What Makes Keyboards Oily? 11 Methods to Clean It

Have you ever noticed that your keyboard starts to feel a little greasy after a while? Whether you’re a frequent typist or an occasional user, it’s common to experience this problem.

The oiliness on keyboards is caused by a combination of factors, including dirt, oil from your fingers, and sweat. But don’t worry, there are ways to prevent your keyboard from becoming too oily and ensure it remains clean and functional.

Quick answer!

To avoid an oily keyboard, it’s essential to maintain good hygiene while using your computer. This includes washing your hands before using the keyboard and avoiding eating oily or greasy food while using the computer.

And, it’s crucial to clean your keyboard regularly using a soft cloth or keyboard cleaner to remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated on it.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes keyboards oily and share some tips on how to prevent it. So, let’s dive in and learn how to keep our keyboards in tip-top shape!

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What Is An Oily Keyboard?

An oily keyboard is a computer keyboard that has accumulated a layer of oil or grease on its surface. This can happen due to various reasons, such as eating oily or greasy food while using the keyboard, using the keyboard with dirty or oily hands, or simply not cleaning the keyboard regularly.

The oil and grease that accumulates on the keyboard can cause the keys to becoming sticky, making typing difficult and unpleasant. It can also attract dirt and dust, leading to the buildup of grime and bacteria on the keyboard.

An oily keyboard not only affects the usability of the keyboard but also poses a potential health hazard. The bacteria that can accumulate on a dirty keyboard can cause illness or infection, particularly if the keyboard is used by multiple people.

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10 Major Reasons Why Keyboards Gets Oily?

Before we dive into the preventive measures, it’s essential to understand why keyboards get oily in the first place. The main reason is the oil from our skin, which transfers to the keyboard when we type.

Over time, this oil builds up and attracts dust and debris, resulting in a sticky and dirty keyboard. Additionally, eating or drinking while using the keyboard can also cause oiliness and stains.

There are several reasons why keyboards get oily, and in this article, we’ll discuss the top 10 reasons in detail.

1.      Hand Oil:

One of the main reasons keyboards get oily is due to the natural oils on our skin. Our hands come in contact with various substances throughout the day, including food, lotions, and even our hair. All of these substances can transfer oils onto our keyboards, leading to an oily and dirty appearance.

2.      Greasy Food:

Eating greasy foods while using your keyboard can also lead to oil buildup. When we eat, we often touch our faces and mouths, which can transfer oil and grease onto our hands. If we then touch our keyboards, that oil and grease can transfer onto the keys.

3.      Dust and Dirt:

Over time, keyboards can accumulate dust and dirt, which can mix with the natural oils on our hands and create an oily residue on the keys.

4.      Poor Hygiene:

Poor hygiene can also be a reason why keyboards get oily. If we don’t wash our hands regularly, bacteria and other germs can build up on our skin, which can then transfer onto our keyboards.

5.      Sweat:

If you spend a lot of time typing, you may start to sweat, which can also lead to an oily keyboard. The sweat on your fingertips can mix with the natural oils on your skin and create an oily residue on the keys.

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6.      Pet Hair:

If you have pets, their hair can also get trapped in your keyboard, which can mix with oils and create a greasy buildup.

7.      Smoking:

If you smoke while using your keyboard, the smoke and ash can settle onto the keys and create an oily residue.

8.      Moisture:

Moisture from humidity or spilled liquids can also contribute to an oily keyboard. If moisture gets trapped under the keys, it can mix with oils and create a greasy buildup.

9.      Lack of Cleaning:

If you don’t clean your keyboard regularly, oils and dirt can accumulate over time, leading to an oily and dirty appearance.

10.  Low-Quality Keyboards:

Finally, low-quality keyboards may be more prone to oil buildup. These keyboards may have a more porous surface that can absorb oils and other substances, making them more difficult to clean.

All of these factors can cause a buildup of oil on the keyboard, which not only looks unpleasant but can also affect the keyboard’s performance.

A sticky keyboard can hinder typing speed and accuracy, and it can even cause keys to stop working altogether. So, it’s important to address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.

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Ultimate Guide, 11 Methods To Clean An Oily Keyboard?

If you are someone who uses your keyboard extensively, you may have experienced that over time, it can get greasy and oily due to the buildup of dirt, dust, and oils from your fingers. Not only can this make your keyboard look unsightly, but it can also hinder its performance. Here we will discuss 10 effective methods to clean an oily keyboard and help you restore it to its former glory.

Method 1: Use a Microfiber Cloth

Materials needed: Microfiber cloth, a bowl of warm water

1. Turn off your keyboard and unplug it from the computer to avoid any electrical hazards.
2. Dampen the microfiber cloth with warm water. Make sure the cloth is not too wet or it may damage the keyboard.
3. Wipe the keyboard gently with the cloth, paying extra attention to the areas where the oil is the heaviest.
4. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture.

Method 2: Use a Magic Eraser

Materials needed: Magic Eraser, warm water

1. Dampen a magic eraser with warm water.
2. Gently rub the eraser over the affected keys, paying extra attention to the areas where the oil is the heaviest.
3. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture.

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Method 3: Use Compressed Air

Materials needed: Compressed air canister

1. Hold the compressed air canister upright and point it at the keyboard.
2. Spray short bursts of air onto the affected keys, making sure to hold the canister at a safe distance.
3. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining debris or oil residue.

Method 4: Use a Keyboard Cleaner

You can also use a specialized keyboard cleaner to remove the dirt and oils from your keyboard. These cleaners come in the form of wipes or sprays, and they are designed to be safe for use on electronic devices.

Method 5: Use a Soft Brush

A soft brush, such as a toothbrush or a makeup brush, can be used to gently scrub the surface of the keyboard and remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck between the keys.

Method 6: Use White Vinegar

Materials needed: White vinegar, warm water, microfiber cloth

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a bowl.
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution.
3. Gently wipe the keyboard with the cloth, paying extra attention to the areas where the oil is the heaviest.
4. Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to rinse away any vinegar residue.
5. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture.

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Method 7: Use Rubbing Alcohol

Materials needed: Rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, microfiber cloth

1. Turn off your keyboard and unplug it from the computer.
2. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently scrub the affected keys.
3. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess alcohol and oil residue.

Method 8: Use Dish Soap

Materials needed: Dish soap, warm water, microfiber cloth

1. Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth with soapy water.
3. if YOu have Mechanical keyboard then you can dip keycaps in to bowl.
4. Gently wipe the keyboard with the cloth, paying extra attention to the areas where the oil is the heaviest.
5. Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to rinse away any soap residue.
6. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture.

Method 9: Use Baking Soda

Materials needed: Baking soda, warm water, microfiber cloth

1. Mix a small amount of baking soda with warm water in a bowl to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste to a microfiber cloth and gently rub it onto the affected keys.
3. Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to rinse away any baking soda residue.
4. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture.

Method 10: Use a Keyboard Cleaning Kit

Materials needed: Keyboard cleaning kit

1. Purchase a keyboard cleaning kit that includes cleaning solution and a brush or cloth.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean the keyboard.

Method 11: Use a Professional Cleaning Service

1. If none of the above methods work or if you prefer to leave it to the professionals, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to clean your keyboard.

Here is Video Guide to Clean Your keyboard.

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10 Methods, How to Prevent Keyboards from Getting Oily?

A keyboard is an essential tool for anyone who uses a computer, whether for work or play. However, after extended use, keyboards can become oily and grimy, which can be unappealing and even unhygienic. In this guide, we’ll share 10 methods on how to prevent keyboards from getting oily, so you can keep your keyboard clean and functioning well.

Method 1: Wash Your Hands Before Use

One of the most straightforward methods of preventing an oily keyboard is to wash your hands before using it. By doing this, you’ll remove any excess oil from your hands that may transfer onto the keyboard.

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Method 2: Use a Keyboard Cover

A keyboard cover is a protective cover that fits over your keyboard, preventing dust, dirt, and oil from accumulating on the keys. It also makes it easier to clean your keyboard.

Method 3: Avoid Eating and Drinking While Typing

Eating and drinking while typing is a common cause of oily keyboards. Try to avoid consuming food or drink while using your computer. If you must eat or drink, do it away from the computer and wash your hands afterward.

Method 4: Clean Your Keyboard Regularly

Regularly cleaning your keyboard is essential for preventing oily build-up. Use a microfiber cloth or a keyboard cleaning kit to remove dirt and oil from your keyboard.

Method 5: Use a Compressed Air Canister

A compressed air canister is an excellent tool for cleaning your keyboard. Use it to blow out any dirt or dust that may have accumulated under the keys.

Method 6: Use a Keyboard Vacuum

A keyboard vacuum is a small device that can help you remove dirt and debris from your keyboard. It’s a handy tool to have for maintaining a clean keyboard.

Method 7: Use Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a useful cleaning agent that can help you remove oil from your keyboard. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a microfiber cloth and use it to wipe down your keyboard.

Method 8: Use a Keyboard Wipe

Keyboard wipes are pre-moistened wipes designed for cleaning keyboards. They’re an easy and effective way to remove oil and dirt from your keyboard.

Method 9: Keep Your Keyboard Out of Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can cause the keys on your keyboard to become oily. To prevent this, keep your keyboard out of direct sunlight.

Method 10: Store Your Keyboard Properly

Storing your keyboard properly can help prevent oily build-up. Keep it in a clean and dry area, and cover it when not in use.

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Why is it important to prevent keyboards from getting oily?

Oily keyboard can be unhygienic as it can harbor bacteria and germs, which can cause illness and infection. Oily build-up on a keyboard can affect its functionality, causing the keys to stick or become unresponsive, which can impact your productivity.

And oily keyboard can also be unappealing and make your workspace look unkempt and unsanitary. Overall, preventing keyboards from getting oily is essential for maintaining a clean and functional workspace, promoting good hygiene, and prolonging the lifespan of your keyboard.

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Conclusion:

Oil buildup on your keyboard can be unsightly and unhygienic. However, with the preventive measures outlined in this guide, you can keep your keyboard clean and free from oil and dirt buildup.

Regular cleaning, handwashing, and the use of keyboard covers are some of the most effective ways to prevent oiliness on your keyboard. By taking these steps, you can extend the life of your keyboard and ensure a more comfortable and hygienic typing experience.

In this Guide we share 10 Methods to clean your oily keyboards, these methods are effective in cleaning an oily keyboard, but it is important to choose the right method based on the extent of the oil build-up and the type of keyboard you have. By following these tips, you can keep your keyboard clean and functioning properly.

FAQs:

Why do keyboards become oily?

Keyboards become oily due to the accumulation of dirt, oils, and sweat from your fingers as you type.

Can using a keyboard cover prevent it from becoming oily?

Yes, using a keyboard cover can help prevent your keyboard from becoming oily by protecting it from dust, dirt, and spills.

How often should I clean my keyboard to prevent it from becoming oily?

It is recommended to clean your keyboard at least once a month to prevent it from becoming oily.

How can I clean my keyboard to remove oil and dirt?

You can clean your keyboard using a soft, lint-free cloth or a microfiber cloth and a mild cleaning solution such as a mixture of water and vinegar.

Can I use alcohol to clean my keyboard?

Yes, you can use isopropyl alcohol to clean your keyboard, but make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area and avoid using too much alcohol as it can damage your keyboard.

How can I prevent my keyboard from becoming oily?

You can prevent your keyboard from becoming oily by washing your hands before using it, using a keyboard cover, avoiding eating while using your keyboard, and cleaning it regularly.