How to Clean a Keyboard Safely (and Why It’s Dirtier Than You Think)
In 2005 doctors warned that computer keyboards can carry bacteria and spread infections, advising hand washing and regular disinfection, especially for shared keyboards in hospitals, schools and libraries. That advice is still sound. Here’s how to clean a keyboard safely in 2026, whether it’s a laptop, a desktop or a mechanical board.
Quick answer: Unplug or switch off the device, turn the keyboard upside down and tap out crumbs, then use compressed air between the keys. Wipe keys with a microfibre cloth lightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol (never spray liquid directly). For mechanical keyboards, pull the keycaps and wash them separately. Clean shared keyboards weekly and wash your hands often.
Table of Contents
Quick clean (weekly)
- Shut down the laptop or unplug the keyboard (remove batteries if wireless).
- Turn it upside down and gently shake or tap to remove debris.
- Blow out gaps with compressed air, holding the can upright.
- Wipe keys and surrounding surfaces with a cloth or wipe dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- Let it dry fully before turning it on.
Deep clean a mechanical keyboard
- Take a photo of the layout, then remove keycaps with a keycap puller.
- Soak keycaps in warm soapy water, rinse and air dry completely.
- Brush and vacuum or blow out the plate.
- Refit keycaps once fully dry.
Laptop keyboard tips
- Don’t pry off laptop keys; they break easily.
- Use a soft brush and compressed air at an angle.
- Avoid excess moisture near the trackpad and vents.
- Clean the screen gently afterwards; see how to clean a laptop screen safely.
What to avoid
- Bleach, harsh cleaners or spraying liquid onto keys.
- Soaking a keyboard (except some fully waterproof models).
- Eating over the keyboard if you can help it.
Shopping for a new one? See the best gaming keyboards, and clean your mouse too; here’s how to use an Apple Magic Mouse on Windows.
FAQ
How often should I clean my keyboard?
A quick wipe weekly, and a deeper clean every few months, or more often for shared keyboards.
Can I use disinfectant wipes?
Yes, alcohol-based wipes that aren’t dripping wet; avoid bleach.
What if I spilled a drink?
Turn it off immediately, unplug, turn it upside down to drain, and let it dry for at least 24 hours before testing.
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Germs and bacteria reside inside of the computer case and get blown back out into the atmosphere by the rear fan. We have seen cockroaches, spiders, eggs, nicotine stuck to electrical components and fans inside the case. All this gets sent back out into the air and can make a household sick without them knowing why.
We clean the computers from inside out making the system germ free. Read about it,