Dirty Work: How Nasty is Your Keyboard?

DIRTY WORK How Nasty is Your Keyboard? Studies have found more than 3,000 organisms per square inch on keyboards In a UK study: A British microbiologist swabbed 33 keyboards, 1 toilet seat, and 1 bathroom door handle at an office I 1 keyboard 4 of the keyboards were potential health hazards, and 1 had levels of germs 5 times higher than found on the toilet seat Women's desks tended to harbor more bacteria than men's Another study from the University of Arizona found the average desktop has 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat A study at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital found two deadly drug-resistant types of bacteria could survive for up to 24 hours on a keyboard Methicillin-resistant Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Most of the bacteria found on keyboards is not harmful though the risk increases for people with weak immune systems The bacteria can, however, cause an infection if you have a cut on your hands or fingers A survey of more than 4,000 people found only about half of respondents cleaned their computer keyboards at least once a month = 1000 то Clean Your Keyboard Over time, dirt, grime, germs, and bacteria build up on your computer's keyboard Step 1: Cut the power source Unplug your keyboard or remove batteries if it's wireless Step 2: Dust Run a small soft-bristled dusting brush along the top of the keyboard (do this daily to prevent dust build up) Or use a small hand-held vacuum cleaner to suck up dust particles If you don't have access to a vacuum use a can of air For more caked-on dust, gently run a vacuum's brush attachment between keys Step 3: Remove dirt and grime For traditional keyboards, gently remove keys and wash them in warm water and dish soap. A toothbrush can help scrub away messes For laptop keyboards, gently remove keys with your fingernail or a small flathead screwdriver Once keys are removed, vacuum any particles stuck under the keys For really grimy spots, run a pencil eraser along keys to peel off dried-on, sticky messes Gently run a damp paper towel into the nooks and crannies of the keyboard base Step 4: Disinfect Some disinfectants are too harsh for skin contact Look for a disinfectant that's electronics friendly RUBBING ALCOHOL Rubbing alcohol will disinfect, but won't harm skin Dampen a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and gently rub in between, and the tops and sides, of keys Need a quick clean? Use silly putty: Gently press the putty onto the keyboard Remove putty by pulling straight up Don't forget to keep your hands clean, too: Handwashing is the most effective, least expensive way to limit exposure to germs and bacteria on your keyboard Crumbs, dust, dirt, and grime lodged between your keyboard's keys are nothing short of a nuisance. But the invisible germs and bacteria can build up fast. Make keyboard cleaning a part of your work routine. dailymail.co.uk abcnews.go.com center4research.org howtogeek.com slate.com Designed by: Ghergich & Co. Quill.om .com. A small part of your job is 100% of ours.