Computer Care - III

Keyboard

Keeping a keyboard clean is easy if performed regularly. However, if let go and you tend to consume food and drink when using your PC, the hidden area under the keys can slowly become a microcosm of food and dust that can eventually cause your keyboard to cease to function.

Regular Cleaning

With the exception of Step 1 below, the following keyboard cleaning method can be used for portable computers.

This is a relatively simple process and can be completed quickly.

1. Turn the keyboard over and tap the underside all over to shake out any loose debris.
2. Next ideally use a can of compressed air, which can be purchased at most PC or camera stores, to blow out any debris from around all the keys that did not fall out in Step 1.
   If you have a vacuum cleaner with a reverse cycle function, use this with a restricted nozzle to concentrate the air flow to blow out the debris under the keys.
   Do not use your mouth to blow into the keyboard as this will only put moisture under the keys causing some of the debris to stick. The moisture can also eventually damage the key mechanisms.
3. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush, wipping it over the keys with sufficient pressure to press the keys. This will help to clean the sides of the keys.
   A vacuum cleaner is recommended for this step because the use of a normal brush will allow a reasonable amount of the debris removed to fall back under the keys.
4. Lastly, use a damp (not wet) soft cloth with a mild liquid detergent to clean the tops of the keys. A mild cleaner is necessary if you wish to remove the build up of the oily film from fingers.

Extreme Cleaning

Warning - The two methods briefly mentioned below are not to be regarded as cleaning instructions for inexperienced users. They are only included for completeness and information. These methods are not recommended unless you are confident with what you are doing and are willing to accept responsibility for you own actions for failure.

At least basic keyboards are very cheap now. So, if you do destroy your keyboard while attempting to clean or fix it, the loss should not be to stressful for you.

Removing the Keys

This method can only be used for keyboards with a membrane under the keys.

DO NOT attempt to remove the keys on keyboards with mechanical plungers (key has a distinct mechanical click) or on portable computers as these are not designed for this level of user maintenance.

Removing the keys is a legitimate cleaning method (and perhaps the only) for sticking and inoperative keys.

If you are going to remove all the keys, it is suggested that you photograph the keyboard first so you will know the correct locations when replacing the keys.

Carefully place a small flat blade screwdriver under the corner of the key being removed and apply a gentle upwards pressure on the key until it lifts off.

Use cleaning methods and materials that are soft and gentle. Cotton buds are ideal for cleaning the many small areas under the keys.

Carefully replace the keys by ensuring that the key is correctly aligned and apply an even gentle pressure on the key top.

When the keyboard is reconnected to the PC, test every key to ensure that they function correctly.

Washing the Keyboard

This is only to be attempted if you have tried everything else and are about to dispose of the keyboard and buy a new one, i.e. you have nothing to lose.

Some time ago the Authors read an article about washing keyboards in a dishwasher. The recommended approach was, only the keyboard in the dishwasher, place it keys down in the top rack, use a short cycle, use the most delicate cycle, use a low temperature setting and do not use the hot drying cycle.

When the wash has completed immediately use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry between and under the keys as best as you can.

Reconnect the keyboard and test every key.

Some people have reported as having success with this last resort method of cleaning.

Although the Authors can understand how this method could be successful provided that your dishwasher (if you have one) is capable of all the required settings, they have not tried it and have no direct knowledge of its success.