How to Clean a Keyboard Safely (Laptop and Desktop)

Your keyboard is one of the most-touched things you own, and it's rarely cleaned. Crumbs fall between the keys, dust builds up and, in shared offices, lots of hands touch the same keys. Here's how to clean it safely.

What you need

• A soft, clean brush (a clean make-up brush or paintbrush works)
• Compressed air (optional, from computer shops)
• A microfibre cloth
• Isopropyl alcohol (70%) or screen-safe disinfectant wipes
• Cotton buds

Step 1: Switch it off

• Desktop keyboard: unplug it, or take the batteries out if it's wireless.
• Laptop: shut it down completely and unplug the charger.

This stops random typing, and protects the electronics.

Step 2: Tip out the crumbs

Turn the keyboard upside down and tap it gently. For a laptop, open it, hold it upside down at an angle and tap the bottom. You'll be surprised what falls out.

Step 3: Clean between the keys

• Brush between the keys with a soft brush.
• Or use compressed air in short bursts, holding the can upright and spraying at an angle.
• Run a cotton bud around the edges of each key.

Step 4: Wipe the keys

1. Never spray liquid straight onto the keyboard. Put a little on the cloth instead.
2. Lightly dampen a microfibre cloth with isopropyl alcohol (70%), or use a disinfectant wipe that you've squeezed out.
3. Wipe the top of every key and the surface around them. Focus on the most-used keys: space bar, Enter, Shift and the arrows.
4. Let it dry for a few minutes before you switch it back on.

Which? lists more common cleaning mistakes that can break your laptop or PC, like using household sprays or too much water.

Can I take the keys off?

• Mechanical desktop keyboards: yes. Take a photo first so you know where everything goes, then use a keycap puller. Soak the keycaps in warm, soapy water, rinse and let them dry completely before putting them back.
• Laptop keyboards: don't. Laptop keys have small, fragile clips that break easily.

What if I spill a drink on my keyboard?

1. Unplug or switch it off straight away. For a laptop, hold the power button until it turns off.
2. Turn it upside down to drain.
3. Blot it with a dry cloth. Don't use a hairdryer.
4. Leave it upside down to dry for at least 24–48 hours.
5. For sugary drinks, or a laptop that won't work properly afterwards, ask a repair shop to check it.

Don't forget the rest of your desk

While you're there, wipe your mouse, phone, desk surface and the handle of your mug. If you share desks, a quick wipe at the start of the day helps stop colds going round the office.

How often should you clean a keyboard?

Job	How often
Tip out crumbs and wipe the keys	Every week (daily on shared desks)
Brush or air between the keys	Every month
Deep clean (keycaps off, mechanical only)	Every 6 months

Keeping a whole office clean

Keyboards are one small part of a healthy office. Our office cleaning checklist covers desks, kitchens and toilets, and TidyGo office cleaning includes wiping desks, surfaces and shared equipment, from £18 an hour per cleaner.