Keyboards and mice accumulate more bacteria per square centimetre than most surfaces in the home — they are touched constantly, rarely cleaned, and crumbs and dust work their way into every gap. A monthly clean takes 10 minutes.
Keyboard — Removing Debris
- Unplug the keyboard or turn it off (for wireless)
- Turn it upside down and gently tap — an amount of debris will fall out that may surprise you
- Use a can of compressed air to blow out debris from between the keys — hold the can upright and use short bursts, working in rows across the keyboard
- Tilt the keyboard at different angles while using compressed air to dislodge debris from under keys
Keyboard — Cleaning Surfaces
- Dampen a microfibre cloth or cotton pad lightly with isopropyl alcohol (70%) — not dripping
- Wipe the top surfaces of all keys and the surrounding deck
- Use a cotton swab dampened in alcohol to clean the sides of keys and the gaps between them
- Allow to dry fully before plugging back in — alcohol evaporates quickly so this usually takes only a few minutes
Mouse
- Turn off or unplug the mouse
- Wipe the top and sides with a cloth dampened in isopropyl alcohol
- Use a cotton swab to clean around the scroll wheel and the seam between the top and bottom shells — these areas trap skin oil and debris
- Turn the mouse over and clean the sensor area and feet with a dry cloth — debris on the feet affects smooth movement on the pad
Mechanical Keyboard Key Caps
For a deeper clean on mechanical keyboards:
- Remove keycaps with a keycap puller
- Soak in warm soapy water for 30 minutes, agitate gently, rinse, and dry completely — allow 24 hours to dry before reinstalling
- Clean the exposed switch area and PCB with compressed air and a dry brush
Tips
- Avoid eating over the keyboard — crumbs work deep into the mechanism and are nearly impossible to fully remove
- A keyboard cover (silicone dust cover) keeps dust and crumbs out when not in use
- Clean monthly, or more frequently if used in a food-adjacent workspace