
The Ultimate Quick Guide to Cleaning Your Keyboard
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The Gross Truth
One study found an office keyboard 5× dirtier than a toilet seat—so filthy it had to be thrown out. Crumbs, dust, skin oils, and germs love hiding under your keys. The fix? Regular cleaning.
5-Minute Maintenance
You’ll need: Soft-bristle brush, microfiber cloth, compressed air.
- Power Off & Tilt – Shake out crumbs at a 45° angle.
- Brush Between Keys – Sweep away dust and hair.
- Wipe Down – Use distilled water on a cloth; skip harsh cleaners.
- Air Assist – Short bursts to clear switch housings.
Pro Tip: Pop off a few keycaps for easier reach.
Monthly Deep Clean
You’ll need: Keycap puller, 70% isopropyl alcohol, cotton swabs.
Remove Keycaps – Pull straight up to avoid damage.
- Disinfect – Wipe the baseplate with alcohol on a cloth.
- Scrub Gunk – Soap + warm water + brush for stubborn grime.
- Dry Well – Air-dry 2+ hours before reassembly.
- Inspect – Replace cracked or worn keycaps.
⚠ Never soak your keyboard—water kills electronics.
Why It Matters
A clean keyboard keeps germs away, protects your switches, and feels better to type on. Make cleaning a habit, and you’ll never dread it.
Keep it fresh. Keep it fast. Keep it yours.