Home | Sanitizing Guides | How to sanitize keyboard touchpad: Step-by-Step

How to sanitize keyboard touchpad: Step-by-Step

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 16, 2025

Easily sanitize your keyboard touchpad with E-Cloth—simple, effective cleaning for a safer, germ-free workspace.

Title

How to sanitize keyboard touchpad: Step-by-Step

Tools:

E-Cloth
70% isopropyl alcohol
Cotton swabs
Water (for dampening if needed)

Turn Off and Unplug

Disconnect your device from power to prevent accidental input or electrical issues.
This also helps protect your keyboard's electronics from any moisture.

Prepare Your Cleaning Cloth

Dampen a microfiber cloth lightly with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Make sure it's moist, not soaking wet.
The alcohol sanitizes and evaporates quickly, minimizing the risk of liquid damage.

Clean the Keyboard and Touchpad

Gently wipe down the entire keyboard, including the touchpad area.
Focus on frequently touched spots for a thorough sanitization without pressing too hard.
Use a cotton swab dampened with the same solution for hard-to-reach areas between keys.

Allow It to Dry

Let your device air dry completely before powering it back on.
This ensures all moisture evaporates, leaving your keyboard both sanitized and safe to use.

Precautions:

Ensure Keyboard is Unplugged

Disconnect from any power sources to prevent electrical shock or damage.

Avoid Excess Liquid

Use minimal liquid to prevent seepage into the internal electronics.

Check Cleaning Product Compatibility

Confirm that the cleaner is safe for electronic devices to avoid corrosion.

Use a Soft, Lint-Free Cloth

Opt for microfiber to prevent scratches and leave no lint behind.

Let the Keyboard Dry Fully

Ensure the device is completely dry before using or reconnecting power.

Work in a Well-Ventilated Area

Maintain proper airflow to safely dissipate any fumes from cleaning agents.

Follow Manufacturer Instructions

Adhere to guidelines provided in the user manual for best practices.

How to Correctly Sanitize The Keyboard touchpad: Extra Tips

Isopropyl Alcohol and Microfiber Cloth

Use a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution on a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the keyboard and touchpad.
Dampen the cloth slightly; avoid letting liquid seep into crevices.
This method effectively removes germs without damaging sensitive surfaces.

Title

Compressed Air to Remove Dust

Utilize a can of compressed air to blow away dust and debris from between the keys.
Hold the can upright and use short bursts to prevent moisture release.
This step ensures a more thorough cleaning before surface sanitizing.

Title

Gentle Cleaning for Touchpad Precision

Apply the disinfectant solution to a cloth, not directly onto the touchpad.
Wipe using gentle, circular motions to cover the surface evenly.
Avoid harsh scrubbing which might affect touch sensitivity.

Title

Proper Drying and Regular Maintenance

Allow your equipment to dry completely before powering it on.
Establish a regular cleaning schedule to prevent build-up of dust and germs.
Regular maintenance helps ensure longevity and consistent performance.

Common Mistakes When Sanitizing Keyboard touchpad

Neglecting to Dry Surfaces Properly

Leaving moisture on your keyboard or touchpad after cleaning can result in water spots, sticky keys, or even internal corrosion over time. Always use a dry lint-free cloth to wipe off any remaining dampness immediately after cleaning.

Ignoring Hard-to-Reach Areas

Dirt, crumbs, and dust often accumulate around the edges and between keys. If you skip these spots, grime can build up and affect performance. Use compressed air or a soft brush to gently remove debris from these tricky places.

Not Checking for Loose Keys or Damage

Cleaning without inspecting for loose or damaged keys risks making the problem worse. Check your keyboard and touchpad for any signs of damage or loose parts before you start, so you can avoid further issues or plan repairs as needed.

Title

How Often to Sanitize Keyboard touchpad

Frequency Recommendations

If you use your keyboard and touchpad heavily — especially in environments with high traffic like shared offices or public areas — it’s best to sanitize them daily to reduce bacteria and virus buildup.
For personal or home workstations with less frequent use or fewer users, a deep sanitization once per week is usually sufficient, though you might want to spot-clean more often if you notice visible dirt or residue.

Why This Frequency?

Daily sanitization in high-traffic or shared environments minimizes cross-contamination, which is crucial in preventing illnesses, especially during flu season or outbreaks.
Weekly cleaning for personal spaces balances the need to maintain hygiene without unnecessarily overdoing it, ensuring that you address routine buildup while saving time on over-cleaning.
The frequency also considers the reality of constant hand contact — your fingers don’t know the difference between typing important work emails and washing off lingering germs.

E-Cloth

Other Brands

Precision-engineered, uniform microfibers

Often crushed/less consistent fibers

No streaks with just water

May need chemicals for same results

Lasts ~300 washes

Many break down faster

Traps and locks in particles

Can smear dirt around

Reduces chemicals & waste, reusable

Less eco, more waste/chemicals

Shop Now

A Clean You Can See

Our high-performance microfiber products simplify cleaning, making it quick, easy, and effective, so you can enjoy visible results without the fuss. No streaks, just results.

Shop Now