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Mechanical keyboards collect dust, crumbs, and debris faster than most people realize. A keyboard that's been in daily use for six months looks very different on the inside than it did out of the box. Regular cleaning keeps it performing well and looking sharp.
Basic Cleaning (Weekly or Monthly)
Start with a can of compressed air. Tilt the keyboard at an angle and blow out the gaps between keycaps. This removes most of the loose debris without taking anything apart.
A soft brush — a clean paintbrush or a dedicated keyboard brush — helps dislodge anything stuck in the corners. Wipe down the keycaps with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Avoid anything with harsh chemicals that could damage the legends.
Deep Cleaning (Every Few Months)
Pull the keycaps off using a keycap puller. Don't use your fingers — it puts stress on the switch stems and can damage them over time. Once the keycaps are off, soak them in warm water with a small amount of dish soap for 30–60 minutes, then rinse and let them dry completely before putting them back.
With the keycaps removed, clean the plate and PCB area with compressed air and a brush. If you have a hot-swap board, you can also pull switches out to clean underneath them.
Dealing with Spills
If liquid gets into the keyboard, unplug it immediately. Don't press any keys. Flip it upside down and let it drain. Leave it to dry for at least 48 hours before plugging it back in. For anything beyond water, the PCB may need more careful attention.
Keeping It in Good Shape
A desk mat helps. It keeps the bottom of the keyboard clean and reduces the amount of dust that gets pulled in from the surface. Washing your hands before long typing sessions also makes a real difference in how long keycaps stay clean.
ClackStash carries cleaning accessories and tools that make maintenance easier — because a well-kept keyboard is one that lasts.
