Clean Keyboard

My favorite way to clean my keyboard of dust and debris is to “turn the computer off” then simply vacuum with a brush attachment. A damp cloth will get most stains. I have had success cleaning a malfunctioning keyboard which has suffered a liquid spill by disassembling it and cleaning the sandwich membrane with isopropyl alcohol. I would only recommend this method if you have an above average mechanical aptitude. If it is an inexpensive keyboard, send it to the recycler and buy a new one and maybe a keyboard protector if you’re prone to messing on your keyboard.
(my 2 cents)

I can understand your apprehension cleaning kb’s in the dishwasher. though for the newer keyboards It’s the way to go for me, Though I have to ask if you took your keyboards apart before putting them in the dishwasher. most anti-spill keyboards come apart pretty easily, with the front, and keys all as one. I heard that there was a way to do it without taking the keyboards apart, but you would have to wait a few days to make sure everything dried out. I have always opted to take the thing apart first, that way I know that the circuit board and membrane are safe and dry,and I can just put everything back together when the keypad had dried off, which takes about 12 hours. This has worked for me 100%.
For older keyboards (Those where the keys are done directly to the circuit board.) I would definitely suggest removing the keys and wiping everything off. while it takes longer, and is more tedious than the dishwasher method, at least you don’t have to worry about ruining the circuit board. It usually boils down to what you are most comfortable with though..

Personaly I remove all keys and wash with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution then blow the base out with a compressor using a static precipatator and a dyyer and set at 18 pound per inch. I have been using this keybord for ten years now.

Just thought I’d include my method here it’s fast and easy. I agree with the shaking upside down entirely, works like a charm. after that I like to pop off all the buttons except maybe space, enter, and backspace, because they have metal bars and are sometimes hard to put back. Take all your keys and throw them in an empty glass jar, add warm or hot water, and some granulated dishwasher soap for abrasive cleaning power, you can also add some sugar as well for extra scrubbing power. Shake the jar for a few minutes then remove the keys, rinse them, and lay them on a towel and simply wipe each one as you replace it on the keyboard. give it a try it works for me and keeps the electronic bits out of harms way.

For Luddites like me who hold onto our old clunky, heavy, clicky
IBM model M keyboards and want to know how to clean them,
here’s a link to a good source:

http://www.preater.com/modelm/

[...] Originally Posted by Eazy The problem as I see it is that the plastic of the key tops developes some friction with the keys socket and it does not get depressed easily…. I have cleaned the plastic of both with alcohol and also used vaseline to reduce friction and there is no difference. The problem is that the keys seem to get deformed in some way and develope massive friction and there is nothing I can do about it. Sadly the only other keyboard that has this problem is my old original MS Natural keyboard - the original all White Natural model - its keys have become hard to press too - not usable. As you like this keyboard I will give it to you for FREE but you will have to collect it. I also have the second model of the Natural - the MM one which I still use and like a lot. Be careful about using Alcohol on membranes and rubbers as I understand Alcohol hardens these materials and it can crumble away. Correct me if this info is wrong. Hmm I used mild soap water and then IP Alcohol to clean up - never had a problem. Also, Eazy, I cleaned the individual keys by removing them, and giving them all a good wash in soap water, and then cleaning them thoroughly. About removing the keys - they will pop out easily enough. The only problem area might be the spacebar. The MS natural has such a neat layout though, that disassembling and reassembling it is not an issue at all. Here’s a link that I found that also suggests alcohol to clean the membrane. Uh.. the other link too. Disassembly of an Apple Pro (M7803) Keyboard Clean Keyboard ~ Windows Fanatics Btw, you should use white grease (meant for electronics) to eliminate friction. Vaseline is a definite no-no. I don’t think you need to use much alcohol on the membrane - just a dab on a cotton swab and rub it fast to remove any dirt, that should do the trick. IF you’re removing the keys, do it after opening the keyboard, from the other side, it will avoid any damage to the keys. Many tend to remove the keys with a screwdriver or so directly, it damages them. Thank you so much for offering me the keyboard Eazy. I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, I’m in Ahmedabad, so it’ll have to wait . [...]