Spend hours in For most of us, the computer is an inevitability, whether for work or play. Constant use will take its toll on the keyboard. Dust and hair buildup is inevitable, and dropped chips and sandwich crumbs can only be avoided with the kind of discipline many of us don’t possess. We’re not here to judge, but to help you clean. In this guide, we’ll highlight the supplies you might need and explain how to clean your keyboard step-by-step.
These tips will work well on our picks for the best mechanical keyboards guide. You may also want to check out some of our other cleaning guides such as How to Clean Your Computer, How to Clean Your Smartphone, and last but not least, How to Clean Yourself.
Updated June 2024: We added some photos, an electric air blower, and updated our tips (thanks to feedback from our readers).
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Keyboard cleaning supplies
Photography: Simon Hill
You can definitely clean your keyboard with things you already have at home, so don’t feel like you have to buy special cleaning products. Here are a few things you can consider and some homemade alternatives you probably have lying around.
- Brush:I have had one pop-up brush ($7) for a few years, and it’s perfect for sweeping dirt off your keyboard, but you can use any soft-bristled brush you have at home (a toothbrush or 1.5-inch paintbrush can work).
- Compressed air:A 10-ounce can of Dusting ($11) It will last you a long time and can be very effective in getting things off your keyboard.
- Electric air blower:A good alternative to compressed air is a rechargeable electric air blower that you can use over and over again. I have the KiCa Jetfan 2 ($99)which has a slider to increase power and blow everything out and a couple of attachments to concentrate the air. Battery life is surprisingly good and it can be recharged via the USB-C port on the bottom. It’s pricey, but I love it. You can use it to remove dust from anything from keyboards and PCs to radiators and mesh chairs.
- Cloth:You probably already have microfiber cloths, and any cloth will work, but I have found that the thin, fancy ones used for eyeglasses work the best.Microfiber cloth pack ($10).
- Clean slime: A bathtub of Cleansing gel ($6) It may be effective at removing dust from hard-to-reach places like your keyboard, but I don’t recommend it. In addition to general dirt, it leaves residue, gets dirty, and deteriorates quickly, leaving a slimy mess that can’t be environmentally friendly.
- Cotton swabs:You may already have swabs or you may be able to get them cheap. cotton swabs ($3) and use them to clean between keys. Wooden chopsticks work well for built-up grime.
- Isopropyl alcohol:Wetting the cloth or cotton swab with water is usually enough, but alcohol is a very effective cleaner. Max Professional Spray ($10) It’s easy to use.
- Magic Eraser:For scuff marks and stubborn dirt, Magic Erasers ($7) Melamine erasers can be incredibly effective. Sometimes regular pencil erasers can work.
- Keycap removal tool:If you’re really going to go to town and are going to deep clean your mechanical keyboard, you might want a Keycap Removal Tool ($6)(This includes a switch puller and a pair of brushes.)
You probably won’t need most of these things unless your keyboard is really dirty, so try cleaning it with what you have before buying additional things.
How to clean the keyboard
It’s time to get to work. Start by shutting down your computer, unplugging your keyboard, and removing any cables. Clear your desk or table and get your cleaning tools ready.
Shake, brush, blow and vacuum
For relatively well-maintained keyboards, the following four steps may be sufficient:
- Start by turning the keyboard upside down and gently shaking it to see what falls out.
- Use the brush to gently sweep away debris. It works best if you tilt the keyboard to one side and then the other and brush down the rows.
- If you have compressed air or an electric blower, use short bursts (but don’t get too close) to dislodge any dirt that’s lodged deep inside. Tilt the keyboard at different angles and blow into the gaps.
- If you have a small brush tool for your vacuum or a handheld vacuum, use it to suck up any dirt you’ve uncovered and gently run it over the keyboard.
