Why Are Keyboards Difficult to Clean?
Computer keyboards are among the most frequently touched surfaces in many workplaces.
Unfortunately, they are also difficult to clean thoroughly.
A typical keyboard contains more than 100 individual keys, with narrow gaps and recesses around each key. Dust, food debris, liquids and other contamination can enter these spaces and become difficult to remove.
Cleaning the exposed tops of the keys does not necessarily clean the areas surrounding or beneath them.
Before Cleaning a Keyboard
Always follow the keyboard manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
As a general precaution:
- disconnect a wired keyboard before cleaning;
- switch off wireless keyboards where appropriate;
- avoid allowing excessive liquid to enter the keyboard;
- do not spray cleaning solution directly into gaps between the keys;
- use cleaning agents compatible with the keyboard materials.
For shared, clinical or hygiene-sensitive equipment, also follow the cleaning and infection-control procedures specified by your organisation.
Removing Loose Dirt and Debris
For an uncovered conventional keyboard, begin by removing loose material.
Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, this may involve gently turning the keyboard over or using suitable equipment to remove debris around the keys.
Avoid aggressive methods that could damage key mechanisms.
Cleaning the Key Surfaces
Apply the appropriate cleaning product to a cloth or wipe rather than flooding the keyboard itself.
Carefully wipe:
- the tops of the keys;
- the spaces accessible between keys;
- the keyboard surround;
- palm rests and other frequently touched areas.
The difficulty is that the narrow spaces between moving keys remain challenging to access.
How a Keyboard Cover Changes the Cleaning Process
A precision-fit keyboard cover creates a continuous membrane over the key area.
Instead of repeatedly cleaning around more than 100 individual key mechanisms, the user cleans the exposed surface of the cover.
The keyboard remains usable underneath because the flexible material follows the key contours and moves as individual keys are pressed.
This makes fitted covers particularly useful where keyboards require frequent routine cleaning.
Can the Cover Stay Fitted?
Yes. SteriType covers are designed to remain fitted while the keyboard is both used and cleaned.
The polyurethane membrane protects the gaps surrounding the keys while creating a substantially smoother exposed surface.
SteriType covers are resistant to many commonly used cleaning and disinfecting agents, although compatibility with the particular cleaning regime should always be checked.
Cleaning Is Still Essential
An antimicrobial keyboard cover should not be regarded as self-cleaning.
Antimicrobial technology incorporated into the material provides an additional feature, but routine cleaning remains essential.
The principal advantage of a cover is that it makes that routine cleaning considerably simpler.