How to Clean Your Computer Keyboard

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Max Winters | Last updated Jan 23, 2025 9:30 AM ET

There's no way around it, everyone has a dirty keyboard. Sure, it's full of food crumbs, dust balls and all other things described as loose particles. But it's then there's also the pet hair, loose dirt, and dead skin cells caught in the keyboard crevices. Not to mention that the keyboard surface itself is covered in oily residue, sticky spots, and all the germs. According to studies, keyboards can actually harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat, and that's why you should clean your keyboard once a week. It also needs to be disinfected monthly to keep that breeding ground under control. If your keys are sticking or you’re seeing visible grime, please go clean it.

What Works, What Doesn't

Try This:

Bursts of air: Great for blasting keyboard crud from between keys slots.
Lint-free cloth or paper towel: Perfect for gently wiping the keyboard surface.
Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher): Ideal for spot cleaning sticky stains.
Cotton swabs: Handy for detailing stubborn dirt from hard-to-reach areas.

Skip This:

Excessive water: Anything beyond a barely damp cloth can drip and damage the internal components.
Disinfecting Wipes: May contain strong disinfectants. Wet wipes can have excess liquid.
Abrasive materials: May scratch or wear down key labels.

Instead, the best keyboard cleaning kit relies on a soft brush, canned air duster (or vacuum cleaner with small nozzle), isopropyl alcohol, microfiber cloths, and cotton swabs to safely clean your keyboard.

1. Dust and Debris Removal

Turn off your computer or unplug your keyboard for safety.
Flip your keyboard upside down and gently shake it to dislodge loose debris.
Use compressed air to blow out dust and crumbs from between the keys. Hold the can upright and spray in short bursts to avoid condensation.
For stubborn debris, use a soft-bristled brush or a dry toothbrush to sweep it away.

2. Surface Cleaning

Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol (never pour liquid directly on the keyboard).
Wipe down the surface of the keys and surrounding areas to remove smudges, oil, and germs.
For tougher grime around the edges, dip a cotton swab in alcohol and clean the tight spaces around each key.

3. Deep Cleaning Beneath the Keys (Optional)

If your keyboard allows, carefully remove keycaps using a keycap puller or by prying gently with a flat tool. Check the manual for your keyboard model to avoid breaking anything.
Vacuum or use compressed air to remove hidden debris beneath the keys.
Wipe the exposed keyboard base with a microfiber cloth dampened with alcohol.
Allow everything to dry completely before replacing the keycaps.

Does the cleaning process vary if you're on a Mac or PC?

The basic cleaning process is the same for both Mac and PC keyboards. However, Apple’s keyboards (like those on MacBooks) often have butterfly or scissor mechanisms that are more delicate to unclip than traditional PC keyboards. Extra care is needed when removing loose debris, and you should avoid removing keycaps unless absolutely necessary. On some MacBooks, removing keys can void your warranty, so consult your device manual first.

Should you remove the keyboard keys to clean beneath them?

If you have removable keycaps, it can help with deep cleaning. On mechanical keyboards or gaming console, keys are designed to be removed easily for maintenance. However, laptop keyboards and low-profile designs (like Apple’s) are much trickier and more prone to damage. If you're unsure, stick to compressed air and surface cleaning to avoid costly repairs.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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