Metal keyboards, known for their durability and sleek aesthetics, offer a premium typing experience. However, their metallic surfaces can attract fingerprints, dust, and grime, diminishing their appeal and potentially affecting performance. Regular and proper cleaning is essential to maintain their pristine condition and ensure longevity. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to cleaning your metal keyboard safely and effectively.
Why Cleaning Your Metal Keyboard Matters
A clean keyboard is more than just visually appealing. The accumulation of dust, food particles, and oils can lead to several problems.
Firstly, it can compromise the keyboard’s functionality. Dirt lodged between keys can cause them to stick or become unresponsive, hindering your typing speed and accuracy. Secondly, it’s a matter of hygiene. Keyboards are breeding grounds for bacteria, and regular cleaning helps minimize the risk of spreading germs. Thirdly, cleaning preserves the keyboard’s aesthetic appeal. Fingerprints, smudges, and dust can dull the finish of the metal, making it look worn and unkempt. Finally, proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your keyboard, protecting your investment in the long run.
Preparing for the Cleaning Process
Before diving into the cleaning process, gather the necessary supplies and take some precautionary measures. Proper preparation ensures a safe and effective cleaning experience.
Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies
Having the right tools and cleaning solutions readily available will streamline the cleaning process. Essential items include:
- Microfiber cloths: These lint-free cloths are gentle on metal surfaces and effectively remove dust and grime without scratching.
- Compressed air: Ideal for blasting away dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas, such as between the keys.
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or lower concentration): A safe and effective disinfectant for cleaning metal surfaces. Higher concentrations can damage certain coatings.
- Distilled water: Use distilled water for dampening cloths or diluting cleaning solutions to avoid mineral deposits.
- Cotton swabs: Perfect for cleaning tight spaces and crevices around the keys.
- Keycap puller (optional): This tool allows you to safely remove keycaps for more thorough cleaning.
- Small bowl: To hold diluted cleaning solutions.
Taking Precautionary Measures
Safety should always be your top priority when cleaning electronic devices. Before starting, disconnect your keyboard from the computer to prevent accidental electrical shock or damage. If your keyboard is wireless, turn it off and remove the batteries.
Consider taking a picture of your keyboard layout before removing any keycaps. This will serve as a handy reference when you reassemble the keyboard later. Work in a well-lit area to ensure you can see all the dirt and grime that needs to be removed.
The Cleaning Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to clean your metal keyboard effectively and safely:
Step 1: Removing Loose Debris
Begin by removing loose debris from the keyboard surface. Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it to dislodge any crumbs, dust, or other particles that may be trapped between the keys. Use compressed air to blow out any remaining debris from hard-to-reach areas. Hold the can of compressed air at a slight angle and use short bursts to avoid damaging the keyboard. Focus on the spaces between the keys and around the edges of the keyboard.
Step 2: Cleaning the Keycaps (Optional but Recommended)
For a more thorough cleaning, consider removing the keycaps. Use a keycap puller to gently remove each keycap. Avoid using sharp objects like knives or screwdrivers, as these can damage the keycaps or the keyboard. Place the removed keycaps in a small bowl filled with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Gently agitate the keycaps to loosen any dirt and grime. Rinse the keycaps thoroughly with clean water and allow them to air dry completely before reattaching them to the keyboard.
If you don’t have a keycap puller, you can still clean the keycaps while they are attached to the keyboard. Dampen a microfiber cloth with a diluted solution of isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the surface of each keycap. Be careful not to get any liquid inside the keyboard.
Step 3: Cleaning the Metal Surface
Now it’s time to clean the metal surface of the keyboard. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with a diluted solution of isopropyl alcohol (70% or lower concentration) or distilled water. Wring out the cloth thoroughly to ensure it is not too wet. Gently wipe the entire metal surface of the keyboard, paying particular attention to areas that are heavily soiled or have fingerprints. Avoid applying excessive pressure, as this can scratch the metal surface. For stubborn stains or grime, use a cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol to gently scrub the affected area.
Step 4: Cleaning Hard-to-Reach Areas
Use cotton swabs dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean hard-to-reach areas, such as around the edges of the keys and in the crevices of the keyboard. These areas tend to accumulate dust and grime, so it’s important to clean them thoroughly. Be careful not to get any liquid inside the keyboard.
Step 5: Drying the Keyboard
After cleaning, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry the keyboard. Pay particular attention to the spaces between the keys and around the edges of the keyboard. Ensure that all surfaces are completely dry before reattaching the keycaps (if you removed them) or reconnecting the keyboard to your computer. Allowing the keyboard to air dry for a few hours before using it is also a good practice.
Step 6: Reassembling the Keyboard
If you removed the keycaps, carefully reattach them to the keyboard, referring to the picture you took earlier for guidance. Press each keycap firmly into place until it clicks into position. Ensure that all keycaps are properly aligned and securely attached before using the keyboard.
Specific Metal Type Considerations
Different metal finishes may require slightly different cleaning approaches.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is generally resistant to corrosion, but it can be susceptible to scratches. Use gentle cleaning methods and avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. However, it can show fingerprints and smudges easily. Use a stainless steel cleaner for a streak-free finish.
- Anodized Metal: Anodized metal has a protective coating that can be damaged by harsh chemicals. Use mild soap and water or isopropyl alcohol.
Maintaining Your Clean Metal Keyboard
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your metal keyboard clean and in good condition.
- Dust Regularly: Use a microfiber cloth to dust your keyboard regularly, at least once a week.
- Avoid Eating and Drinking Near Your Keyboard: This will help prevent food particles and spills from getting into the keyboard.
- Wash Your Hands Regularly: Clean hands will help prevent the transfer of oils and dirt to the keyboard.
- Use a Keyboard Cover: A keyboard cover can protect your keyboard from dust, spills, and other contaminants.
- Deep Clean Periodically: Perform a deep clean, including removing the keycaps, every few months to remove accumulated grime.
Troubleshooting Common Cleaning Issues
Even with careful cleaning, you might encounter some issues.
- Sticky Keys: If keys are still sticky after cleaning, there might be residue trapped underneath. Try removing the keycap and cleaning the switch underneath.
- Streaks on Metal Surface: Streaks can be caused by using too much cleaning solution or not drying the surface properly. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff the surface.
- Discoloration: If you notice discoloration, it could be due to harsh chemicals. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or bleach.
Advanced Cleaning Techniques
For heavily soiled keyboards, you may need to employ more advanced cleaning techniques.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: For keycaps, ultrasonic cleaners can remove stubborn dirt and grime. Be sure to use a mild detergent and rinse the keycaps thoroughly.
- Specialized Keyboard Cleaners: There are specialized keyboard cleaning products available that are designed to be safe and effective for cleaning keyboards.
- Professional Cleaning: If you are unsure about cleaning your keyboard yourself, consider taking it to a professional electronics cleaning service.
Conclusion
Cleaning a metal keyboard is a straightforward process that can significantly extend its lifespan and maintain its aesthetic appeal. By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking the necessary precautions, you can keep your keyboard clean, functional, and looking its best for years to come. Remember to always disconnect the keyboard before cleaning and use gentle cleaning solutions to avoid damaging the metal surface or internal components. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to spills or grime will help keep your metal keyboard in top condition, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
How often should I clean my metal keyboard?
The frequency of cleaning your metal keyboard depends largely on how often you use it and the environment it’s in. If you use your keyboard heavily for work or gaming and it’s exposed to dust, food crumbs, or spills, you should aim to clean it weekly. A quick wipe-down to remove surface debris is good practice.
However, for a more thorough cleaning, consider doing it every one to three months. This will help to prevent the build-up of grime that can damage the keycaps and other parts of the keyboard. Don’t forget to check between and under the keys where dust and debris tend to accumulate most.
What tools and materials will I need to clean my metal keyboard effectively?
To effectively clean your metal keyboard, gather a few essential tools and materials. You will need a can of compressed air to blow away loose debris and dust from hard-to-reach areas. A microfiber cloth is crucial for wiping down surfaces without scratching. You will also need cotton swabs for cleaning around keys and in crevices.
For a more thorough cleaning, isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) is recommended to disinfect and remove stubborn stains. A keycap puller can greatly simplify the process of removing keycaps for cleaning underneath. Finally, a small bowl for soaking keycaps in soapy water and a soft brush (like a toothbrush) for scrubbing can be beneficial.
Can I use any cleaning solution on my metal keyboard?
No, not all cleaning solutions are suitable for metal keyboards. Harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners can damage the metal finish and plastic keycaps. It’s best to avoid these to prevent discoloration, scratches, or other forms of degradation.
Instead, opt for isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher), diluted dish soap, or specially formulated keyboard cleaning solutions. Always test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the keyboard first to ensure it doesn’t cause any adverse reactions. Remember to use a soft cloth or cotton swab to apply the solution, avoiding excessive moisture.
How do I clean between the keys of my metal keyboard?
Cleaning between the keys of a metal keyboard requires a bit of precision. Start by using a can of compressed air to dislodge any loose debris such as dust, crumbs, and hair. Aim the nozzle at an angle and use short bursts to effectively remove particles without pushing them further in.
Next, use a cotton swab slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to carefully wipe around each key. For stubborn grime, a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) can be used to gently scrub between the keys. Be sure to avoid excessive moisture and dry the area with a clean cloth after cleaning.
Is it safe to submerge my metal keyboard in water for cleaning?
No, it is generally not safe to submerge your entire metal keyboard in water. Most keyboards have electronic components that can be severely damaged by water exposure. Submerging the keyboard could lead to short circuits, corrosion, and ultimately, complete failure.
However, individual keycaps can be safely submerged in warm, soapy water for cleaning. Remove the keycaps using a keycap puller, soak them for a few minutes, and then gently scrub them with a soft brush. Ensure they are completely dry before reattaching them to the keyboard.
How do I properly dry my metal keyboard after cleaning?
Proper drying is crucial after cleaning your metal keyboard to prevent water damage and corrosion. After wiping down the keyboard with a damp cloth or using isopropyl alcohol, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry all surfaces, including between the keys and around the edges.
Allow the keyboard to air dry for at least an hour before plugging it back in. For extra caution, you can use a low-heat hairdryer to gently dry hard-to-reach areas, but avoid holding the dryer too close to the keyboard. Ensure that all keycaps are completely dry before reattaching them to prevent moisture from trapping underneath.
What can I do to prevent my metal keyboard from getting dirty in the future?
Preventing your metal keyboard from getting dirty can save you time and effort in the long run. Consider establishing good habits like not eating or drinking near your keyboard to avoid spills and crumbs. Also, regularly wipe down the keyboard with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
Using a keyboard cover when not in use can also protect it from dust and other contaminants. Furthermore, consider keeping your workspace clean and well-ventilated to minimize the accumulation of dust particles in the air. Regular handwashing before using the keyboard can also help to reduce the transfer of oils and dirt.