Cleaning Your Mechanical Keyboard With Alcohol: Safe?

Mechanical keyboards can be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, making regular cleaning essential for hygiene and optimal performance. While cleaning your mechanical keyboard, it is important to consider the type of cleaning agent you use, as some solutions may damage the internal components. Isopropyl alcohol is a popular choice for cleaning keyboards, and while it is generally safe, it is important to use it sparingly and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first, as it can eat up certain types of plastics and rubbers. To clean your mechanical keyboard with isopropyl alcohol, start by removing all the keycaps and cleaning the exposed areas. Then, wash the keycaps in warm, soapy water, ensuring everything is completely dry before reassembling. Additionally, it is recommended to use a keyboard cover, avoid eating over your keyboard, and wash your hands before use to prevent buildup and maintain optimal performance.

How to Care for Your Mechanical Keyboard with Alcohol

Clean keycaps with warm, soapy water and a toothbrush

Cleaning your keycaps with warm, soapy water and a toothbrush is a great way to keep your mechanical keyboard in good condition. This method is effective for removing dirt, grime, and oils that can build up on your keycaps over time. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, you'll need to remove the keycaps from your keyboard. You can use a keycap puller or a wire keycap puller to do this safely and reduce the risk of scratching or damaging the keycaps. If you don't have a keycap puller, you can use a tweezer, flathead screwdriver, butter knife, or bent paperclip as substitutes. Take a photo of your keyboard before removing the keycaps to remember where each one goes.

Next, prepare a mild cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a few drops of dish soap or detergent. Stir the solution to create a gentle, soapy mixture. You can also add denture tablets to the solution if your keycaps are extremely dirty. However, avoid using boiling water, especially if your keycaps are made of ABS plastic, as it can damage them.

Submerge the keycaps in the warm, soapy water and let them soak for at least 15-20 minutes. This will help loosen any dirt, grime, or oils that have built up on the keycaps. If your keycaps are very dirty, you can soak them overnight.

After soaking, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub each keycap individually. Focus on areas with stubborn dirt or stains. Ensure that the toothbrush is gentle enough to avoid scratching the keycaps but firm enough to remove residue. You can also use your fingers to scrub the keycaps while wearing rubber gloves.

Once you've finished scrubbing the keycaps, rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining soap. Use a colander or strainer to catch the keycaps and prevent them from falling down the drain.

Finally, lay the keycaps on a flat surface with the stems up and let them air dry for at least 24 hours before reassembling them. You can use a microfiber cloth to gently pat them dry, but make sure they are completely dry before putting them back on your keyboard. Refer to the photo you took earlier to ensure that each keycap is placed back in its correct position.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your keycaps with warm, soapy water and a toothbrush, keeping your mechanical keyboard looking and functioning like new.

Use 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean the keyboard

Using 99% isopropyl alcohol is a safe and effective way to clean your mechanical keyboard. This method can be used for a deep clean or to address specific areas of concern, such as sticky keys or residue from spills.

Before beginning the cleaning process, it is important to power off your keyboard and unplug it from your computer. Remove all the keycaps and set them aside, as you will be cleaning the exposed areas first.

Using a small amount of 99% isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth or cotton swab, gently wipe down the exposed areas of the keyboard, paying close attention to any areas with visible contamination or residue. Ensure that you do not pour the alcohol directly onto the keyboard, as excess liquid can damage the electronic components.

After cleaning the exposed areas, you can move on to the keycaps. Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap to create a soapy solution. Place the keycaps in the solution and gently agitate them with your fingers or a soft cloth to remove any built-up dirt or grime. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the keycaps if they have stubborn residue. Rinse the keycaps with warm water and allow them to air dry completely before reassembling them onto your keyboard.

Finally, ensure that your keyboard is completely dry before plugging it back in and powering it on. This may take several hours, so it is best to leave it to air dry overnight if possible.

By following these steps and using 99% isopropyl alcohol, you can effectively clean your mechanical keyboard, maintaining optimal performance and extending its lifespan.

Avoid liquids seeping into the keyboard's electrical components

Liquids seeping into a keyboard's electrical components can cause significant damage, so it's important to act quickly and carefully when spills happen. Here are some detailed steps to help avoid this issue and mitigate potential damage:

Step 1: Unplug the Keyboard

If you've spilled liquid on your mechanical keyboard, the first step is to unplug it immediately. This is crucial to prevent the possibility of a short circuit, which could damage the electronics. By unplugging the keyboard, you cut off the power source and reduce the risk of electrical damage.

Step 2: Remove Keycaps and Disassemble

Carefully remove the keycaps from your mechanical keyboard. Most mechanical keyboards have easily removable keycaps, but be sure to note their positions for easy reassembly later. Rinse the keycaps with clean water and set them aside to dry separately. Then, disassemble the keyboard by following the manufacturer's guide for your specific model. Focus on separating the plastic and mechanical parts from the electronics.

Step 3: Dry the Electronics

Use a dry, lint-free cloth or towel to gently absorb any remaining moisture from the exposed electronics and circuitry. Be careful not to wipe too vigorously, as it can spread the liquid further into the crevices and sensitive components. You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process, but be cautious not to overheat the components.

Step 4: Clean with Isopropyl Alcohol

To ensure thorough cleaning and prevent the growth of mold or bacteria, use isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) to gently wipe down the affected areas. Isopropyl alcohol will help remove any residual liquid and prevent corrosion. Avoid using excessive moisture during this step, as it can still seep into the internal components and cause further damage.

Step 5: Allow Everything to Dry Completely

After cleaning, it's crucial to let all the components dry naturally for at least 24-48 hours. Place the detached keycaps and other parts in a well-ventilated area with low humidity to speed up the drying process. Ensure everything is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Reassemble and Test

Once everything is thoroughly dry, carefully reassemble your keyboard by placing the keycaps back onto their respective switches. Gently press down on each key until you hear a click, ensuring a secure fit. Finally, plug your keyboard back in and test its functionality. If it still doesn't work properly, you may need to consult a professional or consider replacing the keyboard.

Alcohol can damage some plastics and rubbers, so test on a small patch first

When cleaning your mechanical keyboard, it is important to be cautious when using alcohol as it can damage some plastics and rubbers. While most modern plastics used for consumer electronics are fine, it is always good to test on a small patch first. This is because alcohol is a generic term that encompasses hundreds of compounds, and not all plastics are the same. For example, Poly(ethylene terephthalate), commonly known as PET or PETE, is not very soluble in alcohol. On the other hand, some types of plastics can be dissolved or damaged by alcohol.

To test if alcohol is safe to use on your mechanical keyboard, choose an inconspicuous area, such as the bottom or an unnoticeable spot on the keyboard, and apply a small amount of alcohol. Wait a while and then inspect the area for any signs of damage. If there is no visible effect, it is likely safe to use alcohol to clean your keyboard. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines when cleaning any electronic device and to prioritize safety.

If you are unsure about using alcohol, there are alternative methods to clean your mechanical keyboard. One option is to remove the keycaps and clean the exposed areas with compressed air. You can also wash the keycaps in warm, soapy water, being sure to dry them completely before reassembling. Another option is to submerge the entire keyboard in water, ensuring it is unplugged first. Additionally, regular quick cleans, such as using a keyboard cover and washing your hands before use, can help prevent buildup and maintain hygiene.

In some cases, if your keyboard is not working due to a liquid spill, it may be necessary to unplug it, remove the batteries, and allow it to dry completely for at least 48 hours. If the keyboard still does not work after drying, you may need to consult a professional or consider replacing it. Overall, by following the appropriate cleaning methods and maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, you can keep your mechanical keyboard in good condition and extend its lifespan.

Compressed air can be used to clean out gunk

Compressed air is a popular choice for cleaning keyboards because it is a dry cleaning method that does not require any liquids that could potentially damage the keyboard's electronic components. It is also a quick and convenient way to clean your keyboard without having to remove the keycaps.

To use compressed air effectively, follow these steps:

• Ensure your work area is clean and free of any debris that could be blown into the keyboard.
• Hold the can of compressed air upright and at a safe distance from the keyboard. Do not get too close, as the force of the air could break the plastic.
• Spray short bursts of compressed air between the keys and into any crevices to dislodge and blow away any dust, dirt, or debris.
• You can use a soft brush, such as a makeup brush, or a toothbrush to help loosen and remove any stubborn buildup before or after using the compressed air.

By using compressed air and following the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning your mechanical keyboard, you can maintain optimal performance, improve hygiene, and extend the lifespan of your device.

Frequently asked questions