I’m sorry to do this to you, but take a good look at your computer keyboard. Chances are, it’s pretty dirty, with dust, crumbs, and unidentified icky objects stuck between the keys. (And if it’s not, please — teach us your ways.) Considering how often we all eat lunch at our desks and everything we touch during the day, it just makes sense that our keys would take a beating.

Not only are grimy keys unappealing to look at or use, but studies have found that your uncleaned keyboard is crawling with germs. Brace yourself for this one…research has found that keyboards are 20,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat.

Shudder.

The most common bacteria found on keyboards were gram-positive cocci, which is found in pneumonia. If you’re prone to get sick or feel yourself getting the sniffles, your nasty keys could be contributing.

But here’s the tricky part: you can’t just clean your keyboard like you would any old thing. Soap and water can seriously damage your computer and don’t even think about picking up that all-purpose cleaner!

So, then what are you supposed to do? Live with germy, dusty keys?

Nope!

There is a way to safely and effectively get this tricky item clean! Check out these tips from The Mama’s Girl on how to get your keyboard back to factory-fresh clean without dangerous soap and water.

All you need are two items: a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and an air duster. Then, make sure your computer is turned off (or your keyboard’s disconnected) and scrub away. The Mama’s Girl clarifies:

“Simply take the corner of the Magic Eraser and rub gently. As soon as the key is clean move to the next to avoid over-scrubbing. You will notice little dust bits from the eraser, use the Air Duster to blow it away to avoid the dust from getting into the keyboard.”

Nice, easy, and affordable. I’m off to take care of my own keyboard!

What about you? Could your keyboard use a good cleaning? Do you have another method for keeping your keys sparkling clean?