How to properly clean your computer and laptop keyboard at home
Any keyboard will accumulate a sufficient amount of debris, crumbs, dust, and other types of contamination over time. The operation of such a device is significantly impaired, and also contains a large number of bacteria transferred to the hands. Therefore, PC owners need to know how to properly clean their keyboard.
Types and characteristics of keyboards
There are several types of computer keyboards. All types of these devices can be easily cleaned at home.
Semi-mechanical
These devices are equipped with metal contacts and a rubberized dome, so the button immediately returns to its original position. Many experts highly appreciate this look for its durability and convenience. Little protected from dust and dirt.
Membrane
Computer users who have purchased a membrane keyboard should be aware of one important fact: devices of this type cannot be washed with liquid. Only cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or special spray is permitted.
Mechanical
These are the most common keyboards.They are spring operated and extremely durable, easy to use and maintain. However, in such devices there is no sealing, and therefore mechanical keyboards are heavily contaminated.
Laptop
Laptops mainly use rubber membrane or scissor keyboard, like Lenovo laptops. These types of devices are much less contaminated, since the distance between the passages has become much narrower. However, over time, the elasticity of pimples is lost.
Reasons for contamination
A large number of people spend several hours at a stretch in front of computers and, therefore, use keyboards.
Due to intense and long work, sometimes there is not enough time for a mundane meal, so often PC users have to combine work and lunch.
As a result, crumbs and small food particles, and sometimes cigarette ash, gradually clog the computer keyboard. Another natural and inevitable process is the clogging of the device by household dust.
Cleaning methods
Today there are a huge number of devices that facilitate the process of cleaning computer keyboards, even with heavy pollution. However, before cleaning, the device must be disconnected from the computer or, in the case of a wireless keyboard, the battery must be removed.
Soft brush and towel
A similar method applies to light and superficial cleaning. Before you start cleaning, you need to arm yourself with a soft cloth and a brush with soft bristles. The brush removes the debris that has accumulated between the pimples. The cloth will remove dust from the surface and can remove sticky stains.
Pressurized air
Thanks to this method, it is possible to carry out general cleaning without disassembling the keyboard. You can buy a canister of compressed air at hardware or auto stores. Due to the high pressure inside the canister, a strong current of air is produced at the outlet. This device should be aimed at the area between the keys and remove dirt.
A vacuum
For quick cleaning of accumulated dust, you can purchase a special small-sized portable vacuum cleaner. He is able to both blow air with garbage and blow. Thanks to the integrated brush, this device is extremely effective in removing all types of dirt from the keyboard.
Special set
In stores specializing in computer hardware, you can buy complete sets that include the necessary elements for dusting and washing the keyboard. As a rule, such a set consists of a special brush, a towel and cleaning liquid.
This will be enough so that a general purge will not be necessary in the future.
General cleaning
For general cleaning, you will need to completely disassemble the keyboard, carefully clean the rubber bands and each key. This process takes place in several stages.
Disassembly
First, the computer keyboard must be disconnected from the network (if the laptop - turn it off). Then it is worth taking a picture of the device, so that later you will know where which key was placed. Then you need to prepare a screwdriver, a bag, a cleaning product, a soft toothbrush and follow the instructions:
- First you need to remove the back cover of the keyboard by unscrewing all the bolts.
- Then it is again necessary to unscrew the bolts in order to remove the film with contact tracks.
- Now you need to remove the buttons - carefully lift each one and disconnect.This can be done using a screwdriver or table knife.
If you need to disassemble a laptop, for example from HP, the disassembly process will be the same. The device is first turned off, then each key is disassembled.
Cleaning
Cleaning the computer device is carried out as follows:
- After dismantling, place the removed keys in a bag, add cleaning agent and a little water. And, after twisting, you need to shake well several times.
- Then the pimples should be washed under running water and carefully dried on a paper towel.
The main part of the device is cleaned with a brush. For optimal effect, it is recommended to moisten it with a cleaning agent.
Assembly
At the final stage, it remains to assemble the computer keyboard in the reverse order: insert the buttons, install the board, elastic film and screw the case. The device then reconnects to the computer.
What to do with a flooded keyboard
In addition to household dust and food debris, the keyboard is often exposed to other contaminants - spilled liquid (sweet drinks, coffee or tea). In this case, immediately clean the computer keyboard.
The usual
First of all, you should immediately unplug the keyboard and turn it over so that the liquid can drain. Then you need to disassemble the device: lower the knobs and unscrew the screws. Then each key is removed, wiped with a damp cloth and left to dry. Wipe the base of the device with a dry cotton. After making sure that all parts are dry, you can assemble the keyboard, connect it and check its performance.
Laptop
If a laptop, like Asus, has been flooded with liquid, you will first need to dry the contacts and the cable.In order to open the case and find the motherboard, you need to arm yourself with a screwdriver. Some laptops, like Acer, have side latches that hold the keyboard in place. They will need to be removed for cleaning.
As soon as the case is opened, you should apply chlorhexidine to a cotton swab and wipe the contacts. Further, with the help of cotton balls and napkins, all the liquid is removed. The part with the pimples can be dried separately with a hair dryer.
The main causes of failure
Due to heavy pollution, PC users may encounter such problems: sticky keyboard, difficulty pressing buttons, as well as the appearance of creaks. If the device was filled with a hot drink, the possibility of completely stopping its operation is not excluded. It is possible to eliminate such problems - it will be enough to rinse the keys with water and cleaning agents.
Prevention of contamination
To avoid damage to your PC and extend the life of electronic devices, you should take preventive measures from time to time. It is recommended to humidify the room regularly so that the device is less contaminated with household dust. You should also clean and disinfect the surface of the keys as often as possible. To avoid flooding, you must be careful with drinks or keep them away from the device.
It is recommended to make disinfectant wipes with your own hands: for this you need to take dry wipes that do not leave fluff. Then you need to moisten them in alcohol and gently wipe all the keys. And also, in order for the device to work properly, you can put on a special rubber shell.
This device fits snugly on the computer keyboard and reliably protects it from possible contamination. It will be necessary to detach the shell several times a month, wipe it from dust and crumbs, and then put it back in place. This saves time and prevents damage to the device.