The keyboard in the office: how to clean it properly

There's nothing better than having your office thoroughly cleaned. This allows you to work in peace and quiet, and it is also advantageous for the organization at work to have a tidy office to show for it. However, one thing in the office is often overlooked during cleaning: the computer keyboard. This article will therefore deal in detail with the cleaning of the keyboard.

Why it's important to clean your keyboard regularly.

Your own keyboard can become a paradise for germs if it is not cleaned regularly. That this danger is not unfounded is shown by a study conducted by the University of Arizona. The scientists compared the hygienic situation at the workplace with a toilet seat that was used regularly. The results were frightening and therefore the cleaning of the office should never be neglected. There were about 400 times as many bacteria at the workplace as on a toilet seat. Focusing on the keyboard, there were still 67 times as many bacteria. In order to keep these germs away from the keyboard, there is of course the possibility to exchange it regularly for a new keyboard. But this firstly costs a lot of money and secondly is very harmful to the environment. This option should only be used when the keyboard is broken

How to clean a keyboard

Your own keyboard can become a paradise for germs if it is not cleaned regularly. That this danger is not unfounded is shown by a study conducted by the University of Arizona. The scientists compared the hygienic situation at the workplace with a toilet seat that was used regularly. The results were frightening and therefore the cleaning of the office should never be neglected. There were about 400 times as many bacteria at the workplace as on a toilet seat. Focusing on the keyboard, there were still 67 times as many bacteria. In order to keep these germs away from the keyboard, there is of course the possibility to exchange it regularly for a new keyboard. But this firstly costs a lot of money and secondly is very harmful to the environment. This option should only be used when the keyboard is broken

The simple daily basic cleaning

Sometimes the work hares in the office are just stressful. So it's only natural that something is eaten or drunk briefly while working at the PC. It then quickly happens that leftovers can fall between the keys. These can get stuck under the keys and cause lasting damage to the keyboard. Therefore, a simple daily basic cleaning should be done every day, which should ideally be integrated into a daily cleaning of the office. For daily cleaning of the keyboard, it should first be disconnected from the computer. Then, turn the keyboard over and shake it vigorously. In doing so, the keyboard should be repeatedly moved back and forth sideways as well as back and forth. At the same time, several keys on the front can be pressed with the flat of the hand, while the keyboard is carefully tapped by hand on the back. This makes it easier to loosen smaller and larger dirt particles. Once the coarse dirt has been removed, the keyboard still remains unplugged. Because now the keys can be wiped. Here, the choice of cloth is crucial. Either take a damp cloth and wipe the keyboard with it. These have the advantage that they clean everything quickly on the surface, smell good and do not require any preparatory work. Another alternative is a disinfectant wipe. They are very good at killing germs. However, the smell can be rather unpleasant for some individuals. Normal paper towels can also be used if a cleaning or disinfecting agent is applied separately to the keyboard. This process described takes only a few minutes per day when consistently implemented. Above all, it is important to schedule office cleaning every day. It would be advisable to establish keyboard cleaning as a daily ritual, for example before the workday begins. That way, the process feels like a natural part of the day, rather than a tedious chore.

When the degree of contamination is too high: the intensive cleaning

Unfortunately, it is often the case that already dirty keyboards have to be taken over by other colleagues in the office. Here it may well happen that the degree of soiling is so high that a clean keyboard can only be achieved with more intensive cleaning. For this purpose, the keyboard must be dismantled again before it can be intensively cleaned with a brush. If the keyboard has already been in use for a longer time, various dirt has already accumulated under the keys. This dirt can only be removed when the keys are removed. In addition, the keys are often also very dirty, so the keys themselves must also be cleaned. But with the following instructions, the whole process is done in an orderly manner. The following cleaning requires a washing machine. Therefore, it should be clarified in advance whether the keyboard can be taken home for cleaning purposes. Once approval has been granted, the cleaning process can begin. First, the keys of the keyboard must be carefully removed with a pointed (and at the same time blunt) object. Care should be taken here that substructure parts do not get lost. Now the removed keys can be placed in a laundry bag. These can be washed in the washing machine at a low temperature. While the washing machine is washing the keys, the rest of the keyboard can be cleaned. To begin, a large bristle brush can be used to remove the coarsest dirt. The spaces between the keys and the corners and edges can be thoroughly cleaned with a damp cloth. The keyboard should then be allowed to dry for a few minutes. The washing machine should have finished the cleaning process by then. Now the keys can be removed from the wash bag and dried. Once all the keys are dry, they are replaced in the correct place on the keyboard. To avoid producing incorrect key combinations on the keyboard, a diagram of the correct key arrangement should be printed out in advance. This makes it much easier to insert the individual keys. When inserting the keys, the damping intermediate components should not be forgotten. In order to snap the keys back into place, some force must be used when pressing the keys in. However, you should always proceed carefully here so as not to damage the keyboard.

When all keys are back in their correct place, the keyboard can be reconnected to the computer. Now you should start it and then open a writing program. The writing program should now be used for a small test. All keys should be pressed in turn. This ensures that all keys are working again and that no electronic contacts have been damaged. If everything is in order, the intensive cleaning of the keyboard is finished.

Conclusion: why a keyboard should be cleaned regularly

The process of intensive cleaning is very time-consuming and hardly worthwhile from a purely financial perspective. However, the environment can be protected in this way, as valuable resources do not have to be touched. From a global perspective, the throwaway mentality has led to natural raw materials becoming increasingly scarce. This has devastating effects on people and nature. Every person should be aware that small steps can reduce the threat to the environment. Buying a new keyboard is on the one hand wasted money and on the other hand often the beginning of a careless handling of office utensils. Regular cleaning of the office and especially the keyboard prevents these tendencies. In addition, this structures the daily work routine better and ensures that a culture of mutual respect can develop in the office. Company management would also be well advised to hold workshops on office cleaning. At first glance, something like this seems to cost money, but in the long run, it saves the company money. Careful use of existing office materials and equipment reduces the burden on the company budget, creates a more pleasant working atmosphere and can serve as a model for other workplaces. Cleaning the office is always a big act. But it starts with the small - in this case, cleaning the keyboard. Therefore, attention should always be paid to the details to create a workplace that is clean and tidy for good results.

*NW Clean GmbH disclaims any liability for damages caused by the trading of readers of the guide.