Keeping your keyboard and mouse free from dust, dirt and grime should be a top priority for anybody using one of a daily basis. The amount of germs that live in a keyboard and mouse can rival even a sponge some days. It only takes a few minutes to keep it clean and keep them working.

There are three primary steps to cleaning a keyboard. First and foremost, make sure you unplug your keyboard from the computer tower. This is for your safety. Once you have done that, you can use Q-Tips, compressed air, rubbing alcohol and a soft, damn cloth to clean it. Use your can of compressed air and hold your keyboard perpendicular to the can while it is in an upright position, this will free any dirt just sitting between keys. Next, take the soft cloth first and wipe down the keyboard, make sure you are not leaving any excess water on the keyboard. You can wipe up with a dry cloth if need be. Then, whatever grime that did not come off will be a little looser thanks to the wetness. You can use Q-Tips, dipped in rubbing alcohol or a mild soap and water mix, to get in between keys and clean up any hard to reach dirt build-up. Finally, wipe down the keyboard one more time with just a damp cloth and dry

There are two primary steps to cleaning a mouse. As with your keyboard, make sure to unplug the mouse physically from your computer before attempting to clean it. Make sure you have rubbing alcohol, Q-Tips and a soft, damp cloth on hand. If it is a ball mouse, keep a can of compressed air close by. If you are cleaning a ball mouse, open it up and use the compressed air to clean out the inside. Make sure to spray in short bursts. Next, use a Q-Tip dipped in rubbing alcohol and clean the inside of the mouse gently. Follow that with a dry one to clean up any excess liquid that might have built-up inside from the first cleaning. Afterwards, use a damp cloth to clean the ball, put the mouse back together and then use the cloth to clean the outside of the mouse. If you are cleaning an optical mouse, use a rubbing alcohol-dipped Q-Tip to clean the optical portion and a damp cloth to clean the outside.

Cleaning your keyboard is the surefire way to keep your keyboard and mouse lasting long. Without the proper maintenance, you will have to buy new ones before you know it. Take the time to take care of the electronics in front of you and get the most out of them for your money's worth.