Cleaning Keyboards???

[greenenvy]

Hi everyone,
I have a question and I'm wondering if there are any tips or suggestions or is there just one way to Clean a Keyboard?

[migander]

I've tried various methods of cleaning a keyboard, and most of them work to one degree or another, depending on the condition of the keyboard. The computer company Gateway offers this step-by-step method for those who want to try cleaning.

1. Obtain a container of alcohol, preferably isopropyl or something similiar.

2. On your screen, locate and click the Start button. From the Start menu, click Shut Down. In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, select Shut down the computer, then click Yes. Unplug the keyboard.

3. Using a letter opener or similiar implement, gently pry the keys off. Make sure you know where each key goes, or clean them one at a time.

4. The only one that will not come off in that exact manner is the spacebar. This one has two hooks on the underside. Remember how it comes on and off so it may be easily replaced.

5. Soak a cotton swab with alcohol and use it to clean the keys and plungers.

6. Let the keyboard fully dry

[boilerman]

I think Radio Shack has a tool for removing the keys.

[Squiredan]

My answer to this question is to not clean the keyboard at all, but rather to buy a keyboard cover that fits snugly over the keys and keeps all that junk away from the inner works of the keyboard. You can also type right through it.

A search with Google will bring up a number of places that sell these which are individually made for your brand of keyboard. They cost about $20.00, but I thing they are really worth the money, just in saving aggravation alone.

[greenenvy]

Thanks alot you guys, I appreciate all your help and good advice. ;) :)

[resvelt]

Having to deal with about 250 PC's at the office, we use the canned air to spray out the keyboards rather than taking the keys off. The most difficult problem is dealing with staples under the keys. Then we usually have to remove the key.

[doublelfan]

Nothing gets dirt like nail polish remover! :D .

JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DO NOT USE NAIL POLISH REMOVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:D

On a serious note, the air in the can works great to get the gunk out from underneath and the rubbing alcohol/q-tip has been the best combination to clean the oil and dirt.

[greenenvy]

Thanks again you guys, your suggestions & tips are appreciated. :D

[Elliott]

Don't see what all the fuss is about. I have been using keyboards for over 10 years and occasionally (twice a year) blow them out with compressed air and have never had a problem. Are dirty keyboards a prevalent problem?

[doublelfan]

Originally posted by Elliott
Don't see what all the fuss is about. I have been using keyboards for over 10 years and occasionally (twice a year) blow them out with compressed air and have never had a problem. Are dirty keyboards a prevalent problem?

It's not the end of the world but if I can save myself buying a new keyboard by spraying a little air and wiping off the oil and dirt I'm gonna do it.

Isopropyl Alcohol has worked best for me!

[Norman]

Put it in the dishwasher. Take it out before the heat/dry cycle. Blow dry with hairdryer and let sit until fully dried. Works every time. I know it sounds ridiculous.....try it. I've done several and never lost one yet. :)

[Greenhat]

Norm's right, it works.

[greenenvy]

Okay, cool! Thanks everybody for your advice and help. :D

[bicycle Bill]

Howdy. I would like to put this out there. Don't use a magna duster. It will shut down your PC and possibly cause serious damage

Sorry about the messed up vb code. Trying to learn how to use it..

[MaKa]

Hi, everyone;
While we are on the subject of keyboard maintenance, is
there a way to restore the letters on top of the the keys? Several of mine are virtually invisible.
Thanks for any tips.
MaKa

[greenenvy]

Hmmm, good question MaKa...I have a few keys like that myself. I'm sure though there is probably no solution for that, other than poping them out and replacing the keys individually but hey, what do I know. ;) :D

[Greenhat]

There are stickers available which can be used to "restore" the keyboard markings. They are commonly sold for using to convert keyboard configurations (English to Thai, Japanese to English, etc.). Make sure you get the correct configuration (American English usually).

[hal9000]

My answer to this question is to not clean the keyboard at all, but rather to buy a keyboard cover that fits snugly over the keys and keeps all that junk away from the inner works of the keyboard. You can also type right through it.

That's one I hadn't thought of. I wonder if it's just as easy to type with the cover on... although it seems kinda like keeping the clear plastic on lampshades.... I always look for one of those cheap Elvis paintings hanging around when I see the lampshade covers. :-) But good heavens, you can buy a new keyboard these days for $8 bucks. What am I suppose to do while my keyboard's in the dishwasher, twiddle my thumbs.

I guess I could go out and feel the wind in my hair for twenty minutes and hope I don't get too caught up in reality to forget and take the keyboard out before the dry cycle kicks in.

Whew...after that little dose of reality I'd be ready for something virtual again.

[boilerman]

Hal--I have lazy fingers that tend to drag and give unwanted letters. I found that a fitted keyboard "skin" provides a feel more like a typewriter of old and ended these extra letters. The cheapest source I have found for a "skin" also offers skins with letters embossed on them. Larger in size than normal. Go to---

http://www.keyboardskins.com/cartexe/keyboard.asp

[hal9000]

boilerman,

I have that lazy finger problem as well. I must say, the cover looks much more snug that I thought. May not be a bad idea at that. Reasonable price as well.

Thanks.

[MaKa]

Thanks for the tips from Greenhat and Hal9000 which I shall
explore further at the first opportunity.-
In order to minimize withdrawal symptoms during keyboard
restoration, hooking up the spare might alleviate the
problem. Be sure to set the timer, though, or use a pre-wash
or no-heat setting!
MaKa