If you have to press the individual keys of the keyboard particularly hard when typing on a laptop or desktop PC, this may be due to dirt under the keys. Otherwise, the input device is a veritable source of bacteria. Therefore, the keyboard should be cleaned regularly. Read here how to do this correctly.
Grab handles, doorknobs, coins – everything that people touch can quickly become a playground for pathogens. So what do you think is going on on your keyboard? Very few think about cleaning the constantly used keys on a laptop or PC. Usually you only get the idea when the keyboard is stuck. Read here how to proceed when cleaning the keyboard.
Easy cleaning of the keyboard
1. Remove coarse dirt
Working with an external keyboard? Then first pull out the cable here or switch off the wireless keyboard. It is advisable to put some newspaper underneath to catch the dirt. Now turn the keyboard upside down and shake until the first coarse dirt has fallen out.
2. Clean keys
Isopropyl alcohol or even simple disinfectant works best to remove deposits on the keys. Dampen a cloth with alcohol and wipe the key surface with it. You should be particularly thorough with keys that are used a lot, since several layers of dirt can often accumulate here. If that is not enough, you can use e.g. B. rework with a cotton swab. It is best to scrape off very stubborn dirt with a toothpick. Wipe the keyboard dry with a lint-free cloth before reconnecting.
Intensive cleaning of removable keys
Many keyboards are built in such a way that the keys can be removed one at a time. This works for both desktop and laptop keyboards. Some devices, especially mechanical keyboards, even come with a tool that can be used to simply pull the keys upwards. Other models require you to carefully get under the edge of a button with a butter knife and push up. If you are unsure whether it is possible to remove individual keys from your keyboard, contact the manufacturer to be on the safe side.
Remove dirt from the base
If possible, remove all buttons and wipe them with alcohol. It is best to take a picture of the keyboard with your smartphone beforehand so that you know which key goes where. Alternatively, you can also rinse the keys under running water. Use a tea towel to dry. To make sure there is no water left on the keys, let them dry on the tea towel for a few hours.
Without the keys on the keyboard, the gaps and the key bed can be optimally cleaned. Remove dirt and dust e.g. B. by compressed air. Such compressed air cleaners are available as a spray. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner on the lowest setting. Make sure there are no loose parts that could be sucked up by the vacuum cleaner. Wipe the gaps with a rag dipped in alcohol. Check that all keys are dry, then gently push them back into their original places. The keys should snap back into place with a soft click. Wipe the keyboard dry one last time, then switch or plug it back in.
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Clean MacBook Pro keyboard
The keyboards in MacBook (2015 to 2017), MacBook Air (2018 to 2019), MacBook Pro 13 (2016 to 2019) and MacBook Pro 15 (2016 to 2019) use the so-called butterfly mechanism, which enables a particularly low overall height – a supposed one advanced method of making laptops thinner than traditional keyboards, but the small distance between the keys and the keyboard bed soon proved to be a disadvantage, as even small amounts of dust in the keyboard can make keys difficult or impossible to use Apple recommends that users of the affected devices If possible, remove the dust with compressed air spray:
- The notebook should not be in a fully vertical position when cleaning. Apple recommends an angle of about 75 degrees.
- Now spray the product from left to right over the keys so that dust and dirt can escape to the side.
- In the next step, turn the laptop right side out and spray the keys again in the manner described.
- Finally, turn the laptop inside out and apply the spray one last time from left to right.
If the problem persists, users can have the faulty component replaced. Apple has admitted a design flaw and launched a repair program. Find out whether your MacBook is covered by this program here. In its newer models, the manufacturer has solved the problem with a new keyboard design.