How to clean and disinfect a computer keyboard or laptop.

How to effectively clean and disinfect a computer keyboard, security keypads, entry readers and other commonly used security equipment.

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General Information

Due to the worries surrounding the growing contagion of the coronavirus and specifically, CONID-19, we talked with a representative from Apple (Apple Computer) regarding their company recommended approach to disinfecting and cleaning a computer system, mouse and keyboard.

As many of our customers have contact on a day-to-day basis with public or multiple use computer equipment, we wanted to provide a recommendation (based on our discussions with Apple) on how best to clean and disinfect the computer keyboard, mouse and related system components.

In fact, our computer keyboards, according to a University of Arizona study, including laptops, have 400 times more bacteria then the typical seat of a toilet, which means, let's make sure we know how to properly clean and disinfect it.

So, in addition to the importance of keeping your hands washed and cleaning your smartphone screen, which are also items we use continuously, it is vital to keep your keyboard and mouse clean and disinfected.

Apple’s recommendations are:

  • Before you start: turn off the device and unplug it from the power outlet
  • Prepare a lint-free cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol. The cloth should be damp, but very slightly, not wet and above all it should not give off drops of water or alcohol.
  • Prevent moisture from entering any opening in or around the keyboard keys.
  • Your keyboard is now nice and clean, but don't forget your mouse. It's also teeming with germs.

Apple also provided us with some additional comments:

  • Never use aerosols, solvents, abrasive substances or cleaners that contain hydrogen peroxide.
  • Microfiber cloths are a good product for cleaning not only the keyboard and mouse, but they are also very good for screens (monitors and smartphones), as well as the exterior of laptops and computers.
  • Please ensure the power is off before you introduce liquid to your computer equipment. In this way you can clean and disinfect the keyboard, mouse and components safely without fear that it will end up damaged or stop working.

As stated earlier, it is important to wash your hands several times a day as a preventive measure in addition to cleaning your commonly used devices.

The same process can also be used to clean keypads, entry readers and other security components that are used by multiple people day-to-day.

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