Keeping your ASUS laptop keyboard clean is essential for hygiene and optimal performance. A combination of basic cleaning to remove debris and disinfection is the best approach.
Why Clean Your Laptop Keyboard?
Over time, laptop keyboards accumulate dust, crumbs, skin oils, and germs. This can not only make the keyboard look dirty but also affect key responsiveness and potentially spread bacteria. Regular cleaning helps maintain its appearance and function.
Essential Tools
Before you begin, gather a few simple tools:
| Tool | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Microfiber Cloth | Wiping surfaces, general cleaning | Soft, lint-free |
| Compressed Air Can | Blowing away loose debris | Use in short bursts |
| Isopropyl Alcohol | Disinfection | Recommend 70% concentration |
| Cotton Swabs | Cleaning hard-to-reach areas | Standard ear cleaning swabs |
| Small Soft Brush | Loosening stubborn debris (optional) | E.g., a clean paintbrush |
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Follow these steps for a thorough cleaning and disinfection:
Step 1: Preparation
- Turn off your laptop: Completely shut down your ASUS laptop.
- Unplug: Disconnect the power adapter and remove any connected peripherals. This prevents accidental key presses or damage during cleaning.
Step 2: Remove Loose Debris
- Flip it over: Gently turn your laptop upside down with the screen open and lightly tap the back to dislodge any crumbs or larger particles trapped between the keys.
- Use compressed air: Hold the compressed air can upright and use short bursts to blow air across and between the keys. Work from one side to the other to push debris out. Avoid tilting the can or spraying for too long, as this can release propellant.
Step 3: Clean Key Surfaces
- Use a dry microfiber cloth: Wipe down the surface of the keys and the surrounding palm rest area to remove dust and fingerprints.
- For light marks: Slightly dampen a clean section of the microfiber cloth with plain water (ensure it's not dripping wet) and gently wipe the keys. Immediately dry with another part of the cloth.
Step 4: Disinfect Your Keyboard
This step is crucial for killing germs and bacteria.
- Prepare for disinfection: According to guidance on how to disinfect a laptop keyboard, get a microfiber cloth slightly damp with isopropyl alcohol. The cloth should be just moist enough to wipe, not saturated.
- Wipe each key: Carefully wipe down each key individually using the damp cloth. Be gentle and avoid letting liquid seep under the keys or into the laptop's internals.
- Clean hard-to-reach areas: You can also put some alcohol on a cotton swab and use it to clean any hard-to-reach areas around the edges of keys or in tight spots where the cloth can't reach.
Step 5: Final Wipe Down
Use a clean, dry section of the microfiber cloth to give the entire keyboard and palm rest area a final wipe down, ensuring no moisture is left.
Step 6: Let it Dry
Allow your keyboard to air dry completely for at least 15-30 minutes before closing the lid or turning the laptop back on. This ensures all moisture, especially the alcohol which evaporates quickly, has dissipated.
Important Precautions
- Never spray liquids directly: Do not spray water, alcohol, or cleaning solutions directly onto the keyboard.
- Avoid excessive moisture: Use cloths or swabs that are only slightly damp. Excess liquid is the biggest risk for laptop damage.
- Do not use harsh chemicals: Avoid using bleach, ammonia, acetone, or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the keycaps or finish.
- Be gentle: Don't press too hard on the keys or surrounding areas while cleaning.
By following these steps, including the recommended disinfection method with isopropyl alcohol, you can keep your ASUS laptop keyboard clean, hygienic, and functioning properly.
