How do you keep your laptop keyboard clean?

raid517 · Aug 29, 2006, 02:38 PM

Hi, I just got a very nice new laptop. It has an intel core duo processor, 1GB RAM, 15 inch screen and a Radeon Mobility X1400 graphics chip and I currently have it running the latest pre-release version of windows Vista (whatever the most recent build is) - which although not the top spec, is pretty damn decent by most standards.

The thing is, I am naturally paranoid about keeping it spotlessly clean and in pristine condition, so I am kind of curious what the best way would be to go about this?

I know only too well how grubby/filthy normal keyboards can become after some months of use, so I am very interested in finding a way to avoid this happening to my laptop.

The screen should be fairly easy to keep clean, and the rest of the surface can be kept reasonably clean with a very mildly damp cloth (or with some mild alcohol based cleaner) but I am at a loss as to how best to protect the keyboard?

Ideally, as well as dust, dirt and grime, I would like to protect against spills too if that was possible - although some kind of basic protection from dust and grime would definately be a start.

Can anyone offer any suggestions?

(Of course I guess I could always just use a KVM switch and use my large screen monitor and an inexpensive keyboard to acess my laptop when I am in my house - although this kind of defeats the purpose and convienence of owning a lap top).

Thanks in advance.

Necrosis · Aug 29, 2006, 08:40 PM

Nothing mind boggling. I just do a few things.

1. Don't eat or drink around mine.
2. I wash my hands before I use it.
3. Canned Air is your friend.

pr0digal jenius · Aug 29, 2006, 10:55 PM

canned air and some alcohol dipped Q-tips

Tipstaff · Aug 30, 2006, 12:25 AM

A friend of mine swears by THESE guys. They pretty cheap too (around $15), and they make them for all sorts of models. Also, if you have an iBook, or some other MAC notebook, the same friend swears by the iSkin keyboard protectors.

nerdrock · Aug 30, 2006, 03:07 PM

Don't be like me. I sit and hammer keys on my new lappy with a cigarette hanging out of my mouth , with about an inch worth of ash hanging off it. I predict trouble within a year already

I might consider Tipstaff's link, though, seems like a good idea

**Vikingod** · Aug 30, 2006, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pr0digal jenius

canned air and some alcohol dipped Q-tips

same here, works pretty well.

Erroneus · Aug 30, 2006, 03:31 PM

We got a mini vacuum cleaner at work, it's great for cleaning the keyboard and actually everything else in a computer

Gotta get one my self and off course canned air is useful, it's just to expensive :X

raid517 · Aug 30, 2006, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tipstaff

A friend of mine swears by THESE guys. They pretty cheap too (around $15), and they make them for all sorts of models. Also, if you have an iBook, or some other MAC notebook, the same friend swears by the iSkin keyboard protectors.

Thanks man - it looks like I may be in luck - they say Toshiba is covered (which is my brand) so I'm going to email them and see what they can come up with.

I'm sure as hell not keen on the idea at all of ruining my new laptop - and all that money going down the drain in a relatively short time - so I am really interested in this to see if this might be a possible solution - particularly because I love my new laptop much more than I have liked any previous computer. It is a very good compromise between power and portability - and I just so much enjoy more the freedom that it gives me over my big old monolithic box.

So once again, thanks to everyone for the tips.

Partizan · Aug 30, 2006, 03:56 PM

At work I have access to an air compressor which is best for cleaning PC cases and laptops. Just watch the distance, you don't want to blow away capacitors and chips...

Tipstaff · Aug 31, 2006, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Partizan

At work I have access to an air compressor which is best for cleaning PC cases and laptops. Just watch the distance, you don't want to blow away capacitors and chips...

... or the laptop right off the table either.

digerati · Sep 4, 2006, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Partizan

At work I have access to an air compressor which is best for cleaning PC cases and laptops. Just watch the distance, you don't want to blow away capacitors and chips...

Just make sure you blow out any fragments that may be in the compressor before you aim it at the computer. I've noticed that after the compressor has built up enough pressure if I hold my hand in front of the airflow I can feel tiny specs hitting my hand at high speed, but they stop after about 30 seconds.

Zelig · Sep 4, 2006, 06:31 PM

Wrap it in clingwrap.

TheBlackCat · Sep 4, 2006, 07:31 PM

Use a USB keyboard and never touch the laptop itself.

Partizan · Sep 5, 2006, 12:19 AM

The BlackCat that was a good one

Quote:

Originally Posted by digerati

Just make sure you blow out any fragments that may be in the compressor before you aim it at the computer. I've noticed that after the compressor has built up enough pressure if I hold my hand in front of the airflow I can feel tiny specs hitting my hand at high speed, but they stop after about 30 seconds.

I always do that. But 10 seconds is enough. The water or moisture that can build up inside the compressor can also be a problem. But thankfully ours hasn't got that problem.

Regards, Partizan

The_Neon_Cowboy · Sep 5, 2006, 12:38 AM

remove keyboard, blow it out with compressed air reinstal keyboard, but thats just me

dbldown768 · Sep 22, 2006, 02:26 PM

i had read that using a vaccuum by your pc is not a great idea. Sometimes the charge of particles it creates can cause static electricity and short something out - just what i read somewhere.

Lelisevis · Sep 22, 2006, 02:34 PM

Lelisevis · Sep 22, 2006, 02:35 PM

I just do that LOL. It's currently running on my desk like that. Suprisingly cool

Yousaif · Sep 24, 2006, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lelisevis

I just do that LOL. It's currently running on my desk like that. Suprisingly cool

Not quite as portable or easy to pack up when you run like that, though.

Lelisevis · Sep 24, 2006, 05:51 PM

It's a winter project. It's going to be a silent PC but I can't decide what sort of case to build it into. So far ive considered a DVD player, a small table with pneaumatic lifting screen and keyboard, a fishtank. Just can't make my mind up.
Don't worry about portability I have a few more laptops lying around though to be honest it's rare ive ever found the need to take my laptop out.

As for cleaning on a serious note laptops are usually pretty easy to take apart and reassemble and i'd actually recommend it on a 6-12 month basis just to keep them running smooth. Fans pick up some junk even in a house with wooden floors.

Heres an review I made about a year back showing what to expect inside
http://www.laptopshowcase.co.uk/reviews.php?id=45 most keyboards simply pry out complete on a metal tray with a flat metal nailfile.