Computer Keyboard Germs: Your Fingers are Not the Only Things Dancing All Over Your Computer Keyboar

Computer Keyboard Germs: Your Fingers are Not the Only Things Dancing All Over Your Computer Keyboar

Author: Brian Vaszily

Considering how often fingers come into contact with computer keyboards, it's not surprising that a new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found some pretty gross results.

Twenty-five computers from the University of North Carolina's (UNC) burn intensive care unit, cardiothoracic intensive care unit and six nursing units were tested for bacteria. The researchers found that every computer keyboard was contaminated with two or more microorganisms.

"Contamination of Keyboards is Prevalent"

The bacteria that was found was the type that could be detrimental to hospital patients:

All keyboards tested positive for a staph bacterium called coagulase-negative staphylococci. This is one of the most common causes of bloodstream infections among those hospitalized.

80 percent of keyboards contained diphtheroids. This bacteria represents a significant infection risk for those whose immune systems are weak, such as cancer and AIDS patients.

"Our data suggest that microbial contamination of keyboards is prevalent and that keyboards may be successfully decontaminated with disinfectants," the researchers said in their report.

Water and Disinfectants Help Clean Computer Keyboards

The researchers also put bacteria onto laptop computers, then attempted to remove the bacteria with various substances after 45 minutes. The researchers used a paper towel dampened with sterile water, alcohol or chlorine, or disinfecting wipes made by Clorox and Metrex.

It was found that all of the disinfectants, as well as the sterile water, removed or inactivated over 95 percent of the bacteria. The researchers said that the commercial wipes were effective for 48 hours, while the alcohol- and water-moistened paper towels were not effective in the long-term.

It should be noted that lead researcher William Rutala, PhD, MPH, has consulted for both Clorox and Metrex, while another of the study's researchers has consulted for Clorox.

Keyboards are Not the Only Germy Office Accessories

A series of studies called "Germs in the Workplace," found that the following four office surfaces had the most bacteria (in this order):

Phones

Desks

Computer keyboard

Computer mouse

Phones, computer keyboards and computer mice are self-explanatory; dirt from your hands and mouth gets transferred easily on to these items. Desks make the list not only because of the hand-to-surface contact, but also because they're used for so many different purposes throughout the day.

"Desks are really bacteria cafeterias," said Dr. Charles Gerba, who led the study. "They're breakfast buffets, lunch tables and snack bars, as we spend more and more hours at the office. Germ levels on desks could be considered a business liability."

How to Keep Your Computer Keyboard and Office Germ-Free and Healthy

Researchers of the UNC study suggested cleaning hospital keyboards daily, or when visibly soiled. They also recommended cleaning the keyboard with a disinfectant wipe before a new person uses it.

At your own office, however, you can keep your office clean using the highly recommended PerfectClean OfficePure Pack, which is perfect for getting rid of bacteria in your office, and comes with everything you need to do so.

Unlike ordinary cleaning rags that simply push dirt around, PerfectClean's revolutionary ultramicrofiber construction enables them to reach deep into microscopic crevices (NO other cleaning tool available even comes close!) and remove everything in their path. This includes:

All forms of dirt and dust

Hair and dander

Biological contaminants too small to see with the naked eye

PerfectClean tools work because at an astonishing 3 microns, the ultramicrofibers are even smaller than most bacteria (each cleaning cloth contains over 300 miles of actual cleaning surface!).

For more tips on how a clean office -- including keeping an uncluttered desk -- can keep you happy and healthy, see the related articles below.



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