Headphones Cleaning.
Why it is important.
Why? Headphones used by different people may need to be frequently cleaned to help prevent the spreading of germs and head lice.
Procedure: If the headphones being used are plastic or vinyl, moisten a cloth with warm water. Then rub the head and earpieces of the headphones.
Headphones that are being used for a library or school, do not use any disinfectant or cleaning solvent. Since some people / children can have allergic reactions to the chemicals they contain.
Headphones that have cushions also have the availability of having the cushions replaced. Replacing these cushions can also help keep the headphones clean.
Finally, regarding headphones spreading head lice. If many different students use the same headphones, consider having the students using their own headphones. Place bags over the headphones, or using headphones that can be wiped with warm water after each use.
Desktop keyboard Cleaning.
These steps are for desktop keyboard cleaning.
Dust, dirt and bacteria:
Desktop keyboard cleaning is usually the most germ infected items in your business. It may even contain more bacteria than your toilet seat. Cleaning it helps remove any dangerous bacteria and keeps the keyboard working properly.
Procedure: Before cleaning the keyboard first turn off the computer or if you are using a USB keyboard unplug it. Not unplugging the keyboard can cause other computer problems. You may press keys that cause the computer to perform a task you do not want it to do.
Many people clean the keyboard by turning it upside down and shaking. A more efficient method is to use compressed air. Compressed air is pressurized air contained in a can with a very long nozzle. Aim the air between the keys and blow away all of the dust and debris that has gathered there. A vacuum cleaner can also be used. Just make sure the keyboard does not have loose "pop off" keys that can be sucked up by the vacuum.
If you want to clean the keyboard more extensively remove the keys from the keyboard.
After the dust, dirt and hair has been removed, spray a disinfectant onto a cloth or use disinfectant cloths. Rub each of the keys on the keyboard. Never spray any liquid onto the keyboard.
Substance spilt into the keyboard:
If the keyboard has anything spilt into it (e.g. Coke, Beer, Wine, Coffee or milk), not taking the proper steps can destroy the keyboard.
Procedure: Below are a few recommendations that can help prevent a keyboard from becoming bad after something has spilt into the keys.
If anything is spilt onto the keyboard turn the computer off immediately or at the very least disconnect the keyboard from the computer. Once done flip the keyboard over to prevent the substance from penetrating circuits. While still upside down, use a cloth to start cleaning the keys. After cleaned, leave the keyboard upside down for at least one night allowing it to dry. Once dry, continue cleaning the keyboard with any remaining substance.
If after cleaning the keyboard and you have keys that stick, remove the keys and clean below the keys and the bottom portion for the key.
If after doing all the steps the keyboard still does not work, we recommend buying a new keyboard.
How to remove the keys on a keyboard:
Note: This document is for traditional computer keyboards and not laptop keyboards.
Caution: Before removing any of the keyboard keys, unplug it from the computer of turn off the computer. We also suggest not removing the space bar key unless absolutely necessary, since many keyboards use a retention spring that can be very difficult or impossible to put back into place.
Many people need to do this when they need to clean the key itself or get below the key to clean it. This is often necessary especially when a drink is spilt in the keyboard.
Removing a standard keyboard key is simple. Start by pressing down on the key in front of the key you want to remove and insert a flat object such as a car key or a small flathead screw driver below the key. Once below the key twist it or push down until the key pops off. If you want to remove more than one key, repeat this process until all keys are removed. (take a picture of the keyboard so you know where all the keys should be if you remove more than one key)
Once the key has been removed you'll notice the hair, dust, dirt and food particles under the key. This substance can be removed with compressed air, damp cloth or cotton swabs.
If you're removing the key because a drink was spilt into the keyboard, make sure to not only clean below the key but also the shaft that holds the key and the bottom of the key.
Once everything has been cleaned position the key back into the normal position and snap it back into place by pressing in on the key.
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