"What is the best way to remove crumbs from my computer's keyboard?"

Asked by primerib 19 months ago

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Okay, I admit it: I eat while sitting at my PC. The evidence? Crumbs in my keyboard's crevices.

One detail: I use a mini-keyboard, smaller than most.

Any advice would be most welcome.


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"Having been in IT/Tech support for a long time, I can tell you dirty keyboards are a pain, but not a big problem..."
 by Scarecrow on Jul 16 2008 (19 months ago)
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The great news, they don't cost much.  Obviously, you know NOT to eat over/by/around your computer.  The good news is that most keyboards of quality have a plastic ’shield’ under the keys for just such a thing.

 

I learned the hard way, a knocked over cup of hot coffee with cream and sugar does wonders for electronics!

 

OK, to answer your question. 

 

  • With your computer off, unplug your keyboard
  • Turn your Keyboard almost upside down, and rap, rap, rap it several times on a desk, knowing full well that it will spill it’s contents all over.  NOT so hard it causes keys to fly, but not too light, than nothing falls out.
  • Next, turn it completely upside down, and shake it hard.  It will continue to rain stuff.
  • Now, turning it almost upside down, leaning one edge on a desk, spray canned air up into the keyboard to continue to dislodge the tough chunks. 
  • Finally, get a package of electronic cleaning cloths and some Q-tips.  clean the key tops, sides and inbetween.  Use the Q-tip with the cloth over it to get between.  Also, if you have your keyboard on a pullout tray, wipe that out too!

Anyway, I’m sure you’ll continue to eat over your keyboard, most people do.  Be sure to do this a few times a year to keep your keyboard working fine and healthy!! 

Maxell Canned Air, 2-PackCanned air $14.00 at Wal-Mart or most electronics stores

Anti-Static Cleaning Wipes for Digital Cameras/Electronics, 100-Count TubAnti-static Cleaning cloths $8.00 at Wal-Mart and most electronic stores
Sources: Personal Experience, listed above
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"Simple but sounds foolish!"
 by Annlee on Jul 16 2008 (19 months ago)
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Turn it upside down, and "spank" it briskly!

 

I know it sounds foolish and to easy...but it works every single time and actually is recommended by keyboard makers.

 

Blessings.........Annlee
Sources: ME

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Added this cute video to remind you..>Chocolate from donuts may not be removed by spanking...lol Blessings...........Annlee
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"There are a few things you can try..."
 by NC on Jul 16 2008 (19 months ago)
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Start with the simplest; turn the keyboard upside down (so that the keys face downward) and shake it gently.  Or use a can of pressurized air (available from any computer or office supplies store) to blow the crumbs out.  Or use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum the crumbs out...
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"I do the same...."
 by Spartan on Jul 16 2008 (19 months ago)
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I use a condensed air spray can.

 

MAXELL CA-2 2-Pack Canned Air

 

This gets all those little crumbs out.

 

Hold it over your trash and blast away......
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Latest post on this question's discussion board:

I remove all the keys, lining them up carefully in order on a tray, then use many of the suggestions made above, afterwords returning the keys to their places. Keys come off easily when coaxed withe a flat-blade screwdriver. If you do not remove the keys, there will still be some crud left behind.
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