subject: Easy Ways to Clean Your Keyboard [print this page] Compressed Air Compressed Air
For deeply trapped particles, compressed air is the best option. Many manufacturers produce this in cans of several sizes. Frequent computer users may wish to invest in the largest cans. Compressed air is blown in short burst between keys to dislodge debris. Cans usually come with a nozzle to reach smaller crevices. Compressed air can also be used to clean other electronics such as DVD players and digital TV recorders, which have heat vents that can become clogged with dust.
Electronics Dusters
Spray dusters made specifically for electronics can clean more than just keyboards. Monitors and LCD TVs can also be cleaned with these products. Like furniture dusters, these products spray on and wipe off, taking dust and dirt with them. They are good for lifting grease and food particles as well and are specially formulated to be safe for use on electronics.
Rubbing alcohol
A common household disinfectant, rubbing alcohol can be used to lift dirt off a keyboard. After a while of use, smudges and dirt particles may seem to become ingrained in key surfaces. A cotton swab or cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol can be used to gently wipe this dirt off. The keyboard should be completely dry before being hooked back up to the computer.
Cleaning Putty
For the truly dirty keyboard, there is electronics cleaning putty. This is best used when a keyboard is in dire need of cleaning, full of particles or dust that cannot be dislodged by other methods. Cleaning putty is applied to the keyboard, pressed down between the keys, and lifted away. Dust and dirt comes with it, leaving the keyboard free of debris.
Toothpicks
While this method should not be employed on a regular basis, it can be useful when a particularly stubborn particle is stuck. Laptop computers that are left open for any length of time can collect dust bunnies between the keys. Ergonomic keyboards, with their angled design, have crevices that can be hard to clean out. In either case, if a lodged particle is making it difficult to type, a toothpick may be used to carefully fish it out when the computer is shut down.
These methods can help keep keyboards and other electronics clean and free of debris. Monitors and LCD TV/DVD combinations can be kept clean with dusters and putties, and digital TV recorders can benefit from being blown off with compressed air. Clean electronics function best, and keeping keyboards free of particles will ensure a smooth computing experience.
