or if you are using a laptop, consult your device's manufacturer to learn whether key removal is supported, so that you avoid damaging your keyboard.
- Once you've removed the letter keys, you can wash them individually with water and soap, or alcohol, to remove dirt.
- After washing, dry the keys, and then place them on a towel to continue drying.
- With most of the keys removed, you should have better access to the area underneath. Thoroughly blow out this area with compressed air, or even agentle vacuum.
- Dip a cloth or towelette into isopropyl alcohol, and wipe it along the inner surfaces.
- As soon as the keys are totally dry, pop them back into place. Each key should snap back on with a small amount of pressure. If you forget where each key goes, consult akeyboard map.
- Give everything one last wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth.
- If youre using a wired desktop keyboard, plug it back in.
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