Have You Cleaned Your Keyboard Lately?
@bagarad (14283)
Paso Robles, California
May 9, 2016 1:14am CST
I couldn't get into gear to do any writing today so I decided to attack a problem that's slowed down my work immensely -- the sticking keys on my keyboard. For weeks I've had a problem with my backspace button sticking and setting off a series of repeated backspacing that often wipes out a previous sentence or two. At first I could unstick the key and undo it, but that just stopped working as a fix. I decided it was time to try cleaning my keyboard. I've never done it before. I hope I never have to do it again.
I followed some online directions, and I wish I could report that the problem has been fixed. The shift and backspace keys still act up, but I took the added step of changing my keyboard setting for a slower repeat key and a longer pause before the repeat will kick in. That gives me more time to correct a sticky key before it eats my work. I"m glad I did it, but I'm not sure it did any good. The left shift key is worse.
Have you ever cleaned your keyboard? Not much fun, is it?
8 people like this
8 responses
@LadyDuck (472109)
• Switzerland
9 May 16
I clean my keyboard regularly, just like I vacuum the inside of my computer. I have found a quite simple way that works well. I turn the keyboard upside down and tap on the back so that the big of the dirt comes out. Then I use a brush and repeat a couple of times.
4 people like this
@akalinus (43366)
• United States
9 May 16
I forgot about that. I did do that with the old computer and just did not think about it for this one. It is amazing how much crud gets stuck in there. I can see the light under the keys on this computer but not the old one. I am afraid I might electrocute myself trying to clean it.
2 people like this
@akalinus (43366)
• United States
9 May 16
I get that sometimes. When I go to correct something in the middle of a sentence, every letter I type erases a letter in the following word. It drives me nuts. I use a wipe to clean the surface of the keyboard and vacuum out the little pieces of grit that get stuck on the edges of the keys. I'm not sure what else to do to clean it.
1 person likes this
@akalinus (43366)
• United States
13 May 16
@Gina145 I wonder if a clothes lint catcher would help with the dust. You know, the kind where you remove a top paper to get a sticky patch on the roller. Just use it to dab at the dust from cleaning. Don't stick it in the computer. Even a dollar tree one would do. Just a thought.
2 people like this
@jndlponti (2402)
• Philippines
9 May 16
I just brush off the dust on it.. I did it almost about six or eaight times a day. I just couldn't help it. I can notice dust right away.
1 person likes this
@jndlponti (2402)
• Philippines
10 May 16
@bagarad Hahahah..never did. I hope I could do that. But for now my keys are still fine and maybe I'll have to ask someone to clean it up for I do not k k ow how to open laptop keyboards
1 person likes this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
9 May 16
It's more than just dust. Under the keys are dust bunnies, strands of hair, crumbs, etc. I was easy to see why I had sticky keys.
@Gina145 (3949)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
12 May 16
I think I cleaned my previous keyboard a few times but I haven't tried with this one yet. It should be easier than most because I'm using a washable keyboard. I'm still a bit scared to get it too wet, but at least I don't have to be so careful. I've never had a problem with keys sticking but the enter button on the numeric keypad sometimes gets caught under my sleeve if I put my arm in the wrong place and before I know it I've got a page of blank lines. That's still better than repeated backspacing though.
1 person likes this
@Missmwngi (12915)
• Nairobi, Kenya
9 May 16
I am yet to do it and i can see much dust that needs to be cleaned
1 person likes this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
9 May 16
That stuff really accumulates after a few years.
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
9 May 16
i use the brushes to remove the dirt, dust and cobwebs in my CPU, also i used these brushes for the keyboard. it is still sticky but getting better now.
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