Every single part of your computer has its own function. When one malfunctions, the PC tends to become useless. Two of the most abused accessories in a setup are the mouse and keyboard since you interact with them all the time. With that said, here are some tips to properly care for your keyboard.
1. Don't Type Too Hard
The sound of a keyboard clicking and clacking might be satisfying to your ear, but tapping on it too hard will cause it to be worn out more quickly. Depending on the type of keyboard, they usually respond with just a lighter touch. Pressing too hard in a period of time will result in some keys no longer working.
2. Wipe It Down Every Week
Wiping the surface of your keyboard every week is the bare minimum. If you can do it every three days, it would also be better. However, you should try and be gentle with the wiping, especially if your keyboard's letters, numbers, and symbols are only painted on. Use rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria, but do so gently so you won't damage the device.
3. Don't Eat or Drink Near Your Keyboard
One rule that has been broken too much, try not to eat or drink near your keyboard. No one needs to tell you that liquids and electronics don't mix. When it comes to food, crumbs can get into the crevices of the keys and they will be hard to clean out. Over time, this could damage the device and even attract ants to your station.
4. Deep Clean It Once a Month
You should try to thoroughly clean your keyboard at least once a month, that means wiping down the whole thing and vacuuming the small spaces. You might even have to tilt it to shake off the dirt and debris that's under the keys.
For mechanical keyboards, it's easier to clean them since you can remove each individual keycap. Either way, you can use a blower or compressed air to blow out all the dust and use cotton swabs with a bit of rubbing alcohol to clean out the more stubborn debris.
Read Also: Personal and Home Electronics: How Often You Should Clean Them
5. Buy a Cover
Not a lot of people buy covers for their keyboards. There are actually a lot of kinds out there. For instance, there are silicone covers that allow you to use your keyboard with it on top. This prevents you from wearing out the icons on the keycaps. There are also covers that you put on when you're not using the device.
6. Make Sure Your Hands Are Clean
When you type on your keyboard, whatever is on your fingers will also end up on your keycaps. That means that the ranch dressing you're dipping your chicken wings in, for instance, will also end up on your keyboard if you don't wipe or wash your hands.
Food might be easy to clean off, but the oil on them isn't. Depending on the material of your keyboard, oils might stain your keycaps permanently and no amount of rubbing alcohol will fix it. The same goes for natural oils on your hands. Although that's unavoidable, you can try drying or wiping your hands beforehand.
Related: How to Clean USB Ports in Laptops, Computers, and Smartphones, and Why You Should Do It Now
