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How to Clean My HP Flat Keyboard?

Published in Keyboard Cleaning 3 mins read

To clean your HP flat keyboard effectively and safely, always start by disconnecting it from power. For dust and debris lodged between the keys, materials like keyboard cleaning putty can be quite useful.

Essential Safety Steps Before Cleaning

Before you begin cleaning any electrical device, especially a keyboard connected to a computer, safety is paramount. Based on standard recommendations and the provided reference:

  1. Unplug the Device: If cleaning a laptop keyboard, unplug your laptop. If cleaning an external keyboard, disconnect it from the computer.
  2. Power Off: Ensure the device is completely off. For a laptop, Power It Off. This prevents accidental key presses and potential electrical issues during cleaning.

Cleaning Dust and Debris Between Keys

One common issue with flat keyboards is the accumulation of dust, crumbs, and other small particles between the keys. The reference highlights a specific method for this:

  • Using Keyboard Cleaning Putty: To get dust out from between the keys, place a piece of keyboard cleaning putty over the affected area. Press it gently to allow it to seep into the gaps, then lift it up. The putty will pick up the dust and debris. Repeat as necessary across the keyboard surface.

Other methods often used in conjunction or as alternatives include:

  • Compressed Air: Use a can of compressed air with the included straw attachment. Hold the keyboard upside down or at an angle and spray the compressed air between the keys to blow out particles. Use short bursts to avoid moisture buildup.
  • Soft Brush: A soft-bristled brush, such as a clean paint brush or a dedicated keyboard cleaning brush, can also help loosen and sweep away debris from between the keys.

Cleaning Keycaps and Surfaces

Once the debris is removed from between the keys, you can focus on cleaning the keycaps and the surrounding surface of the keyboard.

  • Microfiber Cloth: A dry microfiber cloth is excellent for wiping down the surface and keycaps to remove fingerprints, oils, and general grime.
  • Damp Cloth (Slightly): For more stubborn marks, slightly dampen (not soak) a microfiber cloth with water or a gentle cleaning solution (like a diluted solution of isopropyl alcohol - typically 70% alcohol to 30% water). Wring out the cloth thoroughly so it is barely damp, then gently wipe the keycaps and the keyboard surface.
    • Caution: Avoid getting any liquid into the keyboard, as this can cause permanent damage. Do not spray liquids directly onto the keyboard.

Summary of Cleaning Methods

Here is a quick overview of common methods for cleaning a flat keyboard:

Area to Clean Recommended Method(s) Notes
Between Keys Keyboard Cleaning Putty (as per reference) Picks up dust and debris.
Compressed Air Blows out particles. Use short bursts.
Soft Brush Sweeps away loosened debris.
Keycaps/Surface Dry Microfiber Cloth Removes fingerprints and light grime.
Slightly Damp Microfiber Cloth For stubborn marks. Use water or diluted alcohol.

Remember to always ensure the keyboard is completely dry before reconnecting or powering on your device.