How to Clean Your Computer Keyboard

Keyboards are our entry into the digital world. They allow us to chat, search, play, learn, and control. So why do we treat them as if they're just another kitschy accessory on a cluttered desk?

Dirt, dust, and food crumbs can make for a messy (if not unhygienic) peripheral, which, if left untended long enough, will ultimately disrupt your device's—and your own—functionality. For those who prefer a built-in keypad, check out our tips on how to clean your laptop. Otherwise, gather your cleaning supplies and read on to learn how to spruce up a standalone keyboard.

Turn It Upside Down

The most obvious solution is also the easiest: Turn the entire keyboard upside down, give it a few good shakes, and see what you uncover.

You may want to unplug the device or turn off its wireless function first. And we advise you to lay down a paper towel or napkin to catch any debris. Once your safe zone is established, flip the accessory so the keys are facing down and tap.

Try holding the board at different angles, patting it firmly but gently across the entire surface to knock free any loose particles. Expect a cascade of pastry remnants, eyelashes, trail mix, dead skin cells, and whatever else has crept between your keys since their last cleaning. If you're using a keyboard with removable keycaps (a mechanical keyboard, for instance), carefully pull those off and give the panel another upside-down shake.

Don't forget to give your desk a post-tip clean (ideally with an antibacterial spray). Not only will it mop up whatever's left of your keyboard crud, but it'll eliminate whatever germs are hanging out.

Brush Out the Muck

Still disgusted by your device? It may be time to invest in a keyboard brush, which come in all shapes and sizes to help sweep out the crud hiding below that QWERTY layout. Take your pick of mini brooms, available in wood, plastic, white, black, color-accented, solo, part of a multi-function toolkit.

Or, for our DIY readers: Grab a standard toothbrush or bottle brush, run it through the space between your keys, and voila! Another pile of forgotten food.

Blow Out Your Keyboard

Not everyone wants to get so handsy with their polluted keyboard, which is where the next option comes in. Air Duster—aka "canned air," aka "compressed air," aka "dusting gas"—is used to dislodge dust and dirt with a pressurized blast.

Before inserting the straw-like plastic hose and blasting, though, you'll want to take some basic precautions. Like emptying your desk of anything that's not nailed down, as canned air will blow away whatever's in its path—including debris from your keyboard. This is best done outside or over a bathtub or large sink. (Or in a particularly hated colleague's personal space.)

Prop the keyboard sideways on a steady surface, then, using the duster as directed, aim the straw sideways along the crevices for a series of short bursts. Give the keyboard another few taps, and repeat the process until you're satisfied.

You may be surprised at just how much flies out, even if you don't eat at your desk or have pets who climb across your desk at the most inopportune times. 

Once again, removing keycaps will make the practice more effective. Just remember that canned air tends to create condensation, often leaving pools of moisture or frost. And please don't substitute canned air with an air compressor, which is used to fill car tires and can damage tech with too much pressure or often-present chemicals.

Recommended by Our Editors

Do UV Light Phone Sanitizers Really Work?

How to Clean Your AirPods the Right Way

8 Simple Robot Vacuum Tips to Help Keep Your Floors Clean Without Lifting a Finger

Take Out the Cleaning Gel

One icky-but-effective way to clean your keyboard is to invest in cleaning gel (or gum, or slime, or whatever people are calling it these days).

The gelatinous adhesive, available in a variety of colors to match your personal brand, picks up dust and dirt by oozing into the smallest cracks of your keyboard and glomming on to any crumbly bits it touches.

Most putties are reusable to the point they turn black or stop collecting debris, at which point you should toss it. There's no need to clean the gel; in fact, it should be kept away from water (as well as screens like your phone or computer). It's worth noting that some brands may leave behind an oily residue—yet another thing to clean—so read some reviews before buying.

Give Your Keycaps a Bath

This tip isn't for everyone; only those with a mechanical keyboard and removable keytops should follow these instructions. Start by snapping a quick picture of your fully assembled keyboard, to avoid mixing up letters, numbers, and commands later. Then simply soak the keycaps in a container of soapy water—hand or dish will work. After a few minutes, but before their fingers start to prune, give them a scrub with a small brush or rag and set them out to air dry. So don't try this if you're on deadline or in the middle of writing the Great American Novel.

Clean All Your Electronics

Now that the keyboard is out of the way, it's time to move on to other electronics that may pick up dirt during regular use. We can help you clean everything, from your phone, tablet, headphones, laptop, and desktop, and mouse to a TV, smart speaker, game controller, or smartwatch and fitness tracker.