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Spring-clean your keyboard and devices

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Breadcrumbs in your keyboard, greasy marks on your trackpad, bacteria on your remote control – your devices need a regular clean. We show you how with the following tips. 

 

Remote controls and keyboards are two of the biggest culprits when it comes to spreading germs within your home. Your keyboard harbours up to 400 times as many germs as your toilet seat. And microbiological analyses show that viruses and bacteria can live on your remote control for upwards of 24 hours. It’s therefore high time to spring-clean your devices. 

 

You will need:  

  • An air duster spray: to remove dust and dirt from gaps  
  • A microfibre cloth: to gently clean surfaces and screens  
  • Cotton buds: the best way to tackle patches of tough grease and dirt 
  • Rubbing alcohol: to deal with particularly dirt-encrusted areas 

Cleaning the keyboard and mouse 

Even if you have never eaten at your desk (well done, you!), your mouse and keyboard will still collect plenty of dust and dirt. Every time you move the mouse, it takes up a bit of dust. And every time you touch the keyboard, your fingers leave traces of grease behind. Both need cleaning once a week with a microfibre cloth and an air duster spray.  

 

Experts recommend an additional monthly deep-clean. This is how: 

  1. Take a photo of your keyboard. 
  2. Carefully lift the individual keycaps out of the keyboard using a suitable keycap puller. 
  3. Place the keycaps in a bowl of water with some detergent and slowly tilt it back and forth until the dirt dissolves.  
  4. Place the keycaps on a towel to dry.  
  5. Remove the dust and food residue from the keyboard frame.  
  6. Once the keycaps are dry, reinsert them carefully, using your photo to help if necessary.  

How to clean your laptop properly 

Once a week, you should reach for the microfibre cloth to wipe your laptop screen and trackpad. Remove stubborn dirt from the trackpad using a damp cloth. If this does not work, briefly dip a cotton bud in the rubbing alcohol and use to carefully scrub the dirt away. Use the air duster spray to remove dust from the keyboard and other gaps. If you’re feeling brave, you can unscrew the laptop casing and very carefully remove the dirt from inside using the air duster spray. 

 

Eliminating germs from your remote control 

The TV remote control is also a well-known breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. Pour some all-purpose cleaner onto a microfibre cloth and thoroughly clean the surfaces. Then use a cotton bud to clean the buttons. If necessary, an old toothbrush can be used to get into clogged-up crevices. Please remove the batteries before cleaning the device. This will prevent short circuits and other problems. 

 

 

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