Got a few morsels stuck between your keyboard layers? Do some have shiny layers? It is a combo of dust and grease, becoming remarkably visible upon closer inspection. So, how to get grease off the keyboard?
Fortunately, you won’t have to struggle to get grease off the keyboard. Isopropyl alcohol, cotton swab, clear sticky tape, etc., are excellent options. These items effectively clean grease.
Let’s learn more details by reading this comprehensive guide.
Why is there grease on my Keyboard Keys?
Many think being unhygienic is the prime cause of getting a greasy keyboard. But this is incorrect. As you touch the keys, residue can easily get accumulated over the keys.
Moreover, keyboards are manufactured for continuous use. As a result, the human body from hands and fingers build up on the keyboards day after day, leaving a greasy feel.
The greasy impact appears over time whether you are a laptop, notebook, desktop, or mechanical keyboard user. Moreover, your keyboard material also contributes to the greasy feel and look.
How to Get Grease off Keyboard
Grease on your keyboard can make typing difficult. Also, a greasy keyboard can be a nuisance, but it’s easy to clean and maintain with the right techniques.
Method #01: Isopropyl Alcohol
A greasy external keyboard cleaning process with isopropyl alcohol requires the below items.
- Lint-free or microfiber cloth
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Cotton pads
Isopropyl alcohol is an ideal choice for removing oil stains or grease. You can use it in 2 processes: put a few drops of the isopropyl on a lint-free cloth and use it on the keyboard. Another option is to buy pre-diluted isopropyl alcohol or dilute it using demineralized water and apply it to the keys by soaking a soft cloth.
Whatever option you follow, simply make sure not to use a concentrated one. If you do so, the concentrated alcohol will damage the plastic part of the keyboard. For sensitive products, 30% or less of alcohol is considered safe.
Let’s follow the steps below.
Step 01: Disconnect the keyboard from your device.
Step 02: Start by removing rigid dust and dirt. Also, there might be solid debris in the hard-to-reach areas. Get a compressed air sprayer and remove the debris thoroughly. Remember to keep the blower setting as minimal as you can. Besides, a pair of tweezers will be beneficial to clean accumulated dirt.
Step 03: Soak a cotton pad in the diluted alcohol. Then run it between the keys multiple times.
Step 04: Throw it into your dustbin once the cotton pad accumulates enough dirt and dust. However, you may need to use more than 1 cotton pad to completely clean the gaps between the keys.
Step 05: Now, dampen the lint-free or microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol. Make sure to squeeze the cloth.
Step 06: Begin cleaning the surface of the keyboards. It would be best to clean each key individually. Don’t leave any keys, and clean the surrounding areas as well.
Step 07: Finally, grab a clean, dry cloth. Wipe the keyboard surface to remove moisture.
If grease reaches beneath the surface, you can clean it by removing the keys. In this case, your keyboard must allow detaching of each key.
Method #02: Sticky Clear Tape
So, you learned the cleaning process of greasy external keyboards. What about greasy laptop keyboards? Can you follow the same process?
Well, greasy laptop keyboards require a separate cleaning process. You will need to below items to complete the process conveniently.
- A clear low-adhesive tape
- A couple of disinfecting wipes
- A dry cloth
Once the supplies mentioned above are gathered. Follow the below steps.
Step 01: Turn the laptop or notebook off.
Step 02: Detach all external cables and other USB devices. Remove the battery if your laptop or notebook supports a detachable battery.
Step 03: Turn the laptop upside-down. This way, any loose residue will come out from the keyboard. A can of compressed air will also help remove rigid dirt and dust from the keyboard.
Step 04: Now, grab the clear low-adhesive tape and pick up the additional dust using its sticky side. I recommend using the tape beneath the keys as far as you can. Such an act will ensure deep cleaning.
Step 05: Then, the top surface of the keyboard needs to be cleaned using well-squeezed disinfecting wipes. Apply light pressure with your palm. Avoid soaking the keys or board. So make sure to squeeze the wipes as much as possible.
Step 06: Get the soft clean cloth and polish the board thoroughly.
Step 07: Leave the keyboard for at least 2-3 hours for proper drying.
How to Get Stubborn Grease Off Keyboard
Sometimes, you will notice an accumulation of stubborn grease, cells, foods, dust, or other residues on your keyboard. Usually, it happens when you don’t clean your keyboard for a long time and eat food in front of it.
In this case, first, try to remove the stubborn grease using a couple of disinfecting wipes. If the grease remains on the keyboard after trying this method, I suggest taking assistance from a melamine sponge.
Get a small piece of melamine sponge and soak it in water. Squeeze the sponge thoroughly and ensure no water is left in it. Then start cleaning the area where stubborn grease gets accumulated. Once the grease is removed, let the keyboard dry. This way, no water lines will be left on the board.
Related: How to Clean Mechanical Keyboard without Removing Keys
Don’ts While Getting Grease off Keyboard
You need to maintain a few things while cleaning the grease off the keyboard.
- Calcium removers, steel wool, spray lime, etc., are not ideal for getting grease off. These items will do worse than good by damaging the keyboard.
- Never apply water directly on the laptop or desktop keyboard. This will surely damage your keyboard keys and internal components.
- Don’t use a hair dryer or cloth dryer to dry the keyboard.
Final Words
Keeping your keyboard clean and free of grease is essential to ensure smooth and efficient functioning. Grease buildup can cause sticky keys and decrease the lifespan of your keyboard.
You can easily remove grease from your keyboard by following the steps outlined in this how-to get Grease off the Keyboard guide. It helps you maintain a clean workspace.
Use gentle cleaning solutions and materials to avoid damaging the keys or the keyboard’s circuitry. You can keep your keyboard in top condition with a little effort and regular maintenance. At the same time, it improves your productivity and overall computer experience.
