Simple tricks get a computer keyboard clean again, expert says

16 Nov, 2015

A computer's keyboard is bound to get dirty sooner or later. The question is how to give it a good cleaning when so much dirt accumulates that it can no longer be used.
For those seeking the best way to get crumbs out of their keyboard, here are a few tricks:
Don't use water. Water is the enemy of the sensitive electronics in a keyboard. Only use lightly moistened towels, not damp ones, recommends Georg Schnurer of German computer magazine c't. "The towel has to be wrung out so that there is no more water left in the fabric."
Dry towels. Instead of using moist towels consider using a dry towel and window cleaner. Window cleaner has the advantage that it leaves little residue behind when it evaporates, says Schnurer.
The important thing is to spray the cleaner on the towel and then rub the keyboard down. Spraying it directly on the keyboard runs the risk that the liquid will run between the keys and ruin the device.
Remove the keys. Even if there's a big space between the keys and the board, there's still no towel that will be able to get out all the dirt. That's why it's often a good idea to take off all the keys, place them in a mesh bag and give them a spin in your washing machine or dishwasher.

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