Whether you'reworking at homeor at the office, chances are your keyboard is pretty messy. From crumbs and spilled drinks to dust and pet hair, the keys on your laptop are a magnet for everything around your desk. You know you need to clean it, but what's the best way?
At Asurion, our experts help millions of customers get the most out of their tech and resolve their device problems. Here's their guide on how to clean a dirty or sticky laptop keyboard without damaging it.
What can I use to clean my laptop keyboard?
Before you start cleaning your keyboard, you need the materials to do it safely:
Microfiber cloth
Soft paintbrush
Cotton swabs
Isopropyl alcohol
Compressed air
All of these are good items for wiping down your keys, and it's safe to use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. You can also use disinfecting wipes, but be sure to avoid wipes or any other products that contain bleach—it can damage the coating on the keys.
How to clean your laptop keyboard
Eliminating the grime and debris from your keyboard is simple. Just follow these steps.
1. Turn off and unplug your laptop
You don't want to risk moisture getting into your computer and causing it to short out, and you also want to avoid sending an errant email while you're wiping down your keys.
2. Flip your laptop upside-down and shake it
This should dislodge any large crumbs or dust balls on your keyboard. To make cleanup easier, it's a good idea to do this over a towel or garbage can.
3. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean out loose debris
Use a soft paintbrush to wipe the dust from the tops and edges of each key. Try to do this while the keyboard is upside down to avoid pushing dirt further into any crevices.
If you have a compressed air can, you can also use that to blow out anything stuck in the keys. Spray the air in a zigzag pattern across the keyboard, then rotate it and repeat the process until you've done all four sides of the keys. Just don't spray the air directly under the keys, as that could cause damage.
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Get a microfiber cloth slightly damp with isopropyl alcohol and carefully wipe down each key. You can also put some alcohol on a cotton swab and use it to clean any hard-to-reach areas. Bleach-free disinfectant wipes are another way to sanitize your keyboard, just ring them out first so moisture doesn't get inside your laptop.
How do you clean under the keys on a laptop?
If you're wondering how to clean a sticky laptop keyboard—especially after a spill—the best way is to remove the keys, allowing you to wipe underneath them. Not all laptops have this capability though, so do an online search for your model to see if it has removable keys. And always be sure that you aren't doing anything to your device that may damage it or void any warranty or protection plans.If your laptop does have removable keys, here's how to clean under them.
1. Take a picture of the keyboard
This way you'll know where the keys go when you're putting them back.
2. Pry the keys off
You can purchase a toolkit for this from an electronics store, but a small, flat object like a screwdriver or knife would also work. Be sure to pry them off gently so you don't damage the keyboard.
3. Wipe underneath the keys
Use a cloth or cotton swab dipped slightly in isopropyl alcohol. But only use a little bit of liquid so it doesn't drip into your device.
4. Replace the keys
Wait for your keyboard to fully dry, then set and softly press each key down until you feel it snap into place.
If you've tried these steps and still need a little help, we're right around the corner. Schedule a repair at the nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store and our certified experts can get your device back up and running as soon as the same day.
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For most mechanical keyboards, it's safe to wash removable keycaps in warm, soapy water. However, never submerge the entire keyboard or non-removable keys in water.
For most mechanical keyboards, it's safe to wash removable keycaps in warm, soapy water. However, never submerge the entire keyboard or non-removable keys in water.
The easiest and most common method for removal is to place the index finder in the corner of the key cap and gently pull up. If the key does not separate from the retainer clip, try the same on an diagonal corner. When the key separates, there is a distinct "snap" sound as the plastic hooks on the underside separate.
If you have a laptop computer, or if there is residual debris in a standard keyboard that cannot be removed by shaking, you should use a can of compressed air. Spray the compressed air in between the keys and in all the keyboard's crevices to remove loose debris.
Power off and unplug your laptop. Locate the air vents, usually on the sides or bottom of the laptop. Use short bursts of compressed air to blow out dust from the vents. If accessible, carefully clean the fan blades with compressed air or a soft brush.
To clean a laptop keyboard, turn off the laptop and unplug it. Use compressed air to remove debris, then wipe the keys with a soft, damp cloth. Be gentle around the touchpad and other sensitive areas. For stubborn stains, use a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol.
With the keyboard unplugged or the computer turned off, use a microfiber cloth, either dry or swabbed with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol, or a premoistened cleaning wipe, to wipe the keys.
Most times, if the key has simply popped off, it can be reattached by carefully pressing it into place. If the rubber underneath has stopped working or the pressure pad not working, there is little that can be done, other than replacing the keyboard.
You can purchase a toolkit for this from an electronics store, but a small, flat object like a screwdriver or knife would also work. Be sure to pry them off gently so you don't damage the keyboard.
If you don't have a keycap puller, you can use a flathead screwdriver, butter knife, or a bent paperclip.Slide the tool underneath the key and use light force to pry it off. Wash only the keys and wipe the keyboard frame clean.
DO use a 70-percent isopropyl alcohol solution (rubbing alcohol). DON'T spray a cleaning agent directly on your computer's surface. Spray your cleaner onto a cloth first and then gently wipe the cloth over the surface. DO wring out your wipe or cloth so it's not dripping wet, just slightly damp.
I'd recommend using a few drops of rubbing alcohol on a damp cloth, as it evaporates quickly. Don't ever apply cleaning products like ammonia or bleach directly onto your laptop. The liquid could possibly seep into the crevices of your machine.
The best way to clean your computer screen is to use a small quantity of distilled water applied with a clean, lint-free cloth. But never put water or any liquid directly on the screen, or else excess liquid may drip inside the device and cause irreparable damage.
Most keyboards aren't waterproof either, but even if you spill liquid on it, at least it won't wipe out the much more expensive laptop in the process. Keyboards can be pretty spill-resistant even with no official rating, if you're quick to clean it up. Mechanical keyboards have the best chance of survival.
Is it safe to use disinfecting wipes on my keyboard? You can use disinfecting wipes but be cautious. Check the guidelines first, as some wipes might be too harsh and damage the keys' lettering. If you use them, make sure the wipes are not overly wet, and avoid getting liquid inside the keyboard.
A water damaged keyboard is not good! The good news, unlike other aspects of water damage on computer components, your water damaged keyboard can be fixed. This article will help you discover the do's and don'ts regarding caring for a water damaged keyboard.
Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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