With the constant use and accumulated dirt, your laptop’s keyboard may appear grimy. This may not only effect the look, but its function as well. Laptop keyboards should be cleaned regularly to avoid this from happening. Before cleaning your laptop’s keyboard, make sure that you have turned it off, unplugged it, and removed the battery. This is to prevent any accidents from happening.
Disassemble the keyboard. Usually keyboards are locked with screws at the sides. Do not force it using your hands. Use a screw driver. Before removing the keys, draw a map where the keys were placed to avoid confusions when returning back the keys. Prepare two containers, one for the keys and one for the screws.
Clean the base. Try cleaning it with a soft cloth or cotton swabs. Slightly damp the material into water until it reaches moist wet texture. Gently wipe the base using it. This will remove water-base residues such as soda drinks and chocolate drinks. After using water, repeat the same procedure using alcohol and cleaning solution.
Degrease the keys. One of the reasons why keys accumulate a lot of dirt is because of the greasy texture. The greasier it becomes, the more dirt it can accumulate. Use any kitchen cleaner or dish washer. Soak the keys in a soap solution for about 3-5 minutes. Then, brush the keys one by one. Be sure that you brush the inner part of the keys. Rinse and let it dry.
Remove dirt from rubber components. Use the same procedure on degreasing the keys. But be more careful on handling the components. Unlike the keys, rubber components are smaller and lighter.
Apply lubricant on the keyboard and its keys. Using cotton swab, gently apply it on the components. Avoid overdoing the application. Too much lubricant may cause more accumulation of dirt. But be sure that you do this procedure from all corners of the keys. After, let it dry.
Reassemble the keyboard. Reverse the first procedure. Make sure to place the keys to its proper location. Use the map you made. Before closing it, try if all the keys bounce back after you press them to test if you placed the rubber components properly. If everything works well, screw it safely.
It is impossible to keep your laptop keyboard clean forever, but there are ways to keep it from getting dirty right away.
Here are some tips to keep the keyboard clean:
Avoid eating and drinking when using a laptop. Coffee spills may happen, and some small chips may enter the keyboard unnoticed. To prevent this from happening, as much as possible avoid this practice.
Wipe the outer part of the keyboard regularly. Preventing more dirt accumulation entering the keyboard base may be the best first line of defense.
Cover the laptop when not in use to prevent more exposure on dirt.
Place rubber covering on your keyboard. It serves as outer covering of your keyboards.
Remember: Maintaining the cleanliness of your laptop is essential to its functionality. With these few procedures and tips, you can make sure your laptop is dirt-free and problem-free.
