A laptop keyboard collects more than you'd expect: crumbs, dust, skin oils and the occasional drop of coffee. Unlike a desktop keyboard, it sits directly above the computer's electronics, so cleaning it calls for a gentle approach. Always check your manufacturer's guidance first, as some recommend specific products or methods.
What you'll need
- A soft, lint-free microfibre cloth
- A can of compressed air or a small electric air blower
- A soft brush (a clean make-up or paint brush works)
- Isopropyl alcohol wipes or a little isopropyl alcohol, if the manufacturer allows it
- Cotton swabs
Step 1: Power down
Shut the laptop down completely and unplug it. Never clean a keyboard while the machine is on or charging.
Step 2: Remove loose debris
Turn the laptop upside down, or tilt it at an angle, and gently tap the base so crumbs fall out. Then use short bursts of compressed air between the keys, holding the can upright and working across the keyboard row by row. A soft brush helps lift dust from the edges.
Step 3: Wipe the keys
Lightly dampen the cloth — never pour liquid onto the keyboard. Wipe each key and the surrounding area, then use a barely damp cotton swab for the gaps. Wring out anything that drips.
Step 4: Let it dry
Leave the laptop open and off for a few minutes so any moisture evaporates before you switch it on.
Dealing with sticky keys
A key that sticks often has debris trapped underneath. Try compressed air from different angles first. Some keycaps can be removed, but laptop key mechanisms are delicate and differ between models; if you aren't sure, leave it to a repair service.
If you spill something
Switch off and unplug immediately, turn the laptop upside down in a tent shape to drain, and let it dry for at least a day before trying it. For sugary drinks or if anything behaves oddly afterwards, have it checked professionally.
Things to avoid
- Spraying cleaners directly onto the keys
- Household cleaners with bleach or abrasives
- Vacuum cleaners with strong suction near small keycaps
A quick weekly wipe keeps grime from building up. If you're thinking of adding an external keyboard with lighting, our guide to RGB and ARGB lighting explains the options.
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