How to Clean & Disinfect a Laptop Keyboard
- 1). Turn off your laptop. Unplug the power cord and remove the battery to be sure you don't accidentally turn it on during the cleaning process.
- 2). Open the laptop and adjust the screen so that it's at a 90 degree angle from the keyboard.
- 3). Invert the laptop over the towel or folded up sheet and gently tap the bottom to dislodge any crumbs or dirt caught between the key. The towel will catch the dirt and prevent you from accidentally scratching the case if it comes in contact with your work surface. If this is the first time you've cleaned the keyboard or it's very dirty, you could also vacuum the keyboard. Be careful not to scratch the keyboard in the process.
- 4). Lightly moisten a paper towel or soft lint-free cloth with a gentle, non-toxic cleanser like the type you might use to clean your bathroom mirrors. Be sure not to moisten the cloth too much. It should be just damp, not dripping, so that the cleanser does not seep between the keys and harm the circuit board below.
- 5). Wipe the keyboard with the cloth, rubbing gently with your fingernail to remove any grime from the lettering on the keys, then let the keyboard dry completely before proceeding.
- 6). Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol in the bottle's cap, then dip the tip of your first cotton swab into the alcohol to dampen it lightly. Again, be certain not to over-moisten the swab. Clean the first key by moving the swab in gentle circles from the center outward until all of the key has been lightly touched with the disinfectant. Move on to the next key, changing swabs when they become soiled, until you have cleaned every key on the keyboard.
- 7). Let the keyboard air dry completely before replacing the battery and powering on your laptop.
