The 9 Best Keyboard Cleaners of 2023
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Keep dust and crumbs away from your keys
The Spruce / Lecia Landis
Fact checked by Yoona Wagener
Keyboard cleaners can range from a simple microfiber cloth to a mini vacuum, but they are especially helpful for maintaining a clean workspace and increasing the lifespan of your keyboard. Many professional cleaning companies also will not clean a keyboard as it could lead to cross-contamination of germs or the accidental deletion of files and other important information.
To prevent germs from spreading and reduce the need for deep cleaning, Angela Brown, the founder and CEO of Savvy Cleaner, suggests wiping down your laptop, monitor, and keyboard every night after using it. “This simple process [of cleaning a keyboard] takes less than two minutes to do daily and will keep a workstation clean and welcoming and keep the germs at bay,” Brown says.
With Brown's advice in mind, we researched dozens of keyboard cleaner options, evaluating them on ease of use, compatibility, safety, and value. Whether you want a simple microfiber cloth or prefer an electronics-friendly wipe, these are the best keyboard cleaners on the market.
Best Overall: Fesciory Keyboard Cleaning Kit
This keyboard kit is complete with four containers of cleaning gel, two cleaning brushes, a key puller, and a rubber blower.
What We Like
Four gel packs included
Keyboard- and laptop-compatible
Hard and soft bristle brushes
Can also be used for car detailing
What We Don't Like
Gel expires after three months once opened
Small pieces
The Fesciory Keyboard Cleaning Kit is our top pick because it provides everything you need to maintain a clean keyboard and laptop, plus it’s affordable. This set includes two different brushes so you can gently wipe away any debris with the soft brush or scrub at buildup with the hard bristle brush. The key puller makes it easy and safe to remove keys from an external keyboard for a deeper clean, while the microfiber cloth is a gentle approach for cleaning laptops.
The Fesciory set also comes with four containers of cleaning gel, which easily picks up dust and dirt without leaving behind any residue or making your hands feel sticky. Keep in mind that once you’ve opened a container of gel it will expire in three months. The gel can be used multiple times before expiring and is biodegradable, so you don’t have to worry about it sitting in a landfill over time.
In addition to the brushes and key puller, we love that this kit includes a rubber blower, which expels any dust or debris in hard-to-reach places. Because the pieces included in this set are rather small, we suggest storing all of them in a bag out of reach of children or pets who may see them as toys. All in all, we think the Fesciory set offers great value and versatility. We also like that the tools are compatible with both laptops and keyboards.
Price at time of publish: $16
Dimensions: 2.36 x 2.75 inches | Weight/Volume: 5.6 ounces per container | Color: Blue and yellow gel, black and blue cleaning accessories | Items Included: 4 gel containers, 1 key puller, 1 hard bristle brush, 1 soft bristle brush, 1 microfiber cloth, 1 rubber blower
Best Brush: Hagibis Cleaning Soft Brush
This five-in-one keyboard cleaning brush has a key puller and a high-density brush to easily deep-clean your keyboard.
What We Like
Compact
Multifunctional
Affordable
What We Don't Like
Small pieces
A keyboard cleaning brush is a great alternative to sprays and gels, especially when paired with additional helpful accessories. The Hagibis Cleaning Soft Brush is actually four tools in one and comes with a key puller. For general cleaning of your keyboard or laptop, use the larger soft bristle brush to get rid of any dust, then use the metal pin tip to gently remove any stains between keys and the hinge of your laptop. The high-density brush is a practical choice for cleaning between flatter keys on a laptop.
We also love that you can use this cleaning brush to clean earbuds. The flocking sponge is an excellent tool for cleaning headphone charging cases, while the metal pin tip and high-density brush are ideal for cleaning the sound outlet holes on earbuds. However, it’s wise to use caution when cleaning with the metal pin tip, as too much pressure could damage your electronics. While we love that this cleaning brush is compact, it still has several small pieces that could be dangerous if left around small children or pets. Be sure to store this cleaning brush out of reach when not in use.
Price at time of publish: $12
Dimensions: 5.91 x 1.1 x 3.15 inches | Weight/Volume: 0.7 ounces | Color: Black, gray, red | Items Included: Nylon bristle brush, key puller, metal pin tip, high-density brush, flocking sponge
Best Vacuum: Dealswin Store Rechargeable Mini Vacuum Cleaner
This mini handheld vacuum comes with two nozzles to clean laptops and keyboards.
What We Like
Two nozzles included
Lightweight
Affordable
What We Don't Like
Long charging time
Small, handheld vacuums offer an easy way to clean a desk and keyboard quickly. This rechargeable mini vacuum cleaner by Dealswin comes with a USB cable so you can easily plug it into your computer or an adapter. It has 60 minutes of operating time between charges, but it does take three hours to charge fully. When you’re not using this vacuum, it’s compact enough to be stored in a desk drawer. Five volts of electricity power this vacuum and offer ample suction power to pick up any light dust and debris on your keyboard or desk.
Two nozzles come with this vacuum: a flat nozzle and a brush nozzle. You can use the flat nozzle to pick up dirt in the hinge of your laptop and the brush nozzle can gently clean an external keyboard. You could also use this vacuum to clean car seats or a piano.
Price at time of publish: $20
Dimensions: 7.4 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches | Weight/Volume: 2.65 ounces | Color: Black | Items Included: Handheld vacuum, flat nozzle, brush nozzle, charging cord
Best Gel: ColorCoral Universal Dust Cleaner (2-Pack)
This two-pack of universal cleaning gel is a great option to safely clean your computer keyboard.
What We Like
Easy to use
Two-pack
Brush and key puller included
What We Don't Like
Expires after several uses
Scent might not appeal to some
Universal cleaning gel is one of the easiest and most effective dusting tools for keyboards because it requires no additional steps or products. The ColorCoral Universal Dust Cleaner gel is effective, biodegradable, non-irritating, and lightly scented. While this product arrives in sealed containers like other gel alternatives, we love that the manufacturer backs this product with a satisfaction guarantee—which is great if anything goes wrong during shipping,
This two-pack of gels also comes with a cleaning brush and a key puller to deep-clean any keyboard. The manufacturer recommends storing this cleaning gel in a cool, dry place in the provided airtight container when not in use. While this step helps preserve the gel, it isn’t as long-lasting as alternatives. You’ll know it’s time to switch to the next container when the cleaning gel turns a dark blue after several uses.
Price at time of publish: $14
Dimensions: 7.4 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches | Weight/Volume: 5.6 ounces per container | Color: Blue | Items Included: 2 gel containers, double-sided cleaning brush, key puller
Best Multipurpose : SIN SHINE 7-in-1 Electronics Cleaner Kit
This tiny keyboard cleaner has seven tools in one compact case, which is great for any home office setup.
What We Like
Compact
Keyboard- and laptop-compatible
Seven tools in one case
What We Don't Like
Small parts
Expensive
The SIN SHINE 7-in-1 Electronics Cleaner Kit offers the cleaning capabilities of seven different tools in the convenience of one product. A retractable soft bristle brush works on laptops and keyboards, while the mini high-density brush is great for deep cleaning between keys. You can also use the silicone gap cleaning tip to scrub off any built-up dirt between keys or laptop hinges.
The clear plastic cover for the microfiber cloth can also double as a stand for your phone while you clean it. This kit comes with a replacement microfiber cloth, so you also don't have to worry about losing a key component of the kit once the original cloth is too dirty. You can use the mini spray bottle or one of four cleaning wipes to help remove any stubborn fingerprints. Although this cleaning tool is innovative in design, it’s rather expensive for how compact it is. Plus, it has several tiny parts that may be choking hazards for children or pets. Despite these minor concerns, we still think this product is a top-notch tool for anyone looking for all the keyboard cleaning tools they need in one gadget.
Price at time of publish: $20
Dimensions: 3.86 x 1.57 x 2.4 inches | Weight/Volume: 3.84 ounces | Color: Gray, black, orange | Items Included: Retractable brush case with a mini high-density brush and cleaning silicone, 4 cleaning wipes, spray bottle, key puller, 2 microfiber cleaning cloths, mobile phone holder
Best Wipes: Windex Electronics Wipes 25 Count, Pack of 3
These electronics wipes are a convenient cleaning method for making sure your keyboard is germ- and dust-free.
What We Like
Resealable pouch
Streak-free finish
Anti-static
What We Don't Like
Wipes may dry out over time
Electronics wipes are a convenient cleaning product to store in your desk and use at a moment’s notice. Like other single-use electronics cloths, these Windex Electronics Wipes use anti-static material to prevent unwanted shocks after use, leaving a streak-free shine on your computer, tablet, or phone screens. You can use these wipes on screens and keyboards to remove dust, dirt, or fingerprints without causing any damage to your devices because they’re alcohol-free. You can also use them to gently clean your computer mousepad.
We love this three-pack from Windex because it offers 75 cleaning wipes at a reasonable price in convenient, resealable packaging. The separate packages help ensure product longevity. However, the wipes may dry out over time, even with diligent resealing. To prolong the effectiveness, be sure to store any opened packages in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Price at time of publish: $16
Dimensions: 8.5 x 2.63 x 4.44 inches | Weight/Volume: 25 ounces | Color: White | Items Included: 3 packs (75 total wipes)
Best Spray: Miracle Brands MiracleSpray for Electronics
Electronics spray, similar to wipes, is an effective dust cleaner and general germ cleaner for keyboards and laptops.
What We Like
Microfiber cloth included
Streak-free finish
Ammonia-free
What We Don't Like
Not an effective gap cleaner
An electronics cleaning spray is another worthy alternative to wipes or gel cleaners. This 16-ounce bottle of the MiracleSpray for Electronics works on various screens and gadgets, including keyboards. To use this electronics spray, simply spray the solution onto the provided microfiber cloth and wipe down any of your electronics.
This spray is ammonia-free and anti-static, so it won’t cause damage to the surface of your laptop or keyboard as typical all-purpose cleaners may. While we love that this spray offers a streak-free finish, it’s not the best option for deep cleaning between keys or deep crevices on any electronics. However, we still recommend this spray as a great general cleaning tool for wiping down laptops and keyboards.
Price at time of publish: $15
Dimensions: 9 x 2 x 6 inches | Weight/Volume: 19 ounces | Color: Not applicable | Items Included: 1 16-ounce spray bottle, microfiber cloth
Best Compressed Gas: Falcon Dust Off Compressed Cleaning Gas
This compressed gas can expel dust and particles that have settled between the keys in your keyboard.
What We Like
Easy to use
Effective
Especially helpful for large external keyboards
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Could run out quickly
Compressed air offers an effective way to expel dust and lint from your keyboard and computer vents. The Falcon Dust Off Compressed Cleaning Gas comes in a spray can that’s easy to use and includes a plastic wand for precise aim. To use the air, squeeze the trigger on the can and aim 3 to 4 inches away from the surface of the keyboard.
We love how compressed gas can also be an essential cleaning tool for external keyboards that have larger and deeper key gaps where dust and crumbs are especially tricky to clean out. While this product is convenient, and we appreciate its easy-to-store size, we wish it was less expensive for the amount included in the can. Despite this cost concern, it’s still a relatively inexpensive option for cleaning your computer and keyboard.
Price at time of publish: $13
Dimensions: 2.13 x 2.13 x 6 inches | Weight/Volume: 3.5 ounces | Color: Not applicable | Items Included: Spray can, plastic wand/straw
Best Cloth: UPPERCASE GhostBlanket Screen Protector for MacBooks
This microfiber cloth, specifically designed for cleaning laptops, is a great option for cleaning smudges and fingerprints.
What We Like
Durable material
Can be stored inside a laptop
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
May not be as effective on external keyboards
If you don’t want to deal with sprays, wipes, or brushes, a microfiber cloth is a simple and effective cleaning tool for laptop keyboards and screens. We like this UPPERCASE GhostBlanket Screen Protector for MacBooks because it can be used as a protective layer between a keyboard and screen to prevent unnecessary smudging and imprints. It also fits other 13- to 15-inch laptops from brands including Dell and Microsoft.
If your screen or keyboard needs additional cleaning, gently wipe the cloth against the surface of the keyboard and screen (but first turn off your laptop) to remove any built-up smudges and fingerprints. Although a microfiber cloth is a convenient option for flat laptop keyboards, it may not be best for cleaning gaps in external keyboards with removable keys.
Price at time of publish: $11
Dimensions: 11.42 x 0.02 x 7.32 inches for 13- and 14-inch laptops or 13.19 x 0.02 x 8.43 inches for 15-inch laptops | Weight: 1.13 ounces | Color: Gray | Items Included: Microfiber cloth
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is the Fesciory Keyboard Cleaning Kit because it includes all the necessary tools that you could need for properly cleaning a laptop or keyboard. If you want to keep all your cleaning supplies in one place, check out our best multipurpose pick, the SIN SHINE 7-in-1 Electronics Cleaner Kit, which has seven separate tools that all snap into one small container.
What to Look for in a Keyboard Cleaner
Compatibility
Before purchasing any products, you should consider what type of tools and cleaners you might need for your particular style of keyboard. A laptop keyboard, which typically features flatter keys, is more compatible with cleaners like microfiber cloths, wipes, sprays, and soft bristle brushes.
An external keyboard attached to a laptop or personal computer (PC) will be better cleaned with a hard bristle brush, cleaning gel, or compressed air. Cleaning gels, like our best gel pick, the Color Coral Universal Dust Cleaner, are typically universal in the case that you would like to clean both a laptop and an external keyboard. If you have an external keyboard with removable caps, you may want to look for a kit, like our best overall pick, the Fesciory Keyboard Cleaning Kit, which has a key puller to remove keys safely.
Safety
While many sites recommend using rubbing alcohol to clean keyboards, there have been reports that alcohol can damage keys, making them sticky and no longer functional. To avoid this, we recommend always checking your laptop or keyboard’s user manual or searching the manufacturer’s website for cleaning best practices. Our best wipes pick, the Windex Electronics Wipes, are alcohol-free to ensure a damage-free and streak-free clean.
Similarly, some manufacturers advise against using compressed air on their keyboards as it can cause damage. If you’re unsure what’s best to use on your particular keyboard, a microfiber cloth or cleaning gel are both effective and safe options.
Effectiveness
If you’re looking for a keyboard cleaner that will also disinfect your keys, we recommend purchasing wipes or a spray, which often includes disinfecting ingredients. To remove grime and buildup between keys, consider cleaning with a combination of a hard bristle brush and a cleaning gel or a mini vacuum cleaner. A microfiber cloth is always a great option for spot cleaning and removing smudges and fingerprints.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I safely remove keyboard keys for cleaning?
The process of removing keys from a keyboard will vary depending on your keyboard style. A key puller, often sold in keyboard cleaning kits, is a great tool for gently removing keys on external keyboards. For larger keys, like the space bar, you can also use your fingernail on one end to gently lift the key from its mount. It’s always a good idea to consult your keyboard manufacturer’s manual before attempting to disassemble the keyboard. You also shouldn’t remove keys on a built-in laptop keyboard at home. If you’re having any issues with a laptop keyboard, take it to a technology specialist or contact the manufacturer.
How does keyboard cleaning gel work?
Keyboard cleaning gel is a sticky, often biodegradable gel that works by picking up dust and other particles off the surface of a keyboard. Most formulas do not leave behind any form of residue and do not stick to the skin. Some brands may offer scented cleaning gels. Cleaning gels typically last up to three months after the seal on their container is broken, but it’s best to store any cleaning gel in a cool, dry place to prevent it from drying out.
Can I use cleaning wipes on my keyboard?
If you prefer to clean your keyboard and other electronic devices with wipes, be sure the wipes use a formula safe for electronics. Brands like Windex and Miracle sell specifically formulated anti-static and alcohol-free wipes. Electronics wipes are often still formulated with disinfectants, so you can be sure your keyboard is receiving a thorough cleaning.
How do I keep my keyboard clean?
You can keep your keyboard clean by dusting it and wiping it after every time you use it. According to Angela Brown, the founder and CEO of Savvy Cleaner, for most people, that’s every day. Brown’s preferred method for cleaning keyboards is first to dust the keyboard with an electrostatic duster to remove any initial dust and crumbs. Then, dampen a clean cloth and fold it in four squares (in half, and then in half again), spray one side of the cloth with cleaner, and wipe the keyboard and all the buttons.
If you’re cleaning an entire home office system (a keyboard, monitor, and laptop), Brown recommends switching through each “square” you’ve created in your folded cleaning cloth to prevent spreading germs and other dirt you pick up as you clean your workspace.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Emma Phelps, an associate commerce editor for The Spruce. Phelps has experience researching and reviewing the best tech products on the market. She researched top-rated cleaning products based on their effectiveness, compatibility, universality, and ease of use. From this list of highly-rated products, Phelps then selected products you see in this roundup based on their performance in their applicable category and overall value. She also has extensive experience writing about cleaning best practices and interviewing cleaning professionals.
She also spoke with Angela Brown, the founder and CEO of Savvy Cleaner, whose expertise offered insight into how to best clean laptops and keyboards at home. Brown is an author, podcast host, and YouTube channel host. She’s also a “cleanfluencer” who trains house cleaners and maids in 31 countries.
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