Buzz
My keyboard, just like yours, tends to get quite dirty. From constant use and traveling to eating over it, debris builds up between the keys. I don’t have a can of compressed air or a cleaning kit to deal with it, so I searched for simple and effective cleaning hacks. After experimenting, I found a solution that worked perfectly for me.
Use a Toothbrush to Clean Your Computer Keyboard
After doing some research, I found two common methods for cleaning keyboard gaps without compressed air: one is to use an old toothbrush, and the other is a small, soft brush like a makeup brush. I have both of these on hand, but I know that not everyone has a makeup brush readily available, so I chose the toothbrush option instead.
I was initially concerned that getting the toothbrush slightly damp might harm my keyboard, but after doing some research, I discovered that dry bristles can easily remove solid debris like crumbs and dust. I would only need to wet the brush if I encountered any sticky areas.
First, make sure your computer is off and unplugged. I also placed a paper towel down to catch any debris. Initially, I thought I could simply sweep the toothbrush across the keys, letting the bristles catch and dislodge the dirt. However, I quickly realized that wasn’t enough. I had to go row by row, carefully angling the brush so the bristles were tight and the tip could reach into the tiny spaces around each key. It took more time than expected, and each row needed several passes to remove all the crumbs. Eventually, the crumbs started collecting in the gaps, and I was able to brush them onto the paper towel.
Unfortunately, the dry bristles didn’t work as well as I had hoped, so I had to slightly dampen the brush and try again. I counted five droplets of water to dampen the bristles (yes, I counted them). I didn’t want to risk damaging my computer since it cost a lot. After shaking out the brush to make sure it was only lightly damp, I repeated the brushing process. This time, more dirt came loose. Once I had gathered several piles of debris, I used a wet wipe to clean them up. The keyboard looked much better, but when I powered it back on, the backlight revealed a few crumbs still hiding. I used the dry brush again, and with the light shining from behind the keys, it was much easier to get those last bits. I pushed everything onto my paper towel. You can see the final result at the top of this page.
Final Thoughts on Keyboard Cleaning
In the end, the cleaning method worked well, though it took more time and effort than I had anticipated. It demands precision, patience, and focus, but it’s a task that’s worth completing.
When I pitched this idea, Mytour's managing editor Meghan Walbert mentioned that she regularly uses a Q-Tip for basic keyboard upkeep. She shared that when used consistently, it helps clear dust from around the keys, preventing it from eventually falling into the cracks and making it harder to clean. It might be a good idea to keep a few Q-Tips handy for quick spot cleaning between more thorough sessions with the toothbrush.
If you’re going to try the toothbrush technique, there's one more thing to consider: not all brushes are equally effective for this task. I used the one I had on hand, which had large rubber bristles surrounding the regular bristles, but I wouldn't recommend that. Instead, look for a brush with firm, hard bristles and no extra rubber or silicone parts on the head, like these. If the only option you have is a brush with rubber bits, don’t worry. I managed just fine with it, though it was a bit more challenging.
