Needless to say, computer keyboards could come and go; and if you are exceptionally sloppy with yours, it is best to let the keyboards go, especially if it has served its time. If you have been fiddling mindlessly with your keyboard, removing the screws at the back and actually taking a peek into what has accumulated between the gaps, you just may have to stomach something not worth seeing before any meal. If dust bunnies have not yet mutated into the inner workings of your keyboard, you just may be surprised as to what else you might find in there: like food bits, animal hair, termites, enough DNA sampler to get you into the most wanted database…

Now there are several reasons why some people prefer to keep the keyboards they are currently using.

For one thing, most laptops do not have detachable keyboards. So unless you are willing to dig deep into your pockets for another expensive machine, it would be best to keep the one you are using and just learn how to clean it without damaging anything. Secondly, if you are one of those techie freaks out to get the latest high-end piece of hardware possible, replacing your keyboard with something more high-end may become very, very painful both on your pocket and your self-esteem. So here are a couple of tips on how to clean your computer keyboard the safest way possible.

But wait! When we say safest, we mean that you use prudent measures with a lot of rational thinking behind it. Sure, there are tips on how to use the dishwasher to clean your keyboards… and in some instances it may work. We just want to point out that most of these so-called dishwasher safe keyboards look cheap and about 2 minutes away from the rubbish heap. This is actually a great excuse to buy a new set of keyboards especially when the dishwasher ruins it. Besides, who in their right minds would put the entire laptop into the dishwasher?

So the equation goes: keyboard + dishwasher = heck, no. We hope that is clear.

For cleaning you keyboards, laptop of otherwise, you would need: a can of compressed air, several pieces of cotton buds, and a soft clean cloth dampened with a little moisture. You can buy the can of compressed air in most electronics stores. And yes, there is a difference between compressed air and WD40. Soft tipped cotton buds should be pliant enough to get into tricky gaps and corners. And lastly, use any soft cloth for wiping down. A chamois should work great because it does not leave any fibers behind.

First step is to give your keyboard some slight dusting with the compressed air. Use the dry cotton tipped buds gently to get to the gaps between keys, and use as many cotton tips necessary. Do not force the keys apart though. Once you are satisfied, give the keyboard a more thorough blasting of the compressed air. Once that is done, use the cloth (ever so slightly damp) and give the keyboard a wiping down.

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