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Your keyboard is a tool you use every day, and it's how you interact with your computer. But over time, it can get really dirty from various reasons like bad habits, pets, and just normal usage. Eventually, it might not only look dirty but also affect how well it works if dirt and dust get inside it.

If you have pets, especially cats, they may have walked on your desk and even used your keyboard as a bed. Pet hair, your own hair, and other types of dirt like oil from your fingers, crumbs from snacks, and dust (which is mostly dead skin cells) are probably hiding in your keyboard.

Similar to cleaning your home in the spring, it's time to give your keyboard some attention. Deep cleaning it is quite simple, and you don't need any special tools. Cleaning it regularly will make it last longer and make your computer setup look better. Plus, it's just something you should do because your keyboard is most likely really dirty.


How to Clean Your Keyboard


**Materials Needed**

  • Keycap puller
  • Brush
  • Cotton swabs
  • Tweezers
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Canned air


Step 1: Shake and Dust

1. Flip your keyboard over and give it a good shake. This will remove a surprising amount of dust and hair, especially if it's been a while since you last cleaned it. If your keyboard is relatively clean (you decide), and you don't want to remove the keycaps, you can also use canned air and gently brush between the keys. It's not a substitute for a thorough cleaning but better than nothing.


Step 2: Take a Photo

2. Before removing the keycaps, it's a smart idea to take a photo of your entire keyboard with your phone, especially if it has a unique layout like a gaming or mechanical keyboard. This photo will serve as a reference when you're putting the keycaps back. If you forget, you can usually find a stock photo of your keyboard online.


Step 3: Remove Keycaps

3. Use a keycap puller to remove the keycaps. Keycap pullers often come with keyboards, but you can also purchase one on Amazon or get a keyboard kit with additional tools for under $10. If you don't have a keycap puller, you can gently pry off the keycaps with a flat tool (avoid anything that might scratch them) or even use your hands.


Step 4: Soak Keycaps

4. Find a bowl large enough to hold all the keycaps, and fill it with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Dish soap is excellent for cutting through grease and oil. Let the keycaps soak while you clean the rest of the keyboard.


Step 5: Shake Again

5. After removing the keycaps, flip your keyboard upside down once more and shake it to dislodge any dirt trapped inside the keyboard.


Step 6: Clean the Faceplate and Switches

6. Now, let's clean the faceplate and remove any debris stuck between the switches. If your switches are lubricated, you may find dust and gunk in the cracks. Use tweezers to carefully remove stray hairs or other debris.


Step 7: Gentle Brushing

7. Get a soft brush; you can use a specialized "keyboard-cleaning" brush or any small, soft brush, like a makeup brush. Clear away loose material gently. Disposable mascara wands work well for reaching into cracks and crevices. While canned air can help, a physical brush is usually more effective. Be cautious if using a vacuum cleaner or an electric air blower, as they can generate static electricity, potentially harming your keyboard.


Step 8: Stubborn Dirt or Gunk

8. For stubborn dirt or gunk, use cotton swabs dipped in water or isopropyl alcohol to gently scrub. Make sure to check your keyboard's material before using isopropyl alcohol, as it may damage or discolor cheaper plastics. Most of the time, you won't need to disassemble your keyboard further unless you've subjected it to extreme conditions.


Step 9: Dry Keycaps

9. By now, your keycaps should be finished soaking. Use a soft microfiber cloth or sponge to scrub off any stubborn grime. Rinse the keycaps and place them on a towel to air dry completely. It's crucial to ensure they are entirely dry before reattaching them to your keyboard to prevent water damage.


Step 10: Reassemble Keycaps

10. Refer to the photo you took earlier to reattach the keycaps correctly. Admire the fresh and clean look of your keyboard.


Now that your keyboard is clean, maintain its cleanliness by periodically shaking it and brushing between the keys. You can also consider using keyboard cleaning gadgets or keyboard putty for regular upkeep, but aim to perform a deep cleaning at least a few times a year.