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If your keyboard’s got that one (or more) key that sticks, crunches, or won’t bounce back after being pressed, it may be time for a deep clean. Same goes for your mouse. If your cursor is getting stuck on screen, it’s not always your computer’s fault — your mouse could be due for a little TLC.
Cleaning your laptop, keyboard and mouse isn’t just helpful for regular upkeep, it also helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. You don’t need to run a full-powered cleaning kit either; just a few little accessories could make a big difference.
How to Clean Your Computer Keyboard
We’re all guilty of eating at our workstations, sometimes even while working. But with time, crumbs accumulate between the keys, as well as dust and general nastiness from spills and various schmutz. The first step to dislodging all that dust is to simply shake it off: Turn your keyboard a little over 90 degrees upwards, so that the bottom edge below the spacebar is now against the table or desk, and gently tap it against the surface, knocking loose the remnants of a thousands snacks from the past months or years.
Canned air, or one of its equivalents, can really be a huge help to get in there between the keys and blast out the leftover dirt that wasn’t shaken loose too.
Once the insides have been aired out, grab a microfiber cloth to clean the keys themselves, because all those times you’ve typed with chip-dust on your fingers add up. Water works well, but if you want to step up the cleaning power with a DIY concoction, you can mix one part water with one part vinegar, or water with a bit of dish soap (just make sure to unplug your keyboard or turn off your computer beforehand).
To really kill anything living on your keys though, you can mix two parts water with one part rubbing alcohol – but if you’re going that route, be sure to use at least 70% or pure isopropyl. Whatever you decide to do, don’t overspray it – a little liquid on the cloth is okay, but getting any between the keys and into the electronics is something to avoid at all costs.
Finally, dive into every crevasse with a cotton swab or specially-designed brush, scooping up any stubborn particles that remain, while drying and absorbing any leftover liquid.
How to Clean Your Computer Mouse
Mice are a bit easier to clean – a swab or brush can be handy to clean the little laser tracker or ball on the underside, and a similar, gentle wipe-down with a microfiber cloth all-around will do just fine.
But to take things a step further and really do an intensely deep clean, we’ve picked out four additional tools to help keep your workstation tidy and debris-free. At the end of the day, clean gear runs better, and lasts longer, ultimately saving you money in the long term.
