If you are a laptop lover like me, you would really want to know the cleaning ideas for your laptop to keep that looking good and shiny. I am having Macbook, and I am really particular about its cleaning because its silvery color only shines well when it is clean. Now, when it comes to Microsoft Surface laptops, those are having quite a great look and feel. Thus, keeping your surface pro laptop clean is something you must not miss.
Let’s find out how to clean the surface pro keyboard especially.
Microsoft’s Surface and Surface Pro feature the Alcantara fabric which is quite soft and provide an extra layer of protection. As of now, Microsoft has used the Alcantara fabric on Surface keyboards of these colors Burgundy, Cobalt Blue, Platinum, and Graphite Gold. In Surface Pro keyboards, the Alcantara Keyboard is only available in Platinum and Ice Blue. Unlike the simple metal or hard rubber-coated covering of a laptop, Alcantara cannot be cleaned by a laptop screen cleaner.
I will discuss more about the cleaning process. The cleaning process will be a tad different because of the fabric texture.
What Exactly is Alcantara?
Alcantara is a type of synthetic material often used as an alternative to leather in various applications. It is a trademarked brand name for a material developed by the Japanese company Toray Industries. So, Alcantara is a brand name rather than just a type of fabric.
Alcantara is made from a combination of 68% of polyester and 32% polyurethane, resulting in a fabric that is soft, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. It is known for its luxurious appearance and tactile feel, similar to suede. It is used for coating products in the automobile industry, to get a sense of the fabric, you can touch seat covers and gear covers, the same fabric is being used in the surface pro keyboards.
How to Clean The Surface Pro Keyboard?
The best thing about Surface Pro laptops is that you can detach the keyboard easily. So, before cleaning, let’s first detach it.
Before you start cleaning, I would recommend you have a look at Microsoft’s official words as well about cleaning surface laptops.
Step 1: Detach Keyboard from Laptop
- Shut down your Surface Pro and detach the keyboard from the device. This is necessary since this step ensures that there won’t be any unnecessary spillage in the cleaning process.
- To detach simply power off your Surface laptop you will see a button that has a laptop with an arrow at its center, that is your detach button. Hold your laptop by the screen and then press the detach button. The keyboard will separate itself.
Step 2: Remove Dirt Particles From Key Edges
Now use a lint-free cloth or any screen cleaning cloth and run your index finger to remove dirt and clean the key edges. If you have difficulty cleaning between the keys, you can use compressed air or a soft brush to dislodge any debris. If you feel your fingers are not cleaning much better, you can use thin sticks like cottonswabs, and use the lint-free cloth to wrap it and move in between keys.
Step 3: Apply and clean by damping cleaning cloth into a solution
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth to wipe the surface of the keyboard and remove any smudges or fingerprints. Make sure the cloth is slightly damp, but not dripping wet it should not do any spillage. You can dampen the cloth with water or a mild cleaning solution.
- For stubborn stains or dirt, you can dampen the cloth with a small amount of mild Alcantran cleaning solution or any keyboard cleaner or use Isopropyl Alcohol 70% (it will clean as well as it will kill germs as well because it works as a disinfectant as well.) specifically designed for electronics. Avoid using excessive liquid and ensure the cloth is not dripping to prevent any moisture from seeping into the keyboard. The water base and temperature will require a bit of precision.
This table will give better insights into this.
| Staining Material | Water Temperature |
|---|---|
| Jams, sauces, alcoholic beverages | Use lukewarm water to gently clean the stain. |
| Cocoa, coffee, dark beans, tea stains | Prepare a lukewarm water solution and use it to clean the stain. |
| Eggs, blood, urine | Use cold water to clean the stain. |
| Sugar-heavy items, vinegar stains | Mix lukewarm water with a splash of lemon and use it to clean the stain. |
- Gently wipe the keys and the areas around them, taking care not to press too hard or scrub aggressively. Be cautious around delicate areas such as the trackpad or any other sensitive components. The best way shall be the swaying technique where you are just placing the lint-free cloth and rubbing in a straight line.
Step 4: Let it dry
- Once you have finished cleaning, let the keyboard air dry for a few minutes before attaching it back to your Surface Pro.
How to Clean Specific Stains From Alcantara?
Different stains need different care to clean, and thus, I have made a table for the same to know how to clean specific stains from Alcantra.
| Staining Material | Cleaning Method |
| Oil or Grease | Use a soft cloth or sponge dipped in warm water and mild soap. Make sure that sponge is not dripping water. You should squeeze it well. Gently blot the stain without rubbing. Rinse the area with clean water and let it air dry. You can do multiple times if the stain still persists. |
| Ink or Marker | Moisten a clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol 70% and gently dab the stained area. Blot with a clean cloth dampened with water to remove any residue. Allow the area to dry naturally. |
| Food or Beverages | Blot the stain with a clean cloth soaked in warm water and mild soap. Rinse the area with a cloth dipped in clean water. Allow the Alcantara to air dry for some time. |
| Blood | Mix a small amount of mild soap with cold water. Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth soaked in soapy water. Rinse the area with a cloth dampened in clean water. Let the Alcantara air dry for some time. |
| Mud or Dirt | Allow the mud or dirt to dry completely because when they are wet, and you will try to clean they will spread everywhere on your laptop. Once the stain is dried, gently brush off the dirt with a soft-bristle brush or vacuum cleaner attachment. If there is a remaining stain, use a damp cloth and mild soap to clean the area. Rinse with clean water and let it air dry. |
| Sweat | Dampen a cloth with a mixture of warm water and mild soap. Blot the stained area gently without rubbing. Rinse the area with a cloth soaked in clean water. Allow the Alcantara to air dry. |
| Permanent Marker | Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and gently dab the stain. Blot with a clean cloth soaked in water to remove any residue. Allow the area to dry naturally. For stubborn stains, consider seeking professional help. |
| Pet Urine | Blot the urine immediately with paper towels or a cloth. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and apply it to the stain. Blot the area with a clean cloth dampened in the vinegar solution, followed by a cloth |
Why is Cleaning of Surface Pro Keyboard Required?
Here are the seven reasons why you should clean your Surface Pro keyboard:
Hygiene
Regularly cleaning your laptop keyboard helps eliminate germs, bacteria, and allergens, promoting a healthier and cleaner workspace. It is particularly important in case you have a kid in the house who usually touches your laptop frequently.
Improved Typing Experience
Why do we use keyboards? To type. right?. In case typing is not happening easily, it really makes the core work of the keyboard extremely hard. When dust surrounds the keys, they stop to work well as they used to work. A clean keyboard ensures smooth and effortless typing, without any sticking or unresponsive keys, allowing for better productivity and comfort.
Dust and Debris Removal
Many people do not perform dusting on their keyboards, and that is a very big issue. If you do not clean your keys the dust can jam keys from the inside. It is advised to gently take a screen cleaning cloth and cover your index finger or (you can use cotton swabs in place of the finger) and then use it to clean the gaps between keys. Cleaning removes dust, crumbs, and debris that accumulate between the keys, preventing them from affecting the keyboard’s performance and causing key malfunctions.
Longevity
Cleaning is very important, it ensures performance, and keeping your Surface Pro keyboard clean can help prolong its lifespan by preventing damage caused by dirt or debris buildup, reducing the likelihood of key failure or other issues.
Professional Appearance
Cleaning is not just for efficiency or longevity in keyboards. It also makes it look professional. A clean and well-maintained keyboard contributes to a professional and organized workspace, leaving a positive impression on others.
Accurate Input
Keyboard typing errors are very common, it very strongly disrupts your flow of thinking. Keeping your keys dirty can also contribute to more errors. Removing dirt and grime from the keys ensures accurate keystrokes and prevents errors that can occur when keys get stuck or don’t register properly.
Maintenance
Cleaning your keyboard is part of regular maintenance for your Surface Pro device. It helps you keep your device in good condition and functioning optimally, avoiding the need for more extensive repairs or replacements. That eventually leads to closing unnecessary burning a hole in your pocket.
Conclusion
Cleaning Surface Pro Keyboards can be daunting but not impossible. In this article, I have mentioned all the minute details you need to keep in mind before and after cleaning. The dos and don’ts of cleaning matter a lot, hence I have cited the steps to do the cleaning work with a lot of caution for example removal of the keyboard is a sensitive step. You can do it as advised by maintaining caution and awareness.
So, this was How to Clean the Surface Pro Keyboard! Hope you have loved reading it!
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