keyboard vacuum cleaner - pressurized air for cleaning keyboards

Best keyboard vacuum cleaner 2020 – how to clean a laptop keyboard

Keyboard vacuum cleaner

We all have at-least a desktop or laptop in our home. They have mouse and keyboards which are subject to exposure of dirt, dust, or pet hairs. Long time exposure causes malfunction of keyboards and mouse. Cleaning of the keyboard will enhance the functionality of the keyboard and provides a longer life. Technology has evolved in many ways to ease the lifestyle. How to clean a laptop keyboard? Keyboard vacuum cleaner can clear dirt/dusts with pressurized air for cleaning keyboards. With the different types of USB vacuum keyboard cleaners on the market, you will need to consider a number of features and factors when you need the ultimate pick. Some of the considerations to look out for include; the power-suction, nozzles, efficiency, and battery life among others.

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How to clean a laptop keyboard

No one likes working on a grimy laptop! If your keys are getting clogged with dust or start showing too many stains, then it’s time to give your laptop keys a good cleaning. However, cleaning laptop keyboards isn’t as easy as popping off the keys on a traditional desktop keyboard. Here’s what to do, and what solutions work best for particular kinds of cleaning — without endangering your laptop.

Prep work

Digital Storm Triton laptop power

Take a minute and go through the common sense precautions:

  • If you have vital data on your laptop, back it up. It’s always a good idea.
  • Turn your laptop completely off. You may even want to remove the battery, if possible.
  • Make sure your laptop is unplugged and that there are no accessories attached (including USB dongles).
  • Make sure you have the space and time. This isn’t something you should do on the go — remember, a desktop keyboard is easy to replace but if your laptop keyboard gets damaged, that’s a bigger problem.

For long-term dust

Everyone knows what this looks like. It may not be as bad as sticky stains, but over time, dust naturally builds up between and on the sides of your keys. If you want to get rid of it, grab a vacuum cleaner.

Wait! We mean grab the right kind of vacuum cleaner. The common solution is a hand vacuum that comes with small brush attachments that you can slowly maneuver around your keyboard while sucking up the dust. A larger vacuum can work if it also has a dust attachment and isn’t too powerful. After all, you don’t want your vacuum eating any keys.

sony vaio t14 touch laptop keys

In a perfect world, the ideal solution is a micro vacuum attachment, which typically isn’t found outside of labs and specialized workstations. That said, you can always buy your own if you’re very serious about keyboard care.

Compressed air is another possibility, but we don’t recommend it. This double-edged sword will blast much of the dust and crumbs away, but it might also blow much of it further into your laptop, potential causing more problems. A vacuum cleaner is usually a more efficient solution, so start there.

For grime that won’t go away

We’re talking about the crud that builds up as a result of oils, skin cells, grease, food dust, and everything else that might contribute to the gross stains and plaque on your keyboard. You can approach this cleaning mission many different ways, but we prefer using a melamine cleaning sponge, which excels at cleaning up grime such as this.

Once you have the melamine sponge, soak it in water, ring it out, and let it dry enough so that you aren’t leaving streaks of water across your keyboard. Gently rub a corner of the sponge on the grimy parts of the keys until the grime is removed. Melamine can be a very abrasive material if used carelessly, so go slow and try to avoid rubbing off any key characters. The material is also very easy to cut out into the right shape, so feel free to snip off a portion for more customized work.

You can use another type of sponge in the same way, but it may not be as effective, especially when it comes to the more stubborn stains.

For germs

It’s normal to worry about germs on your keyboard, especially if you’ve been working in an office or a classroom full of sick people. If your keys are a little too dirty and you’re wondering if they may have become a biohazard, then it’s time to get out the disinfectant.

Specifically, get some isopropyl alcohol and a bundle of cotton swabs. Isopropyl (the rubbing alcohol kind) is important, because stronger versions thereof may accidentally burn off some of your keyboard letters. Cotton swabs or Q-Tips, on the other hand, are important because you don’t want any liquids near your keyboard, even when cleaning. Dip and dab a swab so that it’s damp but in no danger of dripping, and then start wiping your keys one by one. This somewhat tedious method is very effective but easier to do if, well, you’re a little bored and have some time to waste.

For spills

Did you spill something potentially sticky across the top of your laptop keyboard? Make your first priority the protection of your laptop and its internal components. Shut everything down, take out your battery, and unplug your laptop if necessary. You shouldn’t turn it back on again until you are sure that any liquid inside has evaporated — this can take a day or two for particularly bad spills. If it looks like your operating system or data has been damaged, then take your laptop in for repairs ASAP.

toshiba 840t laptop left ports keyboard macro

In the meantime, it’s time to clean your keys. A simple cloth or sponge is fine for the surface of the laptop keyboard, but you probably need to go deeper to clean up more worrying residue that may be trapped underneath, which means removing your keyboard. The problem is that there are many different types of laptop keyboards based on the age of your machine and its design goals. Some can be carefully pried off as a whole unit, while others can be eased open key by key. Others still, aren’t designed to be removed at all.

If you can remove your keys and carefully clean around them, however, you should do so. Just remember to be very gentle and avoid using tools that can bend or scrape your keys. If this looks like it’s going to be too much trouble, don’t hesitate to take your laptop to a professional who can take it apart without risking any damage.

Pressurized air for cleaning keyboards

With a powerful blast of air (Pressurized air for cleaning keyboards), you can dislodge gunk from deep within the labyrinth of your keys. For that, there are blowers powered by electric motors. They’re powerful–to the point that you may want to use them outside, with a pair of safety goggles and a mask to protect you from the dust and chip bits that are going to be peppering your face.

Though more expensive, we do recommend electric blowers over cans of compressed air, especially if you’re concerned about the environment. Most of these cans utilize hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are a potent greenhouse gas. Tetrafluoroethane, a common HFC, has a global warming potential (GWP) of 1,200, whereas CO2 has a GWP of 1.

Vacuums are good because they suck dust up instead of poofing them back into the air. However, before use, make sure your keyboard doesn’t have any keys that pop off easily. Vacuums are also shunned because they run up the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD), which can zap your electronics. However, most keyboards don’t have many sensitive components, so it’s not as big of an issue.

7 Best keyboard vacuum cleaner 2020

1. Metro Vacuum ED500 DataVac Electric Blower Duster – best keyboard cleaner

Say no to canned air. The multi-purpose DataVac Electric Duster is designed to blast dust, dirt and debris off of your expensive tech equipment. Regular use of the DataVac Electric Duster can help to ensure your office and electronic gear is dust-free and running at maximum efficiency. Its sturdy and modernized structure is completely redesigned to offer you the most lightweight but powerful office duster in the industry. It features a 500-Watt motor and is ideal for keeping keyboards, computers and other technological equipment clean.Its green energy source means the ED-500 is more effective and cost-efficient when compared to other models. The MetroVac DataVac Electric Duster is available at 120 volts and comes with a 12ft conductor cord, air-pin pointer, concentrator nozzle, air-flare nozzle and a four-piece detailing tool kit.

Go green and save green.


2. Metro Vacuum MDV-1BA DataVac Pro 4.5 Computer Vac/Blower – another best keyboard cleaner

Specially designed to clean computers, printers, and other electronic equipment, the Metropolitan Vacuum MDV-1BA DataVac Pro helps keep dust and debris from damaging your valuable devices. Offering the right amount of suction, as well as attachments designed to reach hard-to-access areas, this high-powered blower safely cleans your computers and peripherals.

Prevent Dirt and Dust from Harming Your Office Equipment
You simply can’t be in business if your computer is out of operation. One tiny piece of lint, dust, hair, debris, or paper can stop your computer in its tracks, leaving you unable to do your job or conduct your personal tasks.

DataVac, the world’s bestselling computer-cleaning system, features a simple, straightforward design that quickly removes debris before it can harm your computers and other equipment. To protect your expensive electronics, keep the DataVac Pro in your desk drawer for quick and easy cleaning that takes just minutes.

Lightweight Yet Powerful, Easily Sucks up Dirt and Dust
The DataVac Pro measures just 16.0 x 4.0 x 4.0 inches (WxHxD) and weighs three pounds, which means it’s compact and lightweight enough for easy maneuverability. Simply angle it over the area you wish to clean, and the powerful 120-volt, 0.75-PHP, 4.5-amp motor is ready to operate at 70 CFM. An added bonus, an included shoulder strap allows for easy portability.

All the Accessories You Need to Get a Thorough Clean
The DataVac Pro comes with all the accessories you need to achieve maximum dirt removal. To start, a 19-inch flexible hose gives you plenty of room to reach all components, while several attachments–including a crevice tool and soft-bristle air brush–make it a snap to access hard-to-reach areas. Also included is a four-piece micro cleaning tool kit that will help you get down to the nitty-gritty.

For additional convenience, the DataVac Pro takes operates with paper waste bags (this kit comes with five) that you can simply throw away when full.

The DataVac Pro features durable, all-steel construction. This blower is made in the USA and offers an alternative to canned air, making it as good for the environment as it is for the life of your computer.


3. HONKYOB USB Mini Vacuum  keyboard cleaner – USB keyboard vacuum cleaner

HONKYOB-USB-Mini-Vacuum-keyboard-cleaner

HONKYOB USB Mini Vacuum Cleaner Desktop Dust Cleaner Collection Tool with Brush for Cleaning Keyboard Dust,Bread Crumbs,Paper Scrap,Eraser Crunbs,Cigarette Ash,Car Device

A Light, USB-Rechargeable Vacuum for Regular Maintenance

This USB keyboard vacuum cleaner is made specifically for small jobs–sucking the eraser shavings off your desk or the crumbs out of your laptop keyboard. Therefore, suction is quite weak, and it won’t be able to get anything deeply embedded. But it’s good for daily maintenance, and it won’t accidentally pop any keys off the board.

It’s USB-rechargeable and comes with two filters (USB keyboard vacuum cleaner). Because the vacuum is weak, you have to keep the filters spotless for it to really work. There’s also two nozzles–a normal flat nozzle for inhaling things off the surface of your keyboard and desk, as well as a brush nozzle for cleaning up dust and dislodging small debris from around the keys.


4. MECO Mini Vacuum Keyboard Cleaner – popular Keyboard vacuum cleaner

Features:

  • Cordless design, more convenient to use;
  • Rechargeable vacuum cleaner, use more long-term;
  • Built-in 2000mAh Li-battery, provides more powerful suction;
  • Good for cleaning dust, hairs, crumbs, scraps for laptop, keyboard, makeup bag, car, pet House.

Easy Cleaning:

  • Twist off the dust collecting cylinder.
  • Pour out the garbage from it and take out the sponge filter.
  • Rinse the sponge filter with water and dry it in the air.
  • Replace the clean sponge filter and screw down the dust collecting cylinder.

5. Honlibey portable rechargeable vacuum keyboard cleaner – USB vacuum keyboard cleaner

New Cordless Mini Computer Vacuum, Portable Rechargeable Vacuum Cleaner Car Pet Vacuum Dust Kit – Cleaning Dust, Hairs, Crumbs, Scraps, Cigarette Ash for Laptop, Keyboard, Makeup Bag, Car, Pet House

Portable Mini Size Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Portable Cordless Vacuum: Portable handheld CORDLESS vacuum cleaner, mini size and lightweight, convenient carry to anywhere you go. 2 different nozzles meet different cleaning purpose in office, home, or car.

Broad Application: Perfect multi-functional cleaner for cleaning dust of desktop/ laptop/ keyboard/ air container’s vent or dust in small gaps, cigarette ash in car lighter, bread crumbs & paper scraps on desk, pet hairs, particles in makeup bags, ect.

Rechargeable Vacuum: Built-in 2000mAh lithium battery, rated output power is 5W (larger power than other wired mini USB vacuum), can work up to 50 minutes continuous after full charged.

High Quality & Easy Maintenance: Thermostability ABS exterior features fine workmenship, durability, and comfortable touch feeling. Two side air vents help for heat radiation. Washable filter, nozzle and brush keep it new and long lasting.

Advanced Technology: Adopts advanced brush-less axial flow copper DC motor with thick copper wire, high sensitivity rotating shaft, stronger suction and cleaner. Warranty:18 Months quality warranty &45 Days money back


6. Keyboard Cleaner Powerful Rechargeable Mini Vacuum Cleaner

Long life& Easy Cleaning: The built-in lithium battery with long service life and excellent performance. The Smaller vaccuum cleaner can work up to 60 minutes continuous after fully charged. Washable filter, nozzle and brush keep it new and long lasting.

Powerful Suction: The Desk Vacuum Cleaner Built-in 2000mAh lithium battery, rated output power is 8W .Two side air vents help for heat radiatio. (*PayAttention:Please keep the nozzle close to the plane so that the suction is greater.

Cordless and USB charging port: Portable handheld Cordless vacuum cleaner, mini size and lightweight, convenient carry to anywhere you go. The package contains the USB data line,you can charge any time by plugging into the usb port.

2 Vacuum Nozzles: The mini vacuum for computer has two kinds of straw that can be replaced.; Flat nozzle can inhale little pieces of paper while brush nozzle can dry ash and dust .

Broad Application: Perfect multi-functional cleaner for cleaning dust of desktop/ laptop/ keyboard/ air container’s vent or dust in small gaps, cigarette ash in car lighter, bread crumbs & paper scraps on desk, pet hairs, particles in makeup bags, ect.


7. LIVION Mini Desk Vacuum Cleaner – Handheld Keyboard Cleaner

LIVION Mini Desk Vacuum Cleaner – Handheld Keyboard Cleaner – Cordless Desktop Vacuum – (USB/Battery Powered) 

A well designed vacuum cleaner may not seem like much, but with its fun and colorful design, the Mini Desk Vac can even be a decorative piece that doesn’t have to be kept out of sight. This means no more rummaging for your vacuum cleaner or leaving things uncleaned. Even the lazy person in us can still keep the inner neat freak happy!

Despite being powered by batteries/USB, the Mini Desk Vac still has sufficient suction power, and can easily pick up dirt, crumbs and other small objects (*Small dust particles are harder to pick up, but you can use the brush to sweep into a pile first). The Mini Desk Vac requires no dust bag and has a removable and washable filter with a built-in dust case.

Make Cleaning Fun

Not only for adults, but also easy, fun and safe for kids to learn and build up good cleaning habits.

SPECIFICATIONS

Attachments: 3 sweeper tools for better access to nooks and crannies. (Keep out of reach of children)

  • USB cable: power with devices with USB ports such as computers, power banks, USB wall adapters (Not Included), USB car charger (Not Included)
  • Battery powered: 4 x AA batteries (Not Included), lasts about 2~2.5 hrs

Buying guide – Keyboard vacuum cleaner

For the best keyboard vacuum cleaner, these are some of the necessary considerations you should look out for;

  • Nozzles: A reliable and convenient USB vacuum cleaner must be able to get rid of all the dust and dirt particles on the keyboard. You need to find one keyboard cleaner with two nozzles to clean all parts of the keyboard. These should be the flat and brush nozzles that will get rid of the dust and hair as it scrubs off the food crumbs.
  • Suction Power: Secondly, make sure that the vacuum cleaner you wish to buy provides the ideal suction power. Since the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner depends on the suction power, it needs to be very powerful to fully get rid of all the unwanted particles on the keyboard. In addition to this, check out for the type of filters. They need to be able to filter all the particles and allow for easy cleaning.
  • Versatility: The ultimate keyboard vacuum should always be multi-functional. Besides cleaning the keyboard, it needs to be highly versatile such that you can use it for cleaning all other electronic devices. The tool also needs to be ideal for cleaning the crumbs, hair, dirt, dust, and much more. With this, you will always find it great for everyday use.

In addition to the above features, you may also check out for the battery life, ease of operation and cleaning, and portability of the vacuum cleaner.

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