{"id":127,"date":"2005-04-11T22:10:00","date_gmt":"2005-04-11T16:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/04\/11\/computer-keyboards-spread-infections-bacteria\/"},"modified":"2026-10-12T19:10:24","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T13:40:24","slug":"computer-keyboards-spread-infections-bacteria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/04\/computer-keyboards-spread-infections-bacteria\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean a Keyboard Safely (and Why It&#8217;s Dirtier Than You Think)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In 2005 doctors warned that computer keyboards can carry bacteria and spread infections, advising hand washing and regular disinfection, especially for shared keyboards in hospitals, schools and libraries. That advice is still sound. Here&#8217;s how to <strong>clean a keyboard<\/strong> safely in 2026, whether it&#8217;s a laptop, a desktop or a mechanical board.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-64790\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-clean-a-keyboard-1024x538.webp\" alt=\"How to clean a keyboard\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-clean-a-keyboard-1024x538.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-clean-a-keyboard-300x158.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-clean-a-keyboard-150x79.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-clean-a-keyboard-768x403.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-clean-a-keyboard.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> Unplug or switch off the device, turn the keyboard upside down and tap out crumbs, then use compressed air between the keys. Wipe keys with a microfibre cloth lightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol (never spray liquid directly). For mechanical keyboards, pull the keycaps and wash them separately. Clean shared keyboards weekly and wash your hands often.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aec60e69048d\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aec60e69048d\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/04\/computer-keyboards-spread-infections-bacteria\/#Quick_clean_weekly\" >Quick clean (weekly)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/04\/computer-keyboards-spread-infections-bacteria\/#Deep_clean_a_mechanical_keyboard\" >Deep clean a mechanical keyboard<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/04\/computer-keyboards-spread-infections-bacteria\/#Laptop_keyboard_tips\" >Laptop keyboard tips<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/04\/computer-keyboards-spread-infections-bacteria\/#What_to_avoid\" >What to avoid<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/04\/computer-keyboards-spread-infections-bacteria\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/04\/computer-keyboards-spread-infections-bacteria\/#How_often_should_I_clean_my_keyboard\" >How often should I clean my keyboard?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/04\/computer-keyboards-spread-infections-bacteria\/#Can_I_use_disinfectant_wipes\" >Can I use disinfectant wipes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/04\/computer-keyboards-spread-infections-bacteria\/#What_if_I_spilled_a_drink\" >What if I spilled a drink?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_clean_weekly\"><\/span>Quick clean (weekly)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Shut down the laptop or unplug the keyboard (remove batteries if wireless).<\/li>\n<li>Turn it upside down and gently shake or tap to remove debris.<\/li>\n<li>Blow out gaps with compressed air, holding the can upright.<\/li>\n<li>Wipe keys and surrounding surfaces with a cloth or wipe dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol.<\/li>\n<li>Let it dry fully before turning it on.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Deep_clean_a_mechanical_keyboard\"><\/span>Deep clean a mechanical keyboard<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Take a photo of the layout, then remove keycaps with a keycap puller.<\/li>\n<li>Soak keycaps in warm soapy water, rinse and air dry completely.<\/li>\n<li>Brush and vacuum or blow out the plate.<\/li>\n<li>Refit keycaps once fully dry.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Laptop_keyboard_tips\"><\/span>Laptop keyboard tips<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Don&#8217;t pry off laptop keys; they break easily.<\/li>\n<li>Use a soft brush and compressed air at an angle.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid excess moisture near the trackpad and vents.<\/li>\n<li>Clean the screen gently afterwards; see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/06\/clean-laptop-notebook-lcd-screens\/\">how to clean a laptop screen safely<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_avoid\"><\/span>What to avoid<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Bleach, harsh cleaners or spraying liquid onto keys.<\/li>\n<li>Soaking a keyboard (except some fully waterproof models).<\/li>\n<li>Eating over the keyboard if you can help it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Shopping for a new one? See the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2011\/09\/best-gaming-keyboards\/\">best gaming keyboards<\/a>, and clean your mouse too; here&#8217;s how to use an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/05\/apple-mighty-mouse-on-windows-pc\/\">Apple Magic Mouse on Windows<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_often_should_I_clean_my_keyboard\"><\/span>How often should I clean my keyboard?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A quick wipe weekly, and a deeper clean every few months, or more often for shared keyboards.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_use_disinfectant_wipes\"><\/span>Can I use disinfectant wipes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, alcohol-based wipes that aren&#8217;t dripping wet; avoid bleach.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_if_I_spilled_a_drink\"><\/span>What if I spilled a drink?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Turn it off immediately, unplug, turn it upside down to drain, and let it dry for at least 24 hours before testing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In 2005 doctors warned that computer keyboards can carry bacteria and spread infections, advising hand washing and regular disinfection, especially&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":64790,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-127","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=127"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":64791,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127\/revisions\/64791"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64790"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=127"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=127"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=127"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}