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Clean a Computer -
Keyboard
& Mouse
Web Tech Support Page!
Clean a Computer Keyboard and
Mouse: Web Tech Support page!
By Raymond Garcia
WebTechGeek.com
Yes it's that time again! it's time for
spring cleaning. I know you've been planning on cleaning
off that ketchup stain on your keyboard for the last two
weeks. And you did a poor job of licking off that chocolate
on your keyboard keys. The keys just don't have that new
keyboard spring any more. It's spring time, and spring
is the time for cleaning.
That grimy appearance is just one reason
to clean your computer keyboard. If grimy dust gets stuck
underneath the keys, they might not work properly. Any
spilled liquids can be your keyboard's death knell if
not taken care of. If you've spilled liquid on the keyboard,
(Turn PC off) turn your keyboard upside down after you
disconnect it to let the liquid drain out. If there's
a lot of liquid, or if the liquid is sticky, wash out
the spill with running water. (Do not immerse the keyboard.)
Let the keyboard drain and dry for 24 hours.
The first thing you need to do is purchase
any supplies you need: a can of compressed aerosol air;
a soft rag (old cotton shock); Maybe a can of Endust for
Electronics, or any nonabrasive household cleaning fluid
suitable for cleaning plastic; and a dust mask if you're
allergic to dust. If you work for the military a gas mask
will work OK. Clean a Computer Keyboard and Mouse tips. Remember to come back to WebTechGeek.com
for more How to tips!
The
Steps! Web Tech Support page!
A. You need to check your owner's manual.
If the manufacturer has provided specific instructions,
you need to follow them. Now before you start you need
to shut down your computer. And disconnect the keyboard.
B. Hold the keyboard upside down & shake
it and then blow it clean with a can of compressed air.
Use the compressed air to clean between the keys. Spray
at an angle to dislodge dust and grime. Try to gently
shake loose as much dust as passable out of the keyboard.
C. If your using Endust for Electronics
or another aerosol cleaning fluid, follow the manufacturer's
instructions. Otherwise, spray a small amount of fluid
onto a rag, not on the keyboard. Wipe keyboard clean and
all the keys and chassis. You can use a damp rag to clean
your keyboard, use warm water no soap. Only clean your
keyboard with your computer off or you may format your
hard drive as you clean the keyboard.
D. You should wait until the keyboard is
dry (about 30 minutes) before reconnecting it to your
computer. Now you can reconnect the keyboard and restart
the computer. Have a fire extinguisher ready, just kidding!
E. If you work in industrial or other high-dust
environments, use a plastic keyboard cover to protect
the keyboard. If you've spilled a large amount of liquid,
or if the liquid is sticky, it's likely that the keyboard
won't be repairable, although you can certainly try. To
be safest, though, keep drinks far away from your computer
keyboard.
F. Remember do not spray fluids directly
onto the keyboard. Completely disassembling the keyboard
is not recommended. You've got a good chance of making
thing even worse, so don't do it unless there's no other
hope.
Replacing your keyboard: If you've gotten
this far and you have no luck getting your keyboard keys
to work like new, don't despair. Many keyboard problems
are not repairable, and the things aren't that expensive
anyway, buy yourself a new keyboard. You can view your
keyboard as disposable, only $10. for a new one. Clean a Computer Keyboard and Mouse tips.
Troubleshooting
Your Keyboard tips! Clean a Computer Keyboard and Mouse tips.
1. Is your keyboard plugged in? On the back
of your computer there is a PS/2 port, check to see if
your keyboard cable is fully plugged in.
2. If only one key is malfunctioning, check
that key's spring. Remove the key by grabbing it with
your finger or pen and pull up. Clean up under the key
and replace the key and see if the problem goes away.
3. Completely disassembling the keyboard
is not recommended for the fainthearted. You've got a
good chance of making thing even worse, so don't go it
unless there's no other hope.
4. No other hope tip; you can wash your
keyboard in a dishwasher set to light wash. Clean a Computer Keyboard and Mouse tips.
Mouse
Cleaning Tips.
Mouse cleaning tips by Raymond, WebTechGeek
- On a mechanical mouse, the little wheels get gunk in
them, so clean them. Just remove the mouse ball and examine
the wheels. I've used rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip to get
the gunk off the wheels. Clean the mouse about twice a
year, unless your desk is covered with dirt and dust,
as dirt and dust are just gunk in it's fetal stages.
If you have an optical mouse, just clean
the sensors: you can often just polish them with a soft
cloth. Remember to keep the mouse pad clean as well so
that the grid lines are visible to the sensors. Remember
to come back to WebTechGeek.com for more Tips and How to.
Mouse Troubleshooting
Tips: Clean a Computer Keyboard and Mouse tips.
1. Check the mouse software driver, You can try reinstalling
the mouse drives. Check the mouse driver set-up is it
set-up correctly?
2. Check is your mouse plugged in? On the back of your
computer there is a PS/2 port, check to see if your mouse
cable is fully plugged in. Clean a Computer Keyboard and Mouse tips.
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