How to remove keyboard grease?

Question

I always wash my hands before using my computer, but after 2.5 years the keys have started getting a little greasy from my finger oils. What is the best way to clean this?

EDIT: Clarification - it's a laptop.

Answer 1

Diluted Isopropyl alcohol on a cloth is the best for removing oils and grease. Try to buy it pre-diluted or dilute it yourself using demineralised water. Never use it non-diluted as the alcohol can damage the plastic. 50% is probably the maximum safe mix, 30% Isopropyl alcohol or less on more sensitive surfaces.

Don't use a dishwasher unless you're prepared to lose the keyboard. Every model is different and some have exposed electircal surfaces that if not dried perfectly will short circuit the keyboard.

Answer 2

I found the new pledge wipes (looks like kid diaper wipes, but treated with pledge, the electronics one works best) work great on my laptop.

edit... Here is what I am talking about: link text

Answer 3

The easiest way is to run it in the dishwasher.

There's a YouTube video demonstrating this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_uCvGYherU

Even Jeff Atwood mentions it: http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/001115.html

The video shows the keyboard going in whole - I remove the keys first and put them in the little things holder in our dishwasher - this helps the drying time.

Answer 4

Perhaps I'm in the minority, but my cleaning process involves simply discarding my existing, nasty keyboard, then cracking open up a new one. The same follows with mice.

Of course, this requires you to have a small stock of keyboards and mice on hand... but they're cheap, so long as you don't need the ultra cool ones. A $10 Microsoft Natural with volume control is all I need.

No, it doesn't have all the crazy buttons... but you can't beat its best feature: it's dispoable!

Answer 5

Since its for a laptop, remove the keyboard. I've done it a lot of time and its remarkably simple.

You have to unscrew some screws to get it out, but (depending on the model) its actually easy to snap/unsnap the keyboard. Just be careful you do not pull the keyboard cable too hard.

Once remove, just clean it with a cloth or cotton swabs.

Answer 6

WD-40. If its good enough to clean my engine, its good enough for my keyboard too.

Hint: apply with a soft cloth.

Disclaimer: careful not to drip it into your laptop ... take the keyboard out first.

Answer 7

With modern keyboards you HAVE to remove the electronic components before immersing the mechanical parts in water. I've found Microsoft boards very easy to disassemble; Logitech much more difficult. I don't have a dishwasher, but a good soaking in hot water /dish liquid seems to work well. rinse well, then dry outdoors. I would like to get more feedback about using silicone spray--I always assumed this might attract more dust?