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How often should I clean my mechanical keyboard?

Well, it really depends on how you use it and your environment! If you eat at your desk, have pets, or live in a dusty area, you might want to do a light clean (compressed air and surface wipe) every week or two.

A proper, deep clean involving keycap removal could be done every 3 to 6 months, or whenever you notice a significant buildup of grime or a change in key feel.

Think of it like changing the oil in your car – consistent, lighter maintenance prevents bigger problems down the road.

Can I put my keycaps in the dishwasher?

Oh, absolutely NOT! Please, never put your keycaps in the dishwasher. how to clean up a mechanical keyboard

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The high heat can warp the plastic, especially ABS keycaps, and the harsh detergents can damage the legends or the finish.

A simple soak in warm, soapy water and a gentle scrub is all they need. It’s much safer and just as effective.

What kind of soap should I use for cleaning keycaps?

Stick to mild dish soap, like the kind you’d use for handwashing dishes (e.g., Dawn, Fairy, or similar). Avoid anything with harsh chemicals, abrasive properties, or added moisturizers.

Just a few drops in warm water are enough to cut through oils and grime without damaging the plastic.

Is isopropyl alcohol safe for my keyboard?

Yes, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is generally safe for cleaning electronics, provided you use it correctly.

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Aim for 90% concentration or higher, as it evaporates quickly and leaves minimal residue.

Apply it sparingly to a cotton swab or microfiber cloth and never pour it directly onto the PCB or into switches, unless you’re specifically targeting a stubborn sticky switch in a controlled manner (and only if the board is unplugged and components are dry). It’s great for cutting through grease and sticky residues.

How do I dry the keycaps after washing them?

The best way is to simply air dry them.

Spread them out on a clean, dry microfiber towel in a well-ventilated area.

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Let them sit for several hours, or even overnight, until they are absolutely bone dry.

Do not use a hairdryer on a hot setting, as intense heat can warp the plastic. Patience is your best friend here.

Can I clean my mechanical keyboard without removing the keycaps?

Yes, you absolutely can! For a quick refresh, you can use compressed air to blast out loose debris from between the keys, followed by brushing with a soft brush and wiping down the keycaps and case with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. This won’t be as thorough as a deep clean, but it’s great for regular maintenance and keeping surface grime at bay.

how to clean a non mechanical keyboard

What if a key feels sticky after cleaning?

If a specific key still feels sticky, it usually means there’s some stubborn residue (likely from a spill) inside the switch itself.

If your keyboard is hotswap, remove the switch, open it, and meticulously clean its internal components with [isopropyl alcohol](https://amazon.com/s?k=isopropyl+alcohol] and cotton swabs. If it’s a soldered board, you can try dripping a tiny amount of isopropyl alcohol into the switch stem while pressing the key repeatedly to work the alcohol through and dissolve the gunk.

Blot any excess and let it dry completely before testing again.

My keyboard has RGB lighting. Do I need to be extra careful?

Yes, definitely. how to clean a gaming keyboard

While the cleaning process is mostly the same, be extra cautious with liquids around the RGB LEDs or any exposed PCB sections with lighting components.

Excessive moisture can cause shorts or damage the LEDs.

Stick to compressed air and very slightly damp microfiber cloths for the surface, and ensure everything is unplugged and bone dry before reconnecting power.

How do I clean under the spacebar or other large keys with stabilizers?

These larger keys often have wire stabilizers underneath. how to clean a mechanical keyboard properly

When removing them, use your keycap puller and pull straight up from both ends to distribute the pressure evenly and avoid bending the stabilizer wire or breaking the plastic inserts on the keycap.

Clean the stabilizer wire and the mounts on the keycap and plate with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol if they’re greasy.

Re-lubricating the stabilizer wire with a small amount of dielectric grease can also improve smoothness.

Can I use a vacuum cleaner to clean my keyboard?

While a vacuum cleaner can pick up some loose debris, be careful. how to clean a mechanical keyboard without removing the keys

Using a powerful vacuum directly on the keyboard (especially with a strong suction attachment) can potentially pull keycaps off or even damage sensitive components or switches.

Compressed air is generally a safer and more effective option for dislodging trapped particles from between keys without direct contact.

What if I spill liquid on my keyboard?

Immediately unplug the keyboard! This is the most crucial step. Then, turn it upside down to let as much liquid drain out as possible. Blot up visible liquid with a towel. For sticky spills, you’ll need to fully disassemble the keyboard (keycaps off, case open) and clean the PCB and switches thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol. Then, let everything air dry for at least 24-48 hours. Don’t plug it back in until you are absolutely certain it’s bone dry.

how to clean a mechanical keyboard after spill

My keycap legends are fading. Will cleaning make it worse?

Gentle cleaning with mild soap and water, or carefully wiping with isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth, should not make legends fade worse. Fading is usually due to wear from typing over time, especially on cheaper ABS keycaps with printed legends. In fact, removing accumulated grime might actually make the legends appear clearer. If your legends are fading, it’s usually a sign that it might be time to consider a new set of keycaps.

Should I lubricate my switches after cleaning?

This is an advanced step, not strictly part of cleaning, but often done in conjunction by enthusiasts.

If you disassemble your switches for a deep clean (only really feasible with hotswap boards), then yes, lubricating the stems and springs with a specialized switch lubricant (like Krytox 205g0) can significantly improve smoothness and sound.

how to clean a mechanical keyboard switch

However, this is optional and requires specific knowledge and products. For most users, a thorough clean is sufficient.

Can I use rubbing alcohol instead of isopropyl alcohol?

“Rubbing alcohol” is a broader term that can sometimes refer to solutions with lower concentrations of isopropyl alcohol (e.g., 70%) or even ethyl alcohol.

While 70% IPA can be used in a pinch for surface cleaning, higher concentrations (90%+) of isopropyl alcohol are preferred for electronics because they evaporate faster and leave less residue, reducing the risk of moisture damage. Always check the concentration.

What’s the best way to clean crumbs out of my keyboard?

The best one-two punch for crumbs is to first turn the keyboard upside down and give it a good shake. How to cancel free trial

Then, blast the remaining crumbs out with a can of compressed air, aiming the nozzle from different angles between the keys.

A soft brush can also help sweep out any stubborn ones.

My keyboard smells bad. Will cleaning fix it?

More often than not, yes! Unpleasant odors in keyboards usually come from accumulated food particles, sweat, oils, and general grime that can harbor bacteria.

A thorough deep clean, including washing keycaps and cleaning the plate and case, will almost certainly eliminate the source of the smell and leave your keyboard smelling fresh. How to cancel free trial: FAQ

What if I accidentally get water into the switches?

If you accidentally get water into the switches while cleaning, immediately unplug the keyboard. If your board is hotswap, remove the affected switches and let them air dry completely, or even open them up for faster drying. If it’s soldered, turn the keyboard upside down, use compressed air to try and force the water out, and then let it air dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 24-48 hours. Using silica gel packets can help. Do NOT plug it back in until you’re absolutely sure it’s dry.

Can I use wet wipes to clean my keyboard?

You can use electronics-specific wet wipes designed for screens or keyboards, as these are usually low-moisture and residue-free.

Avoid standard household wet wipes, as they often contain moisturizers or chemicals that can leave streaks, residues, or even damage plastic or keycap legends. Always test on an inconspicuous area first. How to master seo

Is it necessary to remove all keycaps for a clean?

For a proper and thorough clean, yes, removing all keycaps is highly recommended. It allows you to access and clean the keyboard plate, switches, and the undersides of the keycaps, where a significant amount of dust and grime accumulates. For a quick surface clean, it’s not strictly necessary, but you won’t achieve the same level of cleanliness.

My keyboard has a non-standard layout. How do I put the keys back correctly?

This is why taking photos before you start is so, so important! Take multiple clear photos of your keyboard from different angles before removing any keycaps.

Use these photos as your map when you’re putting the keycaps back on.

For custom layouts, you might even want to label the keycaps as you remove them, or place them in an organized grid that matches your layout.

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How to clean a mechanical keyboard: FAQ