To clean a keyboard with removable keycaps, you need to unplug it, take off the keycaps, clean the base with compressed air and isopropyl alcohol, and soak the keycaps separately.
Cleaning your keyboard regularly is essential for hygiene and performance, especially for mechanical keyboards or those with easily removable keycaps. This process helps remove dust, crumbs, and grime that accumulate over time.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Follow these steps to effectively clean your keyboard using the recommended method.
Preparation
Before you begin cleaning, ensure the keyboard is safe to handle and prepare the components.
- Unplug the keyboard: Always disconnect the keyboard from your computer to prevent accidental key presses or electrical issues during cleaning.
- Remove all keycaps: Carefully pull off each keycap. You can use a keycap puller tool or gently rock larger keys from side to side. Keep the keycaps together in a container.
Cleaning the Keyboard Base
With the keycaps removed, you can access the keyboard's base, switches, and plate.
- Use compressed air to clean the exposed switch plate: Point the nozzle of a can of compressed air towards the keyboard base and spray across the surface. This will blow away loose dust, crumbs, and debris from around and under the switches.
- Clean between switches with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol: Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol (ensure it's not dripping wet). Gently clean around the base of each switch and any visible dirt on the plate between the switches. Isopropyl alcohol evaporates quickly and is effective at lifting grime.
Cleaning the Keycaps
While the keyboard base is drying or being cleaned, you can tackle the keycaps.
- Soak keycaps in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes: Place the removed keycaps in a container filled with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Let them soak for approximately 30 minutes to loosen dirt and oils. You can gently swish them around or use a soft brush if needed, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and let them air dry completely before reattaching them to the keyboard.
Allow all parts, especially the keyboard base after using alcohol and the keycaps after soaking, to dry completely before reassembling the keyboard. This prevents potential damage from moisture.
Cleaning Summary Table
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Unplug keyboard | Safety, prevent accidental input |
| Remove all keycaps | Access base, clean keycaps separately | |
| Cleaning Base | Use compressed air on switch plate | Remove loose debris |
| Clean between switches with isopropyl alcohol & swab | Remove stuck grime around switches | |
| Cleaning Keycaps | Soak in warm, soapy water (30 mins) | Loosen dirt and oils from keycap surfaces |
| Final Steps | Rinse and dry keycaps | Remove soap residue, prevent moisture damage |
| Allow base to dry | Ensure no moisture remains near electronics | |
| Reassembly | Place keycaps back on switches | Return keyboard to usable state |
Following these steps ensures a thorough cleaning, leaving your keyboard looking and feeling fresh.
