(Originally Published September 03, 2019)
Don’t underestimate the importance of leaving your computer keyboard clean for when you return to the office the next day. A clean desk and work space is good for your physical and mental health, and Kitchener Clean can help! Contact us today to sign up for our total office cleaning service!
Keyboards can easily collect dust, crumbs, and other debris, especially on desktop units where large gaps exist between the keys. This kind of grime can be quite bothersome and an unclean environment can even affect your mental health!
To get some of that dirt and grime out, simply flip your keyboard over and tap lightly. This will get all of those loose bits out and will not only get your computer keyboard cleaner, but will also help it function more efficiently.
Before you complete this step, make sure your computer or laptop is turned off first!
What about those stubborn crumbs that won't fall out or are stuck under the keys? HowStuffWorks suggests the following:
“This debris is still loose enough that a gas duster, popularly called "canned air," can help. Before you use the gas duster, prop the keyboard up sideways on a steady surface so the debris will fall out. Then, using the duster as directed, aim the straw sideways along the gutters and crevices of the keyboard. After a series of short bursts, tap out any debris that doesn't readily fall out after you loosen it. Repeat this process until you're satisfied your keyboard is free of loose debris.”
Getting rid of crumbs, dirt, dust and debris from under the keys is very important.
There are several different types of USB vacuum keyboard cleaners on the market.
You will need to consider a number of features and factors before you choose the right one for you. Some of the considerations to look out for include; the power-suction, nozzles, efficiency, and battery life among others.
Here’s an example of one at work!
Click here to see a list of the top 10 USB keyboard vacuum cleaners of 2019
Now we focus our attention on the top of the keyboard. In open office settings, and especially in ones with shared computers, germs can spread quickly. Failure to properly clean keyboards can lead to illness around the office, which can cause a big drop in productivity.
To clean and sterilize your office keyboards, you can use a cotton swab or a damp cloth with isopropyl (rubbing alcohol). According to WikiHow, “Isopropyl alcohol dries very quickly, so it is a better option than water. You can get it at most drug stores and general stores.”
Follow these steps:
Note: Be cautious when working on a laptop. Isopropyl alcohol is still a great cleaning choice, but the laptop’s delicate hardware is right underneath the keyboard. Don’t let moisture drip underneath the keys!
Q-tips are perfect for cleaning between keys.
PC World suggests going as far as taking the keyboard apart. This is applicable only to desktop keyboards, where keys are designed to allow you to remove them with a screwdriver.
Before attempting this, consult your owner’s manual to check whether key removal is supported, so that you avoid damaging your keyboard!
Once you’ve removed the letter keys, you can wash them individually with water and soap, or alcohol, to remove dirt. After washing, dry the keys and place them on a towel to continue drying.
With the keys off, you’re able to see the exposed board, and give it a deep clean using the rubbing alcohol solution mentioned above.
Pop the dry keys back on, referring to a keyboard layout if need be. Give it a wipe with a lint-free cloth for good measure!
This is a bigger job, but consider adding it to your Office Spring Cleaning Checklist!
Watch this video to see how to do what’s listed above.
Kitchener Clean services a wide variety of industries all across the Kitchener area. We offer commercial cleaning services to many different businesses, both big and small! If you are interested in learning more about the types of businesses we work with, see some examples below.
Examples of Industries we serve:
We are happy to serve many different types of office spaces and workplaces, including corporate offices, rec centres, and the ever-growing tech industry in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
“Kitchener Clean is professional and responsive to our needs.
They do a great job and we would definitely recommend them!”
