# What Is the Best Way to Clean a Keyboard at Home keyboards collect dust, crumbs, and oils over time. This creates a buildup that can make keys sticky, uncomfortable to type on, and unpleasant to use at work. Knowing how to clean your keyboard properly helps avoid damage from deep cleaning and keeps your keyboard functioning correctly. There are a few supplies at home that can help you clean your keyboard. ## What do you need to clean a Keyboard? There are a few things you will need to collect before starting to help you with the cleaning process. 1. A microfiber cloth 2. A soft-bristled brush 3. Compressed air 4. Cotton swabs 5. Isopropyl alcohol (only for surfaces that it is safe to use alcohol on) Don't spray liquids directly onto the keyboard. Never use excessive moisture, abrasive cleaners, or anything sharp that can damage the keys. ## How to Clean a Keyboard? Step-by-Step Let's have a look at most important methods to **[clean a keyword at home](https://devicefixes.com/blog/how-to-clean-keyboard-keys/)**: 1. **Turn off and Disconnect the Keyboard** The first part of how to clean a keyboard at home is turning off and disconnecting the keyboard. This is to avoid any electrical shocks while cleaning. If you are cleaning the keyboard on a laptop, shut it off and unplug the charger. 2. **Remove Loose Dust and Crumbs** After you have turned off and disconnected the keyboard, gently shake it to remove dust and crumbs that have built up. Use a soft brush to remove dust built up around the keys. If there is dust and debris that is trapped between the keys, you can use a small amount of compressed air. This process can also help you clean a computer keyboard without removing keycaps. 3. **Wipe the keys and surface** Lightly moisten a microfiber cloth with a cleaning solution, such as isopropyl alcohol, so that it is not too wet. Gently wipe key surfaces and the frame. Do not let the cloth be so wet that it drips. 4. **Clean Laptop Keyboard Keys Carefully** If you want to know how to clean laptop keyboard surfaces, take extra care because laptop keyboards are often more delicate than external keyboards. Use a brush and a lightly dampened cloth, following the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. 5. **Let the Keyboard Dry** Make sure no moisture is trapped around the keys or in spaces between the keys, and that the keys are completely dry, before turning on the laptop or reconnecting the keyboard. ## What Is the Best Way to Clean a Keyboard Regularly? To clean keyboard surfaces, first remove loose debris and brush between the keys. Then wipe the surfaces with a cleaning solution. To prevent a buildup of debris, perform this cleaning on a weekly basis. For a more thorough cleaning, you can use a keyboard cleaner that is suitable for your device. Follow all safety instructions for cleaning gels, brushes, and aerosol spray cleaners. ## What Mistakes Should You Avoid? There are a few things to keep in mind while cleaning a keyboard in order to avoid mistakes. Don't make the mistake of thinking that you can simply spray water or cleaner on your keys and expect it to turn out okay. You also need to avoid using too much alcohol or strong household cleaning agents. Don't try to take a shortcut and remove keycaps without first identifying if they are removable. Also, do not use sharp objects to scrape dirt from between the keys. Lastly, do not reconnect your keyboard before it is completely dry. ## When should you get Professional Help? Continuous cleaning of your keyboard can help get rid of some dust and dirt; However, this doesn't always solve problems resulting from liquid spills or broken electrical switches. If your laptop keys stop working or several keys stop working simultaneously, it may be best to have a professional look at it. **[DeviceFixes](https://devicefixes.com/)** offers repair and support services for laptops and computers. If cleaning your keyboard doesn't restore normal function, it would be best to have it repaired to avoid further damage to the device.