Can I use alcohol or household cleaner?

Only use a product and concentration explicitly approved for your keyboard. Coatings and printed labels differ. Never spray the keyboard directly. See the care instructions for your exact model; [Microsoft's keyboard guidance](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/accessories/mouse-keyboard/how-do-i-clean-my-microsoft-mouse-or-keyboard) is one manufacturer-specific example.

Should I remove the keys or clean a liquid spill this way?

No. This guide covers surface cleaning with keycaps attached. Remove keycaps only under model-specific instructions. After a spill, switch off and disconnect power where safe, do not test or charge the device, and contact the manufacturer or a repair specialist.

Guides/Electronics/How to Clean a Computer Keyboard

How to Clean a Computer Keyboard

Clean everyday dust, crumbs and fingerprints without removing the keys. Allow about 15 minutes plus drying time; liquid spills need a different response. For a laptop display, follow how to clean a laptop screen safely.

Updated Oct 15, 2026

15 min5 stepsBeginnernew

What you need

Tick off what you already have.

Tools

Soft lint-free cloths
Soft electronics-cleaning brush

Materials

Manufacturer-approved cleaning liquid or wipes (optional)

Unplugged black computer keyboard beside a soft cloth and cleaning brush

AI illustration

Step 01 / 05

Disconnect the power

Check the care instructions for your model. Unplug an external keyboard; switch off a wireless model and remove user-removable batteries. For a laptop, shut it down fully and unplug the charger. Do not open the case or remove an internal battery.

Guide progress1 / 5

1. Disconnect the power
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Check the care instructions for your model. Unplug an external keyboard; switch off a wireless model and remove user-removable batteries. For a laptop, shut it down fully and unplug the charger. Do not open the case or remove an internal battery.
2. Remove loose crumbs
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Hold an external keyboard upside down over a clear surface and tap it gently. Support a laptop securely and only tilt it as its manufacturer permits. Never shake or hit it. Leave the keycaps attached.
3. Brush between the keys
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Use a clean, dry, soft electronics brush to sweep debris out from between the keys without forcing the bristles underneath. Use compressed air only if the model's instructions allow it, following their distance and angle guidance and the can's instructions. Do not blow with your mouth.
4. Wipe the key surfaces
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Start with a dry lint-free cloth. For stubborn marks, use only a cleaner approved for the model, applied to the cloth rather than the keyboard. The cloth must be barely damp, never dripping. Wipe key tops and accessible edges gently; keep moisture out of gaps and ports. Do not soak or rinse the keyboard.
5. Dry completely and test
Instructional illustration generated with AI for Howmigo.
Wipe with a dry cloth and let everything air-dry completely before reconnecting power or batteries. Do not use heat. Test the keys in a blank document. If a key still sticks or fails, follow the manufacturer's service guidance rather than prying it off. If liquid entered the keyboard, keep it powered off and seek repair advice.