How to Clean Computer Keyboard - Fast and Easy

Yuck your computer keyboard">keyboard is dirty! Nasty dirty. Maybe you've gone a little too long without cleaning it and found that some of the keys are starting to stick. Cleaning your computer keyboard">keyboard can be done in a jiff, or it can take a good hour; It really depends on your computer keyboard">keyboards level of "disgusting".

I've set out a step by step routine; you can carry out the first 3 steps to maintain computer keyboard">keyboard cleanliness or just to spiff it up. Otherwise you can go all the way and really do a thorough job with steps 3-8.

1.    Remove the connection from the back of your computer

Just as precaution, you don't want to be sending involuntary commands to the computer and accidently send your boss those questionable vacation photos; or do you?

2.    Turn your keyboard and give it a shake

All the dry crud and bits will be fall right out, now you just need to dust off the desk; after you done of course.

3.    Blow out the crud with compressed air

Compressed air cans are super fun and actually useful for times like these. Get it right in-between the keys and pull the tighter. Blow it through every line of keys up and down. Ya! That dust doesn't stand a chance.

4.    Use a Vacuum and Suck out the Debris

Put on that duster brush attachment, and run the vacuum over the keyboard keys picking up whatever was left behind from the prior shake and blow.

5.    Wipe down with Alcohol

With cotton cloth and some 90% Isopropyl (ensure it's not Ethanol based) dap some of the stuff on the cloth and wipe down the keys and the surrounding surface. Get around the edges and see how well you can do getting in-between the keys.

6.    Getting between the keys

An old tooth brush work well for this. Pour isopropyl into a bowl and dab the tooth brush. Brush in-between the keys getting the gunk, frequently refreshing the brush in the bowl of Isopropyl. 

7.    Going deep; under the keys

Getting real clean inside in out will take a bit of patience. You're going to be removing keys, but before you do make a key reference for yourself so you know how the keys go back on. I recommend using a digital camera or even running it over a copy machine.

Using a flat head screw driver or a butter knife also works great, to pry and pop the keys off one by one.

With the bottom of the keyboard exposed, give the contours of good brushing of isopropyl with the tooth brush.  If you need to get into some awkward corners, a cue-tip works well. Now pad dry and pick up the loosed gunk (from the brushing) with a dry cloth.

8.    Reassemble

Using your reference photo of the keyboard, replace the keys gently but firm. With each placed key, give it a few taps and make sure it moves freely.

Your keyboard is now reassembled and super clean; yay!

Now plug in your keyboard and give that bad boy a whirl. Excellent, now you can go and actually get some real work done.