Keyboards and mice accumulate more bacteria per square centimetre than a toilet seat — studies consistently show this. A quick clean takes 5 minutes and significantly reduces germ transfer, especially relevant during cold and flu season.
Keyboard — Cleaning Steps
- Unplug the keyboard or turn off Bluetooth — never clean a powered device
- Turn upside down and gently shake to dislodge loose crumbs and debris
- Use a can of compressed air (held upright) or a small vacuum with a brush attachment to blast or suck debris from between the keys
- Dampen a cotton swab or microfibre cloth with isopropyl alcohol (70%) — wring it out thoroughly so it's barely damp
- Wipe each key individually — the top surface and sides
- Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol for the gaps between keys
- Wipe the flat deck of the keyboard with the cloth
- Allow to dry completely before reconnecting (a few minutes with isopropyl alcohol)
Mouse — Cleaning Steps
- Unplug or disconnect Bluetooth
- Wipe the top and sides with a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol
- Use a cotton swab to clean the scroll wheel — spin it while cleaning to reach all surfaces
- Clean the optical sensor on the bottom with a dry cotton swab — oil from hands can affect tracking accuracy
- Wipe the bottom padding
- Allow to dry before use
Tips
- Never spray liquid directly onto a keyboard — always apply to the cloth first
- For mechanical keyboards: keycaps can be removed and soaked in warm soapy water (not the keyboard body) — allow 24 hours to dry before reinstalling
- Clean weekly if you eat near your keyboard or use it during illness
- A keyboard cover ($5–$15 for most laptop and desktop keyboard sizes) is the most effective prevention — it's machine washable