Your computer keyboard is one of the dirtiest and most germ-infested surfaces you interact with daily. Despite its constant use, the keyboard often goes neglected when it comes to cleaning. Over time, a simple buildup of dust, food crumbs, hair, and dried liquids can leave your keyboard looking grotesquely unsanitary and even impair its functionality. While keeping your keyboard fresh and well-maintained is crucial, many people avoid cleaning it thoroughly due to the perceived hassle or lack of proper equipment. You might think a deep clean requires special vacuum tools or corrosive chemical cleaners - but this isn't necessarily the case.How to clean keyboard without tools will walk you through an effective way to give your keyboard a like-new deep clean using just a few simple, household items you already have on hand.
Preparing simple materials
Having the right materials on hand will make cleaning your keyboard much easier and more effective. You don't need any fancy tools – just some common household items.
Soft cloth or paper towels
Choose soft, lint-free cloth or paper towels. Microfiber cloths are ideal as they are gentle and attract dust and dirt easily. Avoid rough cloths or paper towels that may leave lint behind. You make sure the cloth is clean and dry before using it. Any dirt or moisture on the cloth itself could transfer onto your keyboard, defeating the purpose of cleaning.
Old toothbrush
You should use an old toothbrush to clean between the keys. Because toothbrush bristles are small and soft, they are ideal for dislodging debris stuck in the crevices between keys. In addition, you should choose a toothbrush with thick, hard bristles. Choose a toothbrush designed for adults because children's toothbrushes often have very soft bristles and will not be as effective.
Household vacuum cleaner (if available)
You will get faster results in vacuuming dirt between the keys if you use a household vacuum cleaner. Using the crevice tool or brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner can forcefully suck up debris, dust, and hair under the keys. But there is a small note that we want to mention: be careful not to press too hard on the key because the suction can dislodge or damage the key.
Warm water and mild cleaning solution (optional)
Just putting a few drops of warm water on the fabric can help remove and dissolve stains on the fabric. For more stubborn stains, mix a few drops of dish soap or diluted vinegar with warm water as a gentle cleaning solution. A small note: be very careful not to let any liquid drip onto the keyboard. This can cause serious damage.
Having these simple tools in hand will allow you to completely clean your keyboard without needing any special equipment. Just be sure to handle things gently to keep your keyboard in tip-top shape.
Having these simple tools ready will allow you to thoroughly clean your keyboard without any special equipment. Just be sure to handle everything gently to keep your keyboard in top shape.
How to clean keyboard without tools - Clean computer
Disconnect the keyboard from the computer and turn it upside down. This will help remove any loose dirt, bread crumbs, or hair from between the keys.
Use a household vacuum cleaner (if available) to remove dust and dirt from between the keys. Use a small suction nozzle or suction brush to reach the keys in the most effective way. Move slowly and carefully, avoiding pressing down hard on the key.
Take an old toothbrush and gently rub between the keys to remove any remaining dirt. Pay attention to large keys such as the Spacebar key, perform operations carefully to avoid dropping or breaking the key.
Take a soft cloth (microfiber cloth or lint-free paper towel), dip it in warm water or a mild cleaning solution (such as weak dishwashing liquid). Gently wipe the surface of each key to remove fingerprints and smudges.
After cleaning, use a dry cloth to wipe the keyboard again, removing any remaining moisture. You can also use a hair dryer on low heat to completely dry the keyboard.
Let the keyboard dry completely for about 10-15 minutes before reconnecting it to the computer. Check all keys work properly.
By following the above steps, you can effectively clean your computer keyboard without using any special tools. Remember to do regular cleaning to maintain the cleanliness and longevity of your keyboard.
Important precautions while cleaning
Be cautious with liquids
Be extremely cautious with liquids. Avoid spilling any liquids directly onto the keyboard as they can quickly seep inside and cause permanent, irreparable damage to the internal components. Even a small amount of liquid can render a keyboard completely unusable. If using a slightly damp cloth or mild cleaning solution, apply it very sparingly and keep all moisture away from openings or crevices. Act immediately if any liquid does get spilled - unplug the keyboard, tilt it upside down to drain out excess, and use an absorbent cloth to soak up any surface moisture. Allow the keyboard to fully air dry for 24-48 hours before attempting to use it again.
Be patient and gentle
Be patient and extremely gentle. The keycaps and internal keyboard components can be quite fragile. Avoid any excessive scrubbing, abrasion or force which could permanently damage or break the keyboard. Work slowly and methodically, cleaning one key at a time with a soft touch. Never attempt to pry off keycaps or components. Pay special care to larger keys, like the spacebar which are more prone to becoming dislodged if handled too roughly.
Clean each key gently and carefully
Clean each key gently and carefully. The keycaps and internal keyboard mechanisms are delicate components that can be easily damaged if handled too roughly. Take your time and resist the urge to scrub vigorously or apply excessive force.
When cleaning around and underneath each individual keycap, use a soft touch and light motions. Gently wipe down the surfaces with a lightly dampened cloth, taking care not to allow any liquids to seep underneath the keycaps. For areas with stubborn grime buildup, very lightly dab in the area rather than scrubbing hard.
Unplug the keyboard before cleaning. Always disconnect the keyboard from its power source before beginning to eliminate any electrical risks. After unplugging, briefly touch a grounded metal surface to safely discharge any built-up static electricity that could potentially damage components.
By taking these precautions around liquids, using a delicate touch, and unplugging first, you can thoroughly clean your keyboard while minimizing risks of liquid damage, physical harm, or electrical issues. Patience and care are key to prolonging your keyboard's lifespan.
Conclusion
Hopefully through the article how to clean keyboard without tools that Enthkey just shared will help you better understand the importance of keyboard cleaning. With just a few simple household items like a soft cloth, an old toothbrush, and some water, you can effectively clean your keyboard and remove built-up dirt, crumbs, and grime from between the keys. Don't let your keyboard fall into an unsanitary, gunky state. Look around your desk area – if you notice a layer of grime on your keyboard, it's time to take action. Set aside a few minutes to gather your cleaning materials and follow the simple steps outlined to give your keyboard a rejuvenating deep clean. Establishing a routine for regular keyboard maintenance will keep it looking and performing like new. A well-maintained keyboard promotes better hygiene and ergonomics for an improved computing experience.
