How to Clean Your Keyboard & Mouse
Step-by-step keyboard and mouse cleaning — weekly quick cleans, monthly deep cleans, and the supplies you need to keep your peripherals hygienic and responsive.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Keyboards and mice accumulate skin oils, dust, food crumbs, and bacteria with daily use. Studies have found keyboards harboring more bacteria per square inch than a toilet seat. Beyond hygiene, grime buildup affects performance — sticky keys, grinding scroll wheels, and sluggish mouse tracking are all symptoms of a dirty peripheral.
Cleaning a Keyboard
Quick Clean (Weekly, 5 Minutes)
Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it over a trash can to dislodge loose debris. Use a can of compressed air to blast crumbs from between the keys. Wipe the keycap surfaces with a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration). Don't spray liquid directly onto the keyboard.
Deep Clean (Monthly or Quarterly)
Unplug the keyboard. If it has mechanical switches with removable keycaps, use a keycap puller (included with most mechanical keyboards) to remove all keycaps. Soak keycaps in warm water with a drop of dish soap for 30 minutes, then dry completely before reassembly. Clean the exposed switch plate with compressed air and a soft brush. For the keyboard housing, wipe with isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth.
Cleaning a Mouse
Quick Clean (Weekly)
Wipe the shell with isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth. Pay attention to the scroll wheel — rotate it while cleaning to dislodge grime from the sensor slot. Clean the mouse feet (the PTFE pads on the bottom) with a dry cloth — accumulated desk dust on the feet causes friction and uneven gliding.
Deep Clean (Monthly)
Turn the mouse over and use a toothpick or compressed air to clean the optical sensor well. Hair and dust on the sensor window can cause tracking jitter. For the scroll wheel, use compressed air directed at the gap between the wheel and housing. If your mouse has removable side panels or weights, take them out and clean the contact surfaces.
Recommended Cleaning Supplies
| Supply | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Isopropyl alcohol (70%) | Surface disinfection, grease removal | Don't use on screens — only keyboards and mice |
| Compressed air can | Blasting debris from crevices | Hold upright to avoid propellant spray |
| Microfiber cloth | Wiping surfaces without scratching | Reusable — wash weekly |
| Keycap puller | Removing keycaps for deep cleaning | Included with most mechanical keyboards |
| Soft brush (old toothbrush) | Scrubbing around switches | Dry use only — no water on the PCB |
Keyboard Cleaning Kit
$Compressed air + keycap puller + brush — everything for a deep clean
- Compressed air can
- Wire keycap puller
- Cleaning brush set
- Microfiber cloths
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my mechanical keycaps in a dishwasher?
It's possible but risky. The heat and detergent can warp or discolor certain plastics, especially ABS keycaps with printed legends. Hand washing in warm soapy water is safer and just as effective.
How often should I deep-clean my keyboard?
Every 1–3 months depending on your environment. If you eat at your desk or have pets, monthly cleaning prevents buildup from becoming a problem.