In 2016 research revealed that the average computer keyboard not only has hundreds of times more bacteria than a toilet, but also disturbingly aggressive bacteria.
Interesting facts
Now, underestimating our smartphone's and keyboard's potential to cause illness is one thing. But not without being amazed by some findings:
Statistically, women's office keyboards are dirtier than men's. Unfortunately, the study by the University of Arizona did not provide any guesses of why. It is, however, an interesting finding.
Hospital keyboards are most critical. It makes sense, but we rarely think about it: A study at the Chicago Memorial Hospital found two deadly and drug resistant types of bacteria prone to sticking to the hospital's keyboards. Something that doesn't affect our personal work environment, but certainly something I will have in mind at the next doctor visit.
What to do?
Well, it is suggested to wash your hands prior and after using a keyboard.
As for the cleaning: make sure you clean between the keys! Unplug your keyboard and turn it around to get rid of debris. Then, with a qtip and alcohol, carefully clean between the keys. Use a damp (not wet!) cloth with cleaner to go about the surface of your keyboard.
With mechanical keyboards, you normally can remove the caps easily.
Top comments (3)
Just random thoughts:
If you take any two groups out of anything, one is going to have a bigger result than the other. The odds on them being equal are remote.
True. But the research indicated that shared keyboards tend to be more infested. There might be an explanation when looking into the likelihood of shared keyboards men vs. women. Or maybe there is particular behavior (like eating at the desk) that is more prevalent in a particular gender. Whatever the case, I wondered.