[Step-By-Step Guide] How to Clean Your Laptop Keyboard and Mouse without Damage

Eating at desks usually makes your keyboard and mouse dirty. Sticky and greasy foods are the main culprit. This buildup of dirt not only looks bad but also affects performance and breeds bacteria. Research even shows a keyboard can host 400 times more bacteria than toilet seats. 

It doesn’t have to be this way. With simple cleaning tools and techniques, you can avoid health risks and device issues. We’ll show you how to clean your laptop keyboard and mouse effectively in this guide.

Let’s get right into it!

Few Precautions to Take Before Cleaning the Keyboard and Mouse

There are a few things you need to jot down before you start cleaning:

• If you have any crucial data on your laptop, back it up—just in case. Learn how to back up files the right way.
• Shut down your laptop, unplug it from the power source, and remove the battery (if possible).
• Disconnect all cables, including for your mouse (if it’s not wireless).
• Remove any accessories attached to the laptop, such as external storage devices like a USB flash drive.
• Make sure you have sufficient space on your desk for cleaning your mouse and keyboard. Remember to be cautious when you clean your laptop keyboard. They aren’t as easy to replace as desktop keyboards.

Essential Supplies for Cleaning Your Keyboard

Before we tell you how to disinfect a laptop, it’s important to prepare well by having all the necessary tools at hand. The good news is that most of these items are readily available around your home or at local stores.

Here are the things you need:

• Soft, lint-free cloths or microfiber cleaning cloths.
• Isopropyl alcohol. 
• Cotton buds or Q-tips. 
• Anti-static cleaning wipes and brushes. 
• Keyboard cleaning gel. 
• Compressed air or computer vacuum/blower.

How to Clean Your Laptop Keyboard

Step 1: Have the tools ready

These include:

• A can of compressed air. A computer vacuum or blower does even a better job.
• Microfiber cloth.
• Isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration or higher). To be sure, check the label.
• Cotton swabs.

Step 2: Remove loose debris

Remember, your laptop should be turned off and all accessories and cables disconnected.

To remove debris from your laptop keyboard, turn the laptop upside down and gently shake it.

Next, use your can of compressed air to blast between the keys to get out as much dust and dirt as possible.

We recommend using a computer vacuum cleaner for a more efficient cleaning. Avoid using a household vacuum, as it might be too powerful and end up vacuuming your keys or other components! You can purchase a micro vacuum attachment if you’re really serious about keyboard maintenance and care.

Step 3: Clean the keys

• Dampen the microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution. For this, you can mix equal parts of water and vinegar or water and isopropyl alcohol. Or, simply use a little water and mild soap (dish soap works best). The damp cloth should not be dripping wet. You don’t want liquid sipping into your keyboard.

• Gently wipe the keys, applying light pressure to remove any dirt or grime. For stubborn stains, try using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. If the soft cloth isn’t doing the job, consider melamine cleaning sponges. They excel at cleaning grime and can last up to a year of reuse.

• Clean between the keys using a cotton swab moistened with isopropyl alcohol. Be gentle to avoid pressing the debris further into the keyboard. Repeat this process until the spaces between the keys are free from dirt.

Step 4: Allow the keyboard to dry

Once you’re done cleaning, let your laptop keyboard air dry before turning your laptop back on. This will prevent potential damage to your laptop keyboard caused by moisture.

Consider using a hairdryer on the lowest setting to speed up the drying process.

How to Clean a Mouse the Right Way

Just like your keyboard, mouse cleaning requires a careful approach not to damage its sensitive components. If using a wired mouse, start by disconnecting it from your laptop to make cleaning easier.

The steps to clean a wireless mouse are similar to those of cleaning a wired mouse. Just be sure to remove the batteries (if possible) and follow these steps:

Step 1: Cleaning the mouse on the inside

• Hold a can of compressed air, positioning the nozzle close to the gaps and openings of the mouse.
• Gently press the trigger, releasing short bursts of air.
• Next, grab a soft-bristled brush, like a clean toothbrush or a small paintbrush, and lightly brush the surface of your mouse. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you don’t want to scratch or damage the mouse. The bristles will help dislodge any dirt or grime that may have accumulated over time.

Step 2: Cleaning the mouse surface

• Once the insides of the mouse are clean, it’s time to focus on the external, including the buttons and scroll wheel. These are the areas that receive the most contact and can easily accumulate dirt and oil from your fingers.
• Take a cotton swab and dip it in isopropyl alcohol or a mild cleaning solution. Gently rub the swab around the buttons, ensuring you reach all areas. This will help remove any stubborn residue and leave your mouse feeling fresh and responsive.
• Clean the mouse’s feet. Check the bottom of the mouse for rubber feet. Use a cotton swab dipped in the cleaning solution to clean the rubber, removing dirt buildup that can affect smooth gliding.

How to Clean Specific Types of Mice or Brands

When it comes to answering the question how to clean a mouse, there are no direct answers. The reason is that different mouse types and brands may require slightly different approaches:

Wireless mice

Be extra careful around battery compartments. Try not to use anything wet inside the battery area. If you need to deep clean the area, use a dry, lint-free cloth or compressed air.

If there are grooves around your mouse, take a toothpick and run it through. Spin the scroll wheel at least twice while doing this to dislodge any debris in the area.

Gaming mice

These may require extra attention as they often have more crevices and buttons. Plus, you are more likely to eat when using them than others on the list.

Use compressed air and toothpicks for detailed cleaning. Unplug your wired mouse or remove its batteries, then use a toothpick to clean all grooves, including the scroll wheel.

Blast the mouse with compressed air and wipe it down with an alcohol wipe or damp microfiber cloth.

Apple Magic Mouse

The Apple Magic Mouse needs special attention due to its sensitive multi-touch surface.

Gently clean this area using only a lint-free cloth to avoid scratching or damaging the touch-sensitive components.

Avoid liquid cleaners on this delicate surface to preserve its functionality and prevent moisture from seeping into the internal electronics.

Also, dirt and debris can build up in the charging port and between the rubber and mouse. To clean this area, use a spudger tool in the grooves and around the lightning port, along with careful use of canned air.

Using the spudger’s flat edge, carefully work it through the grooves and around the port to loosen debris, then either use canned air or gently shake the port to remove the loosened material.

Razer mice

Razer mice often feature textured side grips that can trap dirt and skin oils. These will require more thorough cleaning. You need to clean these grips with a soft-bristled brush for effective debris removal.

However, ensure to use gentle strokes to avoid damaging the grip material. Pay extra attention to the textured areas, as they can harbor bacteria and affect grip performance if not cleaned regularly.

Vertical mice

Vertical mice, like the Logitech MX Vertical, have unique features like the thumb rest and horizontal scroll wheel that need specific cleaning attention.

Focus on these areas using a dry toothbrush for thorough cleaning, as they can accumulate dirt in hard-to-reach spots.

Rotate the scroll wheels while cleaning to ensure all areas are reached. Also, pay special attention to the thumb rest, as it’s a common area for oils and debris to accumulate during extended use.

How to Clean a Mouse Pad

A clean mouse pad contributes significantly to the overall functionality and hygiene of your workspace. Not only does it enhance the accuracy and smoothness of your mouse movements, it ensures optimal performance and extended lifespan.

To clean your mouse pad:

1. Start by removing any loose debris on the pad using an adhesive roller or a piece of sticky tape. This will help eliminate any dirt, dust, or hair that may have accumulated on the surface over time.
2. Next, use a mild detergent or soap and warm water to clean the surface of the mouse pad. Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a small amount of soap or detergent. Make sure to choose a gentle soap that won’t damage the material of your mouse pad.
3. Dampen a sponge or cloth with the soap mixture and gently rub it onto the surface of the mouse pad. It’s important to avoid vigorous scrubbing, as this can wear out the texture faster and potentially damage the pad. Instead, use a gentle circular motion to ensure an even and thoroughly cleaned mouse pad. Pay attention to any stubborn stains or areas that may require a bit more effort to clean.
4. Next, rinse the mouse pad thoroughly under warm water, making sure to remove all traces of soap or detergent, as any residue left behind can affect the performance of your mouse.
5. Allow the mouse pad to air dry completely before using it. To speed up the drying process, you can gently pat the mouse pad with a clean towel to remove any excess water and put it out to dry.

Tips from Users on How to Clean a Laptop Keyboard and Mouse

To learn the best way to clean your laptop keyboard and mouse, you can check communities on social media. Tech enthusiasts and experienced users often share valuable cleaning tips on forums like Quora and Reddit. Here are some popular community-sourced tips:

1. Melamine sponges: Also known as magic erasers, these can be effective for cleaning key surfaces (use with caution and minimal moisture).
2. Sticky notes trick: Slide the sticky edge of a Post-it note between keys to collect dust and small particles. The only downside is that it might not reach deeper dust or crumbs stuck further, and the paper can tear if you’re not gentle enough. 
3. Toothpick and cotton: If compressed air does not get the debris out, some users suggest using this method. For precision cleaning, wrap a small amount of cotton around a toothpick, slightly dampen it with alcohol, and clean between keys. This is helpful for stubborn stains lodged between your keys.
4. Keyboard cleaning gel: Some users also recommend keyboard cleaning gel. It is a sticky, putty-like substance that you can use to remove dust, crumbs, and debris from your keyboard. To use it, knead the gel to warm it up, gently press it onto the keyboard surface between the keys, and lift it straight up to collect debris. Repeat across the entire keyboard using clean sections of the gel each time, and store the gel in its container when finished to prevent it from drying out. 
5. Some users suggest using LCD cleaner to replace rubbing alcohol. If you have this at home, it’s a good idea, as the liquid is specifically designed for delicate electronic surfaces, so it’s less likely to cause damage compared to household cleaners.

Clean Your Laptop Keyboard and Mouse Regularly

Now you know everything you should know regarding how to clean a mouse and a laptop keyboard. To ensure your PC is running well, we recommend that you set a cleaning schedule. This way, you won’t have so much dirt buildup every time you clean.

Your laptop’s insides need some tender, loving care, too! Also, prevention is key, so keep those snacks and drinks at a safe distance from your desk, and maybe invest in a keyboard cover.

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