How to clean a keyboard

Whether you're still going into the office, are hot-desking and worried about sharing a keyboard or have been coughing all over the family laptop's keyboard at home, there's no denying that knowing how to clean a keyboard is a good life skill have at the moment. 

Did you know that research suggests that the average desk is 4,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat, making it a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria? So, if you're concerned about catching Coronavirus – or just want to limit the spread of all kinds of germs, giving your keyboard a good clean is a wise move – why not give the rest of your desk a go while you're at it? 

For more cleaning advice, head over to our hub.

How to clean a keyboard

1. If your keyboard is wired, start by disconnecting it from your computer. If it's built-into your laptop, ensure it's shut down before you get started.

2. Start by holding your keyboard upside down in a bid to encourage any crumbs, or bits of debris, to fall away.

3. Use a can of compressed air, or the duster attachment on your vacuum, to blast any bits of leftover debris away.

4. Take a sustainable cotton bud, or twist up a piece of kitchen roll, and dip lightly into isopropyl alcohol. Gently work your way around each of the edges of your keys. Remember that liquids and electrics don't tend to be friends, so you want to avoid getting your keyboard too wet.

5. Next, take a microfibre cloth and gently dip it in your isopropyl alcohol. Gently wipe each of your keys.

Looking for more cleaning advice?

• How to clean a home office – 11 fast cleaning hacks
• How to clean a bathroom – a step by step guide