How to Clean Keycaps

Keycaps are integral to any keyboard, so keeping them clean and in good condition is essential.

To clean keycaps effectively, immerse them in water. This will disinfect them and strip away any oils that have built up on them.

1. Soak them in water

If your keyboard keycaps are dirty, it’s time for a deep clean. Soaking them in water will help loosen any dirt or stains that have built up on the keycaps.

To keep your keycaps as clean as possible when placed back on your keyboard, soak them in a bowl with warm water and dish soap.

After 30 minutes, remove the keycaps from the bowl and rinse them thoroughly to remove any leftover dirt or grease trapped within their plastic case.

The next step is to dry them off thoroughly. Doing this will protect your computer from water damage caused by water left behind on the keycaps.

2. Soak them in isopropyl alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is an ideal way to clean your keycaps deep. It will eliminate germs, oils, and sticky debris that has built up on them. Plus, it evaporates quickly, so there’s no waiting around for it to dry completely.

Before you begin, gather the necessary cleaning supplies. A soft cloth can be used to wipe down the keyboard’s surface, and a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution will effectively eliminate dirt and grime from its keys.

If the keys are still dirty, use compressed air to remove debris. However, this method should only be attempted occasionally as it could potentially harm the electronics inside of your keyboard.

3. Soak them in rubbing alcohol

When you need to clean your keys, dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol is an effective way to get rid of dirt and grime. Plus, this method dries quickly without leaving traces on the keyboard.

Swabbing each key with a cotton swab can help clean its keys, especially between the keycaps. While this process may take several cotton swabs to disinfect your keyboard thoroughly, the results will be worth it.

Before soaking your keycaps in rubbing alcohol, it’s wise to test a small area for damage. For instance, dip a cotton swab into the solution and then place it on the surface of your keyboard.

Next, soak the keycaps in hot water with dishwashing detergent or add a denture tablet. Soak for several hours, then rinse them thoroughly. This is also an ideal time to clean around the switches.

4. Dry them off

Keycaps can become dirty and discolored over time due to regular usage. They may also become sticky if you spill liquids such as water, coffee, or other drinks onto them.

Before placing your keys back on the keyboard, thoroughly dry them. Even a slight amount of moisture can cause damage to both keycaps and the keyboard itself. This step is essential for effective cleaning.

To clean keyboards, the best method is to place them upside down and shake them vigorously. Additionally, shooting compressed air into the keyboard can help remove any dust particles or fingerprints that have formed.

Next, soak your keycaps in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes. Be sure not to overheat, as this could warp ABS plastic. After that has dried completely, rinse them thoroughly with clean water.