How to Clean Your Keyboard

Every busy office needs a clean and germ-free workspace so everyone can stay healthy and get work done. But guess what? Keyboards, despite being used constantly, are often forgotten in cleaning routines. Surprisingly, about 31% of office keyboards aren’t cleaned, leading to health risks from bacteria and germs

If you want a healthier and more productive workspace, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s talk about easy, effective ways to clean keyboards. They’ll not only look great but stay germ-free and work perfectly.

From the trusty mechanical keyboards of your coding team to the sleek ones used in client meetings, we’ve got practical office cleaning tips for every type of keyboard.

Understanding Keyboard Types and Their Cleaning Needs

General Tips

• Regular dusting and surface cleaning can prevent the buildup of debris.
• Always turn off and unplug keyboards or laptops before cleaning.
• Avoid spraying any cleaning solution directly onto the keyboard.

Preparing Your Workspace for Keyboard Cleaning

Step 1: Clear Your Workspace

• Clear the area around the keyboard. This includes removing papers, pens, and other desk items that cleaning might affect.
• Ensure a flat, stable surface to work on, reducing the risk of accidental damage.

Step 2: Gather Keyboard Cleaning Supplies

1. Microfibre cloths: Ideal for gently wiping surfaces without scratching.
2. Compressed air: Useful for blowing dust and debris from under the keys.
3. Isopropyl alcohol: A safe cleaning solution for most keyboards.
4. Mild soap: Useful for cleaning keycaps with water.
5. Cotton swabs: Helpful for cleaning tight spaces and edges.
6. Soft brushes: Useful for gently removing dust from hard-to-reach areas.
7. Keycap puller (for mechanical keyboards): To safely remove keys.

Avoid harsh chemicals (e.g. bleach or ammonia-based cleaners) and excessive water, as they can damage keyboard surfaces.

Step 3: Perform Safety Precautions

1. Turn off and unplug the keyboard or laptop. This prevents electrical risks and potential short-circuiting.
2. If using liquid cleaners, ensure they’re not applied directly onto the keyboard. Instead, lightly dampen the cloth or swab.

Step-by-Step Keyboard Cleaning Process

Cleaning a keyboard effectively involves several steps, each designed to ensure thorough cleaning without causing damage. Here’s a guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Initial Cleaning

• Turn off and disconnect the keyboard or laptop for safety.
• Remove loose debris. Gently shake or tap the keyboard upside down to dislodge crumbs and dust.
• Utilise compressed air. Use it to blow away dust and particles from between the keys and hard-to-reach areas.

Step 2a: Deep Cleaning Mechanical Keyboards

• Remove keycaps. If applicable, use a keycap puller to carefully remove the keycaps.
• Clean under the keys. After removal, use brushes to clean the exposed areas beneath the keys.
• Clean keycaps. Wash them with a mild cleaning solution or isopropyl alcohol, then dry thoroughly before reattaching them.

Step 2b: Deep Cleaning Laptop Keyboards

• Gently cleaning. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the keys and surface. Be careful with the amount of liquid used.
• Avoid excessive force and moisture. This helps prevent damage to the laptop’s internal components.

Step 3: Cleaning Keyboard Cords Properly

• Wipe down cords. Use a lightly dampened cloth to clean any cords, ensuring they are dry before reconnecting.

Step 4: Ensuring Keyboard Cleanliness and Safety

• Avoid direct liquid sprays on the keyboard.
• Dry thoroughly. Ensure the keyboard is completely dry before reconnecting or using it to prevent damage.

Maintaining Keyboard Cleanliness

Regular maintenance is key to keeping keyboards clean and functional. Here’s a guide to establishing an effective routine:

Regular Cleaning Schedule

• Frequency: Establish a cleaning schedule based on the frequency of use. For high-use environments, a weekly cleaning may be necessary, while less frequently used keyboards might only need bi-weekly attention.
• Daily Care: Encourage employees to perform light cleaning tasks daily, such as dusting the keyboard with a microfibre cloth or using compressed air to remove surface dust.

Employee Guidelines

• Preventative Measures: Implement office policies to minimise keyboard dirt and damage, such as discouraging eating at workstations.
• Supply Provision: Provide employees with essential cleaning supplies. This can include microfibre cloths for gentle wiping and cans of compressed air for dislodging dust between keys.

Handling Spills and Accidents

• Immediate Action: Instruct employees on immediate spill response, like unplugging the keyboard and gently dabbing the affected area with a dry cloth.
• Serious Incidents: Establish a protocol for more significant spills or accidents. This might involve shutting down the device to prevent electrical damage and contacting IT support for further assistance.

Troubleshooting Common Cleaning Challenges

When cleaning keyboards, you might encounter a few common issues. Here’s a guide to address these challenges effectively.

1. Sticky Keys

• Gently remove the affected keycap (if possible).
• Clean the key and the area beneath it with a cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
• Dry thoroughly before reassembling.

2. Minor Spills

• Immediately turn off and unplug the keyboard.

• Blot the spill gently with an absorbent cloth.
• Use a damp cloth with isopropyl alcohol to clean the affected area.
• Allow the keyboard to dry completely before reconnecting.

3. Persistent Dirt or Grime

• Use a soft-bristled brush to loosen debris.
• Follow up with compressed air and a damp microfibre cloth.

If you encounter challenges like a key malfunctioning due to a spill, it’s wise to seek expert advice. Consult a professional cleaning service or your IT department for effective solutions to these complex issues.

Visit CleanCo’s Office Cleaning in Brisbane for comprehensive office cleaning solutions, including expert keyboard maintenance. Our team is ready to tackle all your cleaning challenges, ensuring a seamless and hygienic office environment.

A Fresh Start for Every Key Press

Maintaining clean keyboards is essential, but a pristine office environment involves more than just that. From regular dusting and decluttering to deep cleaning and tackling specific tasks like cleaning lino floors and removing mould from carpets, we understand that some challenges require professional assistance.

For expert advice and services on all aspects of office cleaning, turn to CleanCo Commercial Cleaning. Let us help make every corner of your office a symbol of cleanliness and efficiency. Visit us to enhance your office space today!