DIY Keyboard Cleaner - 2 Ways You Can Clean at Home Right Now

Computer keyboards tend to be a magnet for dust, grime and yes.. lunch crumbs and not to mention the GROSS factor.  It is amazing that they keep working.

So how do you really get that keyboard clean the DIY way?  Here are 2 different ways to try.

1.  Post it notes

Yes, check this video out.  I tried this method and it really works.  The downside is depending on how much dust, crumbs and bits of paper are stuck down there, you may need quite a few.

Yes, those post it notes can now be used for more that leaving yourself reminders!  As you can see in the video, he does well to get out a lot of dirt and grime.  It all depends on just how dirty yours is.  A post it note can only do so much...

If your keyboard is still dirty... check out this next idea

2.  Tooth Brush, Compressed Air and Rubbing Alchohol

Step 1 - Unplug your keyboard

Step 2 - Hold it vertical

Step 3 - Use your clean tooth brush to gently go between the keys to get out loose dirt.

Step 4 - Take a spray bottle and fill with 1/2 and 1/2 water and rubbing alcohol.

Step 4 - Spray a micro fiber cloth with a light mist. (never spray the keyboard)

Step 5 - Go over the keys and board with the cloth.  This will get rid of grease and grime and germs!

Get Rid of the Gross Factor...

It is said that the computer keyboard holds a wealth of germs and bacteria.  All you need to do is use it and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth and that flu that is going around the office is now on you.

Even home keyboards get just as filthy.  It amazes me just what gets down in between the keys.  If you are tempted to simply use a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment.  DON'T as it will suck tiny keys or components out.  (Been there done that...)  It is best to blow compressed air.

If you really don't want to do any of this DIY, you could take it to a local computer shop for cleaning, or you can also purchase electronic cleaners such as this one below:

This is electric and will replace those cans of one use compressed air.  If you tend to use a lot of compressed air cans, then keep them out of the landfill with this electric version.

Dust and bits getting in between the keys will wear your keyboard out not to mention the GROSS factor, especially if you share computers in an office environment.

Keyboard Cleaning Schedule

You should create a schedule to at least give the keys a blast of compressed air and/or rub over the keys with the alcohol/water combination, to keep your computer ticking along.

If you don't... eventually you will be typing rows or Rs because the key has stuck down or be home with that office flu.

I hope I have inspired you to at least take a look at yours!

Clean Laptop Keyboard

You can follow steps above but turn off your laptop and if you don't have raised keys, then follow the water/rubbing alcohol method by lightly spraying the micro fiber cloth and wiping it over the keys to wipe off grease and grime without leaving it wet.