How to Clean a Keyboard

Four Methods:General CleaningAccidental SpillageAlternate MethodFurther Alternate Method

Keyboards can become dirty after periods of extended use, especially if users commonly eat or smoke near the computer. If a keyboard becomes dirty enough, its performance can be affected. Common problems include dead or stuck keys and repeated characters during typing. Note that disassembling your keyboard as described below may void the warranty.

Method 1 of 4: General Cleaning

1. 
   1
   Shut down the computer and detach the keyboard connector before any cleaning procedure. Do not remove or connect a keyboard while the computer is running. Doing so may damage the machine if you have a non-USB-based keyboard. Detaching the keyboard while the computer is running is safe when the keyboard is connected to the computer via USB.
2. 
   2
   For a quick cleaning, turn the keyboard upside down and use a can of compressed air to blow out any foreign matter. Be sure to do this in a location where falling debris can be cleaned up easily. Turn the keyboard upside down and tap on it a few times. You should see a bit of dirt fall out. Change the angle and tap harder to make most of it get out.
3. 
   3
   Clean the sides of the keys with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
4. 
   4
   For a more thorough cleaning, remove all of the keys. Do this by gently prying up each key with a small screwdriver or a similar lever. When the keys have been removed, blow out any debris with compressed air. With a moist (but not wet) cloth, lightly swab all surfaces. Do not allow any type of fluid to enter the keyboard.
5. 
   5
   Clean the individual keys and place them back in the keyboard.

Method 2 of 4: Accidental Spillage

1. 
   1
   Immediately disconnect the keyboard or turn off the computer.
2. 
   2
   Turn the keyboard upside down and shake.
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   3
   Dry as much as possible with a cloth while the keyboard is still turned upside down.
4. 
   4
   Leave it upside down for as long as possible (at least over night).
   

   • If available, cover the bottom of a large enough air-tight containing with rice, put in the upside-down keyboard and cover it with as much rice as possible.

Method 3 of 4: Alternate Method

1. 
   1
   Switch off the machine and disconnect the keyboard.
2. 
   2
   Turn the keyboard upside down and remove all the screws.
3. 
   3
   Lift the top half of the keyboard (The one with the keys on it) off and put the bottom half to one side.
   

   • There may be some clips on the keyboard, also, check for screws hidden under labels.
4. 
   4
   Turn the top half around so that you can see the backs of the keys, squeeze the tabs on each key to remove it, the space-bar will have a metal rod, this may be a pain to refit, but is not impossible.
5. 
   5
   Fill a bowl with cold soapy water (Fairy Liquid works well)
6. 
   6
   Dump the keys into the bowl and scrub with a brush.
7. 
   7
   Remove the keys from the bowl and rinse them under running cold water (a colander may work well for this), then leave them to dry or dry with a hair dryer.
8. 
   8
   Grab the empty top half of the keyboard. Using some dishwashing or regular soap and a old toothbrush, scrub until clean, and rinse and dry as above.
9. 
   9
   Once everything is dry, reassemble the keyboard.
10. 
    10
    Press both halves of the keyboard firmly together, if you miss the clips in the middle your keys won't reach the circuits and won't spring up.
11. 
    11
    Plug in your keyboard, switch on your PC, enjoy!

Method 4 of 4: Further Alternate Method

1. 
   1
   Disconnect keyboard from computer.
2. 
   2
   Obtain a butter knife, a j-cloth and some all-purpose cleaner.
3. 
   3
   Wrap the blade of the butter knife in the j-cloth, ensuring the cloth is as tight as possible. (Depending on the knife, you may simply want to just place the knife blade in the center of the cloth and pull the corners back, creating a one-layer thick cover over the blade)
4. 
   4
   Soak the cloth covered knife in the all-purpose cleaner.
5. 
   5
   Using considerable force, place the knife in between the dirty grooves of your keyboard. Scratch and scrape using the rigid knife edge to remove stubborn bits.
6. 
   6
   After 5 minutes of cleaning, remove the j-cloth from knife, soak and wring.Re-soak in all-purpose cleaner and reapply to blade.
7. 
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   Repeat until keyboard is clean. Be careful to avoid exposed electronic circuitry when scraping if you are using a cheaper keyboard.