Your keyboard is one of the dirtiest objects on your desk. Dust, crumbs, and oils from your fingers accumulate over time, leading to sticky keys or even hardware failure. In this guide, we will show you how to clean it safely.

Step 1: Disconnect and Shake

Before doing anything, unplug your keyboard or turn it off if it is wireless. Turn the keyboard upside down and give it a gentle shake. You will be surprised at how much debris falls out.

Step 2: Use Compressed Air

Use a can of compressed air to blow out the remaining dust between the keys. Hold the keyboard at an angle to ensure the dust actually leaves the device rather than just moving around inside.

Step 3: Deep Cleaning with Alcohol

Dampen a microfiber cloth or a cotton swab with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. Do not use water, as it can cause short circuits. Gently wipe the surface of each key to remove oils and bacteria.

Pro Tip: For mechanical keyboards, you can use a keycap puller to remove the keys and wash them in warm soapy water for a brand-new look!

How Often Should You Clean It?

For best performance, we recommend a light cleaning once a month and a deep cleaning every six months. After cleaning, use our Online Keyboard Tester to make sure all keys are still working perfectly.