As we all know, computer keyboards are places where dirt and grime accumulate. The latest research by Australian researchers has found that public computer keyboards are much dirtier, containing several times the amount of bacteria compared to personal computer keyboards, making them veritable breeding grounds for bacteria.
The researchers warned that without paying attention to the cleanliness of public computers, the risk of infection from harmful bacteria will increase, necessitating membrane cleaning.
Bacteria Breeding Ground
An experiment was conducted by the Centre for Environmental and Biotechnology at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia: A researcher used cotton swabs to take samples from both school public computers and individually designated computers used by researchers, then observed the quantity of microorganisms.
The results showed that the number of microorganisms on public computer keyboards was five times that of individual designated computer keyboards.
The researchers also found that 50% of public computer keyboards contained Staphylococcus aureus, while only 20% of personal computers contained this bacterium. Staphylococcus aureus is generally harmless when it stays on the surface of the skin, at most causing minor skin issues like papules or boils; however, once it enters the body, it can cause serious infections such as pneumonia.
The above research results were published in the July issue of the *American Journal of Infection Control*, with the article authored by Professor Enzo Palombo of Swinburne University of Technology. (Find Beijing: Professional Cleaning Services)
Regular Cleaning
Quoting Palombo in the UK's *Daily Telegraph*: "Computers in internet cafes and libraries are used frequently by many people and are potential breeding grounds for microorganisms."
He warned that "if these computers are not cleaned regularly, the likelihood of infectious diseases is very high." Therefore, he suggested that "organizations and institutions should maintain a stricter standard of cleanliness for shared equipment," "keyboards and other areas touched by hands, such as computer mice, should be regularly cleaned and disinfected, especially for computers used by multiple people."
Previous studies have shown that if not properly cleaned, computer keyboards can be dirtier than toilets.
In May 2008, British researchers randomly selected 33 computer keyboards, one toilet seat, and one toilet door handle from an office in London to conduct microbial testing.
The results showed that one keyboard contained 150 times the normal bacterial limit and was five times dirtier than a wiped toilet seat, potentially leading to users contracting various diseases.
Antibacterial Methods
In response to this situation, some computer manufacturers have developed antibacterial keyboards, applying an antibacterial coating on the keyboard surface, claiming it can effectively kill most harmful microorganisms on the keyboard surface.
Regardless of whether the keyboard itself is antibacterial or how effective antibacterial keyboards are, keeping the keyboard clean is necessary. So how can this be achieved? Experts offer the following suggestions:
First, turn off the computer, remove the keyboard from the main unit, and tap the keyboard to shake out debris; use a hairdryer to blow away debris lodged between the key gaps; then use a soft cloth dipped in diluted detergent to wipe the key surfaces; finally, use alcohol or disinfectant to sanitize the area.
If you want a more thorough cleaning, you can remove the keys from the keyboard, soak them in detergent or disinfectant, and carefully clean the keyboard base with a soft cloth or disinfectant wipes. (Find: Beijing Cleaning Company)
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