When is a tech problem not really a tech problem? When it’s a dirty keyboard misbehaving because of crumbs and oils. With all the time that we spend at our computers these days, we kind of overlook our equipment until it starts to break down. This little project will take just a couple of minutes, and you’ll be glad you know how to clean your keyboard.

Will I see you this weekend? You’re invited to an online event this weekend offered by Brett Furman, a talented and professional Realtor that I’m fortunate to work with. He’s a numbers-driven guy, and I always appreciate his advice. We’re teaming up to offer you The ABC’s of Senior Housing, with Staging Advice this Saturday at 10 am eastern. Find out more and register for free here. Whether you are planning a move, or just planning to plan, I hope to see you there. 

How to Clean Your Keyboard

Don’t throw out that grimy keyboard! There’s plenty of life in it still.

Just follow these easy steps to take care of it. *The keyboard above and the keyboard in the rest of this post are not the same. I’m pretty sure what the gal who owns this keyboard above is going to be doing this afternoon.

6 Easy Steps to Clean Your Keyboard

Step 1: Turn off your keyboard. Apple keyboards hide the switches. Mine is a hidden round button on the end. If it’s a wired keyboard, turn off or unplug it.

Step 2: Turn over your keyboard and VERY GENTLY tap it on your lap or table. This gets the big crumbs out.

Step 3: Turn the keyboard right-side-up again and remove any remaining crumbs with a soft brush. A clean toothbrush will do, but I also love this electronics brush from Oxo. (affiliate link) I love this thing so much. Don’t use any cleaner on it. Just let the fluffy end tease out any gook.

Step 4: Spray a clean cloth and VERY GENTLY wipe the keys down with degreaser like Simple Green. Avoid spraying electrics directly. A gentle degreaser will remove the oils from your hands that build up on the keys. Be careful though. Don’t wipe too hard or you could remove the letters or damage the keys.

Step 5: Spray a cloth with a diluted alcohol mixture, and wipe the keys down again. This is partly to remove germs, and partly to remove any residue from the degreaser. I keep a small bottle of half water/half alcohol at my desk. Remember…spray the cloth, not the electronics!

Step 6: Turn the keyboard over once more and gently, VERY GENTLY, tap against your leg. You’ve likely loosened up some tiny flakes that will otherwise work their way under the keys.

Step 8: Turn the clean keyboard back over and turn it on again. Enjoy your fresh, clean keyboard.

Now about that mouse…

You can use the same set of tools to give a quick wipe and swipe to the topside and the underside of your mouse. Give it a try and see if it doesn’t work a bit better for you.

If you are in a cleaning mood, here are some other hidden places in your home that most people forget to clean.