Five Years On from COVID: Maintaining Hygiene at Home and Work - The Overlooked Case of Keyboards

It’s been five years since the world was turned upside down by COVID-19, a pandemic that reshaped how we view hygiene in both our homes and workplaces. While the urgency of constant sanitisation has eased, the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices has not faded. One often-overlooked area that remains a breeding ground for germs? Your computer keyboard.

The Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Keys

Whether you’re working from home or in an office, your keyboard is one of the dirtiest objects you touch daily. Research suggests that keyboards can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat, with food crumbs, skin particles, and dust providing the perfect conditions for germs to thrive. Given how frequently we use them, a dirty keyboard can quickly become a vehicle for spreading bacteria and viruses.

Best Practices for Keyboard Hygiene

Maintaining a clean keyboard doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple yet effective steps:

1. Regular Cleaning – Wipe down your keyboard with disinfectant wipes at least once a week. Make sure the wipes aren’t too wet, as excessive moisture can damage the keyboard circuitry.
2. Compressed Air for Debris – Crumbs and dust can get stuck between the keys. A can of compressed air can dislodge these particles and keep your keyboard free from buildup.
3. Wash Your Hands – This may seem obvious, but washing your hands before and after using a keyboard can significantly reduce the transfer of germs.
4. No Eating at Your Desk – It’s tempting to snack while working, but food particles easily find their way between keys, increasing the risk of bacteria growth.
5. Deep Clean Monthly – If your keyboard is detachable, consider removing the keys and giving them a deep clean with a mild solution of soap and water.
6. Consider Anti-Bacterial Keyboards – For a more hygienic solution, especially in medical and high-risk environments, anti-bacterial keyboards are available. You can explore a range of options designed for medical professionals here: Anti-Bacterial Medical Keyboards.

Hygiene Beyond the Keyboard

While keyboards are a key concern, broader hygiene practices should also be maintained both at home and in the workplace:

• Work Desks: Regularly wipe down your desk, mouse, and other frequently touched surfaces.
  
• Shared Equipment: If you share keyboards, mice, or phones, sanitise them before and after each use.
  
• Ventilation: Good airflow reduces airborne germs, making your workspace healthier.
  
• Personal Hygiene: Keep hand sanitisers nearby and encourage regular handwashing.

A Post-Pandemic Mindset

The pandemic taught us the importance of hygiene, and while the world has moved on, our habits should not. A simple routine of cleaning and sanitisation can prevent illness, improve productivity, and create a healthier environment for both work and home. Your keyboard may not look dirty, but a closer inspection might tell a different story.

Five years on from COVID-19, let’s continue to prioritise cleanliness—starting with the small things that make a big difference.