Luxia Le

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Most people don’t know that they need to clean their keyboards. Standard membrane keyboards are typically difficult or impossible to disassemble. In many of these devices, you can’t remove the keycaps to clean underneath them. However, mechanical keyboards are different. They feature modular keycaps that can be removed and swapped out for different sets if desired. Thus, it’s possible for users of mechanical keyboards to take them apart and clean them. Here’s how to do that.

What You Need to Clean Your Mechanical Keyboard

• Keycap Puller
• Brush
• Compressed Air (Optional)
• Q-Tips
• Rubbing Alcohol (90%, Optional)

Step 1: Remove the Keycaps

The first thing you’ll want to do is remove the keycaps to access the backplate underneath them. Underneath the keycaps is where all the gross stuff that gets in your keyboard sits. Pet hair, human hair, crumbs, and anything that gets spilled on or near your keyboard could be lurking beneath your keycaps.

Step 2: Brush Debris Off the Backplate

Start by using a soft-bristled brush to loosen and remove large debris from the backplate. If you have any pets, you’re sure to find some fur, dust will also gather on the backplate and sometimes this dust can be electrically conductive, which can cause circuitry issues if not cleaned away. Typically, the dust won’t get into the sockets if you have hot-swappable keyboard.

Step 3: Blow Dust Out with Compressed Air

Once you’ve gotten most of the large debris off the backplate, you’ll want to take a can of compressed air or a compressed air vacuum and blow the smaller debris off the backplate.

Step 4: Wipe Away Any Grime with a Q-Tip

If you notice any grimy spots on your backplate, between the switches, or even on the keycaps, you can wipe the grime away with a q-tip. If necessary, rubbing alcohol will help you break down the grime and wipe it away without leaving any residue. Do not pour rubbing alcohol directly on your keyboard. Instead, dip the q-tips in the rubbing alcohol and apply it that way. Rubbing alcohol is still a liquid and can damage your keyboard if used too liberally.

Step 5: Reassemble the Keyboard

Now you’ll want to put the keycaps back on. If you took any switches out, reseat them on the board before you start putting the keycaps back on to promote seamless use.