How to disinfect the Apple internal or external keyboard, trackpad, and mouse

In addition to regular cleaning of your computer and input devices (keyboards, trackpads, and mice), you may find it necessary to disinfect them.

Multiple people using the same computer, people using the computer when they were ill, and the particular environment where the computer is used, are a few reasons you may wish to disinfect areas of the computer that people come into contact with the most.

In order to properly disinfect these areas, you should use Lysol Wipes, Clorox Disinfecting wipes, or Clorox Kitchen Disinfecting Wipes and follow the general rules below when disinfecting your Apple product:

Do's

• Be sure to turn off your Mac, unplug the power cord from the wall or power strip, and remove the battery from portables or wireless keyboards and mice, before you start the cleaning process.
• Use a disinfectant wipe to wipe the area first, then use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth, and finally dry the area with another soft, lint-free cloth.

Don'ts

• Do not use disinfectant wipes containing bleach or disinfectant sprays in general.
• Do not use an extremely damp disinfectant wipe to clean the area. If you encounter a very damp wipe it may need to be squeezed to remove some of the excess liquid before use.
• Do not allow the liquid from the disinfectant wipe to sit or pool on the area being disinfected for a long amount of time.
• Do not use rough towels or cloths to dry the area.
• Do not use excess force when disinfecting the area around the keyboard; this could damage the keys.

Additional information

For assistance cleaning your computer in general, please refer to this article.

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple's recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.