How To Clean A Laptop Keyboard, And What NOT To Do

Sincelaptops are mobile, we have the freedom to take them with us where ever we go. This is an amazing benefit of laptop computers and many of us wouldn’t know what to do without one. From completing work at the airport to sending out a couple of emails while waiting in the doctor’s office, laptop computers have become our number-one sidekick.

But with all the flexibility that a laptop brings comes the opportunity for things to get a little messy. Because our laptops aren’t tied down to our office desks, they risk becoming dirtier and more worn down than our desktop computers. Has your laptop keyboard become dirty?

Is it no longer working? You need to know how to clean a laptop keyboard without causing damage! Continue reading to learn more.

Gather Your Cleaning Tools

Before you begin the cleaning process, first gather all of the cleaning tools needed to complete the job. Havings these tools ready and nearby before beginning the process is a sure way to get the job done quickly and correctly. Here’s what you need.

• Microfiber cloth (other soft and lint-free cloth)
• Keyboard cleaning brush (soft toothbrush)
• Mild dish detergent
• Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
• Can of compressed air

Each of these cleaning tools is used to clean your laptop and keyboard in different ways so be sure to read our instructions thoroughly. Your keyboard is also delicate so you want to ensure you clean gently.

Keep Yourself Safe

Now that you’ve gathered your cleaning tools, be sure to keep yourself safe by powering down your laptop and unplugging it. DON’T begin the cleaning process with it plugged in or still powered on! If your laptop has a removable battery, then go the extra step and remove the battery as well.

This is the best way to ensure that you keep yourself safe and your laptop safe. Now that you’ve completely removed all power supply to the laptop, you can flip it over and gently shake any loose crumbs into a trash can.

Brush Your Keys

Sometimes, there will be stubborn crumbs and debris that won’t come out of your keyboard simply by gently shaking it over a trashcan. For the stubborn crumbs, take a keyboard brush or soft toothbrush to gently brush the keys on your keyboard.

A keyboard brush is made specifically to reach under the keys with soft bristles to avoid damages. A soft toothbrush is a good alternative, but might not work as well. Plus, there are some other alternatives that you can use and can find around the house.

Once you brush under the keys, flip the laptop over once again and gently shake it over the trashcan.

Any stubborn debris should now fall out of the keys.

DON’T Let Liquid Get In

Once you’ve shaken out all loose crumbs and debris, you can take a couple of drops of the mild dish detergent and mix it together with a warm cup of water. Then, dip your microfiber cloth into the mixture lightly. You’ll then use this cloth to wipe down the surface of the laptop, NOT including the keyboard.

This is strictly for wiping down around the keyboard and outer surfaces of the laptop where sticky fingers may have left a residue. It’s important to note that you DON’T want any liquid to get inside your keyboard or screen. Once you gently wipe down the surfaces, rinse the cloth and wring it out.

Now, wipe down the surfaces again. To finish, take a dry cloth and wipe it down again. This removes any possibilities for water streaks.

Use Your Air Compressor

Now it’s time to use your air compressor. Whether you have an air compressor that plugs into an outlet or a can of compressed air, this is where you’re going to see the most progress. This is the best way to get out those extra stubborn crumbs that are lodged under the keys too tightly to get out with a brush.

A can of compressed air will shoot out high-pressure dry air that’ll force out any stuck crumbs and debris without having to physically touch the keys themselves. But don’t stop there.

Compressed air also works well to clear out any built-up dust or “dust bunnies” from inside your laptop as well. This works great for on the laptop’s fans and vents. It’s a sure way to eliminate anything lurking inside your laptop without causing any damages.

Dab Your Cloth In Alcohol

The last step is to dab your dry cloth in alcohol. Very lightly, take a dry microfiber cloth and gently dab it in rubbing alcohol. Now, take the cloth and use it to wipe the top surface of the keyboard.

Alcohol dries very quickly and it won’t allow for any liquids to seep below the keys. It’s also a great way to easily remove oils on the keys left from your fingers and any other residue whether it’s oily, sticky, or something else.

It’s best to follow these cleaning guide tips regularly to prevent your laptop computer from reaching a state where it’s beyond computer repair.

How to Clean a Laptop Keyboard

Following these easy tips is the best way to learn how to clean a laptop keyboard correctly. Remember to always unplug all sources of power to the laptop before beginning the cleaning process and always work with it carefully. Don’t allow any fluids to seep under the keys and your keyboard will soon be good as new!

But for laptops that are beyond cleaning and need repair, contact us directly so we can begin to help you!