Office computer keyboards often host more harmful bacteria than an average toilet seat, new research warns.
The study turned the microscope on over 30 keyboards in a typical London office and found many had harmful bacteria that could put their users at high risk of becoming ill, according to Which? Computing magazine.
In one case, a microbiologist even recommended the removal of a keyboard as it had 150 times the pass limit of bacteria, and was five times filthier then a toilet seat that was swabbed. The germs found could cause food poisoning symptoms such as diarrhoea and other stomach upsets.
The main cause of a bug-infested keyboard is eating lunch at desks, as the food deposits encourage the growth of millions of bacteria. Poor personal hygiene, such as dodging the hand washing basin after going to the toilet, may also be to blame.
But despite the obvious health hazard of a dirty keyboard, how often people clean their computers varies widely, according to the survey.
One in ten people said they never cleaned their keyboard with a further 20 per cent admitting to never cleaning their mouse. Almost half cleaned their keyboard less than once a month.
“Most people don’t give much thought to the grime that builds up on their PC, but if you don’t clean your computer, you might as well eat your lunch off the toilet,” said Sarah Kidner, Editor of Which? Computing. “Why not give your PC a spring clean? It’s quite simple to do and could prevent your computer from becoming a health hazard.”
How to Clean Your Computer:
•Before you start cleaning, shut down the computer and unplug it.
•Gently wipe surfaces with a soft, lint-free cloth. Lightly dampen (not wet) the cloth with a small amount of water or an approved computer cleaning fluid.
•Unplug your keyboard, turn it upside down and shake out any loose dust and food crumbs inside. Disinfect the surface with alcohol wipes.
•There’s an internet myth that you can wash your keyboard in a dishwasher. Don’t.
•Use a vacuum cleaner with a rubber or brush nozzle on exterior surfaces and vents.
•Use compressed air in short bursts to blow dust and debris off computer components. Don’t use a cloth to wipe down internal computer components.
•Headphones can be used by multiple people and can spread germs or even head lice. Wipe them with a damp cloth.
