how to clean a mechanical keyboard properly

Alright, if you’re serious about getting your mechanical keyboard not just clean, but properly clean – I’m talking about getting it back to looking and feeling as close to factory fresh as possible – then you’re committing to a bit of a process. This isn’t just a quick wipe-down. it’s a thorough, methodical approach that addresses every part of your keyboard. Think of it as a full restoration project. This is the kind of clean you do when your keyboard is starting to look and feel sluggish, when you notice crumbs rattling around under your keys, or when you just want to show your beloved typing companion some serious TLC. Getting it “properly” clean means going beyond the surface and tackling the hidden grime.

Read more about how to clean a mechanical keyboard:
how to clean a mechanical keyboard switch
how to clean a mechanical keyboard after spill
how to clean a mechanical keyboard without removing the keys

Gathering Your Arsenal of Tools

To clean a mechanical keyboard properly, you’ll need more than just a can of air.

Having the right tools makes the job easier, safer, and more effective.

Here’s your essential checklist: a keycap puller (wire-style is generally preferred over plastic ring-style, as it’s less likely to scratch keycaps), a can of compressed air, a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush, a clean paintbrush, or a dedicated keyboard brush), microfiber cloths, mild dish soap (like Dawn or similar), a small basin or bowl for washing keycaps, and a good supply of isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher is ideal as it evaporates quickly). For even deeper cleaning, or if you have a hotswap board, a switch opener and precision tweezers might be useful, along with cotton swabs for detailed work.

Don’t forget a camera or your phone to take pictures of your keycap layout before you start removing anything! This step is often overlooked but can save you a lot of headache later. how to clean a mechanical keyboard without removing the keys

Keycap Removal and Soaking

This is where the “proper” cleaning truly begins. First, unplug your keyboard. Take several clear photos of your keyboard layout, especially if it’s not a standard QWERTY layout or has unique macro keys. This visual reference is absolutely critical for putting everything back together correctly. Now, using your keycap puller, carefully remove each keycap. For standard keys, simply hook the puller onto opposite sides and pull straight up with gentle, even pressure. For larger keys like the spacebar, Shift, Enter, and Backspace, which often have stabilizers, you need to be extra careful. Pull straight up and try to apply even pressure to avoid bending or damaging the stabilizer inserts or the wire. As you remove them, you’ll inevitably be confronted with a shocking amount of dust, crumbs, and hair. Don’t be alarmed. this is normal! Once all the keycaps are off, place them in a small basin or bowl. Fill it with warm (not hot!) water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will loosen up all the oils, grime, and sticky residues accumulated over time. While they’re soaking, give them an occasional stir.

Cleaning the Keyboard Plate and Case

While your keycaps are enjoying their bath, turn your attention to the exposed keyboard plate and switches.

This is where the majority of the dry debris will be hiding.

First, turn the keyboard upside down over a trash can and give it a few gentle shakes to dislodge any large crumbs or particles. how to clean a mechanical keyboard after spill

Then, grab your can of compressed air. Hold the can upright and use short, powerful bursts to blast away dust, hair, and crumbs from between the switches and off the plate. Work systematically across the entire surface.

After the compressed air, use your soft-bristled brush to gently sweep away any remaining stubborn dust or grime from the plate and around the switch stems.

You might even find yourself scraping out some particularly tenacious gunk.

For the keyboard case itself, if it’s separate from the plate, you can wipe it down with a slightly damp microfiber cloth (again, barely damp, no dripping!). If there are greasy smudges, a tiny bit of isopropyl alcohol on a cloth can help, but avoid getting it on any exposed electronics. how to clean a mechanical keyboard switch

Ensure the case is completely dry before reassembly.

Washing, Drying, and Reattaching Keycaps

After their soak, your keycaps should be ready for a thorough cleaning. If they’re still visibly dirty, you can use your soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to gently scrub each keycap, paying special attention to the sides and the inside where the stem connects. Rinse them thoroughly under cool running water until all soap residue is gone. This is super important, as dried soap can leave a hazy film. Now for the crucial part: drying. Spread all the keycaps out on a clean, dry microfiber towel in a well-ventilated area. Let them air dry completely for several hours, or even overnight. You must ensure they are bone dry before putting them back on your keyboard. Any trapped moisture can lead to issues. Do not use a hairdryer on high heat, as this can warp plastic keycaps. Once you’re absolutely sure they’re dry, it’s time for reassembly. Using the photos you took earlier as a guide, carefully press each keycap back onto its corresponding switch stem until it clicks firmly into place. Make sure they are all correctly oriented and in their proper positions.

Final Inspection and Testing

With all the keycaps back on, give your keyboard a thorough visual inspection.

Ensure all keycaps are seated properly, nothing looks crooked, and there are no stray hairs or crumbs lingering. Then, plug your keyboard back into your computer. The final step is to test every single key. How to cancel free trial

Open up a word document or an online keyboard tester and systematically press each key to ensure it registers correctly. Pay attention to the feel of each key. they should all feel consistent and responsive.

If any key feels sticky, mushy, or doesn’t register, you might need to re-examine that particular keycap or switch area.

This could mean a missed spot during cleaning or a very stubborn piece of debris.

Occasionally, if a switch itself was deeply contaminated (e.g., from a spill), it might require a more invasive cleaning (like opening the switch if it’s hotswap or carefully dripping alcohol into it). However, for a general “proper” clean, this comprehensive approach should have your mechanical keyboard feeling and looking brand new, ready for countless more hours of satisfying typing. How to cancel free trial: FAQ

Regular proper cleaning, perhaps every 3-6 months depending on your environment and usage, will significantly extend the life and enjoyment of your keyboard.