Let’s be honest: your keyboard is disgusting. Between the lunchtime crumbs, pet hair, and natural oils from your fingertips, your keys are harboring more bacteria than a toilet seat. Since you touch this surface every single day, keeping it clean is a non-negotiable part of hygiene.
Luckily, you don’t have to live with the grime. Whether you are rocking a mechanical gaming setup or a standard laptop, getting your keyboard sparkling clean is easier than you think. Here is how to clean a computer keyboard safely and effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Frequency matters: Aim for a quick wipe-down weekly to prevent bacteria buildup and illness.
- The toolkit: Use compressed air, soft brushes, cleaning gel, and 70% isopropyl alcohol for effective cleaning.
- Deep cleaning: For mechanical keyboards, remove the keycaps to soak them while scrubbing the board underneath.
- Prevention is key: Wash your hands before typing and avoid eating over your desk to keep the grime away.
How Often Should You Clean a Computer Keyboard?
You should give your keyboard a quick clean at least once a week. Because many of us eat and drink at our desks, grease and food particles transfer from our fingers to the keys constantly. This creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria that can cause skin issues or even spread sickness.
For a deep clean (removing keys), aim for once every few months or whenever the keys start to feel sticky.
How To Clean a Keyboard: The Basics
You don’t always need to take the whole thing apart. For general maintenance, you can use these methods individually or combine them to get your keyboard fresh in just a few minutes.
The “Shake and Tap” Method
Before doing anything else, turn off your computer and unplug the keyboard. If it is wireless, remove the batteries.
Flip the keyboard upside down over a trash can or a towel. Give the underside a gentle tap to dislodge crumbs, dust, and dried food hiding between the keys. You will be surprised by how much debris falls out just from gravity alone.
Using a Keyboard Brush
A specially designed keyboard brush is a great tool for daily maintenance. These brushes function like tiny dusters that sweep away surface grime.
If you don’t have a specific keyboard brush, a soft-bristled toothbrush works wonders. Run it gently between the keys to loosen stubborn dirt that the “shake and tap” method missed.
Blasting With Compressed Air
Compressed air, such as Falcon Dust-Off, is the gold standard for cleaning electronics. It blows dust out from the deepest crevices without requiring you to take the device apart.
Attach the straw to the nozzle and hold the can upright. Use short bursts of air to blast the dust away. Ideally, do this outside or in a garage so you aren’t just blowing the dust back into your room. If you tilt the can too much, it may spray liquid propellant, so keep it level.
Applying Cleaning Gel
For a fun and effective method, try keyboard cleaning gel. This sticky slime presses down into the gaps between your keys, adhering to dust and crumbs so you can lift them right out.
Press the gel down firmly, let it sit for a few seconds, and peel it back. Be careful not to leave it on too long, or it might ooze too deep and leave a residue. Replace the gel once it turns dark or loses its stickiness.
Wiping With Rubbing Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is excellent for sanitizing and removing oils.
Dip a cotton swab into the alcohol. Squeeze it out so it is damp, not dripping. You never want liquid running down into the circuit board. Gently wipe around the edges of the keys.
For the tops of the keys, dip a microfiber cloth in alcohol, wring it out tightly, and wipe down the surface. This kills bacteria and cuts through finger grease.
Using Screen Wipes
If you prefer a pre-made solution, disinfectant screen wipes are convenient. Just like with the cloth method, make sure the wipe isn’t overly saturated. Wring it out first if necessary.
After disinfecting, follow up with a dry microfiber cloth to buff the keys dry and remove any streaks.
How to Clean a Keyboard With Removable Keys
If you have a mechanical keyboard, the best way to clean it is by removing the keycaps. This allows you to scrub the actual deck of the keyboard.
- Time: 45, 60 minutes (plus drying time)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
What You’ll Need
- Camera (phone)
- Dish soap
- Large bowl
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton swabs
- Keycap puller
- Microfiber cloth
- Towel
1. Unplug and Photograph
Unplug the keyboard. Before you pull a single key, take a clear picture of the layout. You might think you know where every key goes, but you will be thankful for the reference photo later.
2. Remove the Keys
Use a keycap puller to gently remove the keys. If you don’t have one, you can carefully wiggle them off with your fingers, but a puller is safer for the switches. Place the keys in a bowl.
3. Soak the Caps
Fill the bowl with warm water and a generous squirt of mild dish soap. Swish the keys around and let them soak for at least 30 to 60 minutes. This loosens dried gunk and oil.
4. Clean the Keyboard Deck
While the keys are soaking, turn your attention to the naked keyboard. Use compressed air to blow out loose debris. Then, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean between the switches. This is where hair and dust bunnies love to hide.
5. Scrub and Rinse
Go back to your bowl of keys. If they are still dirty, give them a gentle scrub with a cloth or toothbrush. Rinse them thoroughly with cold water to remove all soap residue.
6. Dry Completely
Lay the keys out on a towel, open side down. This is the most critical step: allow them to dry completely. This usually takes 24 hours. If you put a wet key back on a keyboard, you risk short-circuiting the electronics.
7. Reassemble
Once you are 100% sure the keys are dry, pop them back onto the switches using your reference photo.
What to Avoid When Cleaning a Keyboard
Electronics are sensitive. Avoid these common mistakes to keep your hardware safe.
- Don’t force keys off: If you are on a laptop, keys are often not designed to be removed. You can break the delicate scissor switches easily.
- Watch the liquids: Never spray water or cleaner directly onto the keyboard. Always spray the cloth first. Liquid dripping inside is the fastest way to kill a keyboard.
- Skip the bleach: Harsh chemicals like bleach can discolor the plastic and rub off the lettering on your keys. Stick to mild soap or isopropyl alcohol.
How to Keep Your Keyboard Clean
Maintenance is easier than deep cleaning. Here is how to keep the mess to a minimum.
- Ban food at the desk: It is tempting to snack while you work, but crumbs are the enemy. Try to eat away from your computer.
- Wash your hands: Grease from pizza or chips transfers immediately to your keycaps. Wash up before typing.
- Cover it up: If you have a dusty office, consider a silicone cover or simply throw a microfiber cloth over the keyboard when you aren’t using it.
- Pet control: Cats love warm electronics, but their fur is a nightmare for keyboards. Try to encourage them to sit elsewhere.
FAQs
Can Alcohol Damage Your Keyboard?
High-percentage Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) is generally safe for cleaning plastic keys and surfaces because it evaporates quickly. However, drinking alcohol (wine, beer, or sugary spirits) will damage your keyboard. The sugar dries into a sticky residue that ruins switches and corrodes circuits.
Can You Clean a Keyboard In the Dishwasher?
Technically, yes, some people do this, but we strongly advise against it. Manufacturers do not recommend it, and it will void your warranty. The high heat can warp the plastic, and water can get trapped inside switches, leading to corrosion weeks later. It is much safer to clean it by hand.
How Do You Fix Sticking Keys?
Sticking keys are usually caused by spilled sugary drinks or debris lodged under the switch. Unplug the keyboard, remove the sticky keycap (if possible), and clean the area thoroughly with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Press the switch repeatedly to work the alcohol in and dissolve the gunk.
What Do You Do If You Spill Something On Your Keyboard?
Act fast! Unplug the keyboard immediately to cut the power. Flip it upside down so the liquid drains away from the circuit board rather than into it. Pad it dry with a towel and leave it upside down for at least 24 to 48 hours. Do not plug it back in until it is completely dry.
Can I Soak My Keycaps In Rubbing Alcohol?
No, you should not soak keycaps in alcohol. Prolonged exposure can damage certain types of plastics (like ABS) and may remove the printed legends on the keys. Warm soapy water is the safest and most effective method for soaking keycaps.
Is it Safe to Vacuum a Keyboard?
Yes, but use caution. A standard vacuum cleaner hose might have too much suction and could rip the keys right off the board. Always use a brush attachment and the lowest suction setting available. A dedicated USB computer vacuum is often a safer choice.
How Do I Clean a Laptop Keyboard Without Removing Keys?
Since laptop keys are fragile and hard to replace, do not pry them off. Instead, shut down the laptop, hold it upside down, and tap gently. Use compressed air to blow debris out at an angle, then wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
