How can I clean up my keyboard?

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iostreamer

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Sep 21, 2013
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Hello everyone,

I've noticed that my keyboard, a CoolerMaster QuickFire pro, has become dirty.
Considering that this keyboard is not even one year old, I can't keep it so. I want to keep it as clean as I can.
On the keycaps, there is probably a little oil (I always try to wash my hands before I'm going to use it) as well as sweat.
I'm not afraid about dust: it can be removed easier.
To clean the keycaps, I will pull them off, first of all. I think that's the best way to do that, even though it's slow. I think I won't pull off the big keycaps such as the spacebar, enter, etc.
But now the trouble: which solution should I use to clean the keycaps? It must not be too aggressive.
Which one do you use? How do you usually do that?

Thanks for reading,
iostreamer.

Ps: I apologize if you find an error, I'm not English. Please warn me if you find some.
 
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keigo_kanzaki

keigo_kanzaki

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Mar 6, 2007
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My usual method is soak the keycaps with soap-water solution in a bucket. Get an old tooth brush and brush the caps gently. After that, just rinse them with clean water and let to dry. It worked for my old Microsoft Natural Keyboard (white).
 
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gbryan101

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May 28, 2013
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Take the keycaps off using a puller. I have done this without a puller and it was horrible.

This is what I am talking about:
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keyboard-accessories-2/wasd-wire-keycap-puller-tool.html

There are other styles and you can make your own, just do yourself a favor and use one.

Once I have my keycaps off, I set them aside in order and then clean them with vinegar and water or dishsoap and water. I have heard of guys who put them in a pillow case and throw them in the clothes washer, though I wouldn't do that. Once you have them cleaned, wipe them down.

With the keys out of the board (I leave anything with a spring, spacebar, enter key, backspace, ect.), I take canned air and blast out the accumulated nastiness that's built up. Don't use soap or water near the switches.

Then, I put all the caps back and done.
 
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iostreamer

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Sep 21, 2013
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Wow, I can't believe that there is someone who uses a chothes washer to do that.
However, have you ever used any diluted degreaser instead of soap in the water? Or it could be too aggressive?
 
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gbryan101

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May 28, 2013
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Do you mean like janitorial or mechanics degreaser? I mean, the stuff used for cleaning facilities or the stuff for cleaning heavy grease off of hands?
You have laser engraved keycaps, so you can get away with a lot. There isn't actually any printing to wash off, the lettering is physically cut into the caps.

If you are really worried about damaging the keys, you could use rubbing alcohol and a q-tip or cotton ball. It's what I use in the rare case that I am cleaning a keyboard where the keycaps don't come off or are difficult to remove.
 
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iostreamer

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Sep 21, 2013
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I'm from Italy, so I don't know how you call them. I meant this tool. It's often used to wash dishes.
I could grab a little and diluite it in some water. Hope you've understood.

Do you put them into the water directly, or do you use a brush / cotton buds?
 
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brightside

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Oct 1, 2012
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You go to the dollar store, there is this yellow solution in a spray bottle by all the cleaning supplies called 'awesome' . It will take the stuff right off of them and not damage them. Just use a soft cloth and a little water with it, and they will be like new. be sure to rinse them well though because if you don't it will get sticky. Best part is.. it's only a dollar and it will last a long long time.
 
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