Mechanical keyboards are awesome—they’re clicky, fun to use, and built to last. But just like anything you use every day, they get dirty. Crumbs, dust, and grime can sneak into the keys, making them feel sticky or slow. That’s why learning how to clean a mechanical keyboard is super important—even if you’re not super techy.
Don’t worry! You don’t need special skills or fancy tools. Just follow this easy guide, and your keyboard will be fresh, clean, and working like new in no time.
Let’s jump in! 🧼⌨️
Why You Should Regularly Clean Your Mechanical Keyboard
Cleaning your keyboard does more than just make it look nice—it helps it work better for longer. Here’s why it’s a good idea:
- 🧽 Keeps your typing smooth and satisfying
- 💨 Removes yucky stuff like dust and crumbs
- 💻 Helps your keyboard last longer
- 💡 Makes things more hygienic (especially if you eat at your desk)
- 😷 Cuts down on germs and bacteria
Even if your keyboard still works fine, it could be hiding dirt inside—so it’s smart to clean it every once in a while.
Tools You’ll Need to Clean Your Mechanical Keyboard
You don’t need anything fancy—just a few simple tools that you might already have at home. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
Basic Cleaning Tools (for quick clean-ups):
- Microfiber cloth (soft and gentle)
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher)
- Compressed air (or a small air blower)
- Small brush (even an old toothbrush works!)
Deep Cleaning Tools:
- Keycap puller (comes with most keyboards)
- Bowl or container (for soaking keycaps)
- Dish soap
- Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
- Towel or lint-free cloth
- Optional: Small vacuum with keyboard-safe brush
How Often Should You Clean Your Mechanical Keyboard?
How often you clean your keyboard depends on how much you use it.
- 🧼 Light Cleaning: Once a week – Wipe it down and use compressed air to get debris out.
- 🧽 Deep Cleaning: Every 2 or 3 months – Take off keycaps and give it a real good scrub.
- 🤢 Emergency Cleaning: If you spill something or a key feels sticky—clean it right away!
Regular cleaning takes a few minutes and keeps you from having bigger problems later.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean a Mechanical Keyboard
Follow these simple steps to get your keyboard back to looking and feeling like new!
🧷 Step 1: Unplug the Keyboard
Always unplug it from your computer before you clean it. If it’s wireless, turn it off and remove the batteries. This keeps everything safe while you work.
🍟 Step 2: Shake It Out and Blow Away the Dirt
Flip the keyboard upside down and give it a gentle shake over a trash can. You’ll probably see crumbs and dust fall out. Next, use compressed air to blow out whatever’s stuck between the keys.
Pro Tip: Use short bursts of air so you don’t spray liquid (from the air can) inside the keyboard.
🪛 Step 3: Remove the Keycaps
Use a keycap puller to pop off each keycap. Just place the puller on the key and gently pull up.
💡 Not sure where each key goes? Take a picture of your keyboard first! It’ll help during reassembly.
Put the keycaps in a bowl—you’re going to clean them next.
⛔️ Be extra gentle with longer keys like the spacebar or enter key—they usually have little wires under them called stabilizers.
🫧 Step 4: Clean the Keycaps
Soaking time!
- Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Drop in the keycaps and let them soak for 4–6 hours (or overnight if they’re really dirty).
- After soaking, scrub them gently with a soft brush.
- Rinse them well and lay them on a towel to dry.
Important: Make sure they’re completely dry before putting them back. Even a tiny drop of water can cause problems!
🧼 Step 5: Clean the Keyboard Base
While the keycaps dry, clean the main board (the part with the switches).
- Use your brush or air can to remove dust and crumbs around the switches.
- Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and gently clean around each switch.
- Wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth dampened (not soaked!) with alcohol.
Remember: Don’t pour any water or alcohol directly onto the keyboard!
🧩 Step 6: Put Everything Back Together
Now that everything is dry, it’s time to reassemble.
- Use the photo you took to help place the keycaps back in the right spots.
- Push them down gently until they click into place.
Plug it back in and test it—your keyboard should feel clicky, clean, and ready to go.
🎛 Optional: Deeper Maintenance (For Keyboard Enthusiasts)
If you’re into DIY tech stuff, you can go even deeper:
- Desolder and open your switches
- Lube the moving parts inside to make them smoother
- Replace stabilizers if they rattle too much
But this isn’t necessary unless you’re really into modding or repairs.
🚫 Don’t Do These When Cleaning Your Keyboard
Watch out for these common cleaning mistakes:
- Don’t soak the whole keyboard in water—only keycaps!
- Don’t spray cleaning spray or water straight on the board
- Don’t use bleach or strong chemicals
- Don’t reattach wet keycaps
- Don’t forget to unplug the keyboard first!
🌟 Bonus Tips: Keep Your Keyboard Cleaner For Longer
Want to make your job easier in the future? Here are some smart habits:
- 🍕 Don’t eat over your keyboard—you’ll thank yourself later
- 🧼 Wash your hands before typing (especially if you ate chips)
- 🧽 Dust it once a week with a microfiber cloth
- 📦 Cover it when not in use to keep dust off
- 🧊 Consider a keyboard cover if you’re really serious about cleanliness
👏 Final Thoughts: Keep Your Keyboard Clicky Clean
That’s it! Now you know how to clean a mechanical keyboard the right way. It doesn’t take much effort, and you don’t need to be a tech expert. Just a little love from time to time keeps your keyboard feeling fresh, smooth, and satisfying to use.
So turn on some music, get your tools ready, and give your keyboard a little TLC. You’ll notice the difference right away.
🔧 Ready to Clean Your Mechanical Keyboard?
Now that you know what to do, go ahead and give your keyboard the glow-up it deserves. Take a before-and-after photo—you might be surprised how big the change is!
Got a cool cleaning tip of your own or want to show off your shiny keyboard? Drop a comment below—we’d love to see it!
🧼 Happy typing, and may your switches stay snappy!