Can I use a vacuum cleaner on my keyboard?

It is not recommended to use a standard vacuum as the static electricity can damage internal components. Use a specialized anti-static electronics vacuum or compressed air instead.

Can I wash my keyboard in the dishwasher?

No! Unless specifically rated as washable/waterproof, putting a keyboard in a dishwasher will destroy the electronics and cause corrosion.

What should I do if I spill water on my keyboard?

Unplug it immediately. Flip it upside down to drain. Do not press any keys. Let it dry for at least 24-48 hours before testing it.

How to Clean Your Keyboard: The Ultimate Guide (2025)

Did you know your keyboard can have more bacteria than a toilet seat? Crumbs, dust, hair, and oil from your fingers build up over time, leading to sticky keys and poor hygiene. This guide covers everything you need to know about keyboard maintenance.

What You Will Need

Compressed Air

To blow out crumbs and dust from underneath keys.

Isopropyl Alcohol (70%+)

For disinfecting keycaps and surfaces safely.

Microfiber Cloth

To wipe down surfaces without leaving lint.

Method 1: Cleaning a Mechanical Keyboard (Deep Clean)

Mechanical keyboards are great because they are easy to disassemble for deep cleaning. Follow these steps for a like-new feel.

Unplug and Prepare
Always unplug the keyboard first. Take a picture of your keyboard layout so you know exactly where clean keys go back.
Remove Keycaps
Use a wire keycap puller to gently remove the caps. Wiggle slightly as you pull up. Note: Be careful with larger keys (Spacebar, Shift) as they have stabilizers.
Soak and Wash Keycaps
Place all keycaps in a bowl of warm water mixed with mild dish soap. Let them soak for 30 minutes. Use a denture tablet for extra cleaning power if available. Scrub tough grime with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly.
Dry Completely
Lay the keycaps out on a towel, stem side up. Let them air dry for at least 6-12 hours. Moisture inside the stem can damage switches.
Clean the Board Plate
While caps are drying, use compressed air to blow out debris from the keyboard plate. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the space between switches.

Method 2: Cleaning a Laptop or Membrane Keyboard

Keys on laptops and low-profile membrane boards are often not removable. Use this surface-level cleaning method.

Warning: Turn off your laptop completely and unplug it before cleaning.

Shake it out: Turn the laptop/keyboard upside down and gently tap the back to dislodge crumbs.
Compressed Air: Spray short bursts of air between the keys at a 45-degree angle.
Wipe Down: Dampen a microfiber cloth with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (do not spray directly on the board). Wipe the key tops and surface.

Emergency Guide: I Spilled Water!

Spilled coffee, water, or soda? Act fast to save your keyboard.

UNPLUG IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait to shut down Windows. Pull the cord.
Flip it over. Turn the keyboard upside down so liquid drains away from the circuit board.
Wipe excess. Towel off any visible liquid while keeping it inverted.
Wait. This is the hardest part. Leave it upside down in a dry, warm place for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Test. Only plug it back in when you are 100% sure it is dry. Use our Keyboard Tester to check for dead keys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Avoid using a regular household vacuum. They generate static electricity which can fry internal electronics. If you must vacuum, use an ESD-safe vacuum designed for electronics.

A quick wipe-down and shake-out should be done once a month. A deep clean (removing keycaps) is recommended once or twice a year depending on usage.

Sticky keys are usually caused by spilled sugary drinks or accumulated grime on the switch stems. A deep clean with isopropyl alcohol is usually required to fix this.

Is your keyboard broken beyond repair?

If cleaning didn't help and keys are still dead, it might be time for an upgrade. Check if your keys are registering correctly first.

Launch Keyboard Tester