How to Clean & Maintain Your Mechanical Keyboard (Easy Guide)
A clean board feels better, sounds better, and lasts longer. Here’s a safe, no-stress routine to keep your **mechanical keyboard** in top shape.
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## What You’ll Need
- **Keycap puller** (wire style preferred)
- **Soft brush** / anti-static brush
- **Compressed air** (short bursts)
- **Microfiber cloth**
- **Isopropyl alcohol (70–99%)** for spot cleaning
- (Optional) **Switch puller** for hot-swap boards
- (Optional) **Lube kit** for stabilizers/switches
> Avoid household cleaners, paper towels (fibers), and water on the PCB.
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## Quick Routine (1–2 minutes)
- Power off / unplug.
- Turn the board sideways and **gently brush** debris out.
- **Microfiber wipe** across the keycaps and case.
- Spot clean oily keys with a cloth **lightly dampened** with isopropyl.
Do this a few times per week to prevent buildup.
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## Monthly Deep Clean (15–30 minutes)
1. **Remove keycaps** using a wire puller. Store them in a small bowl.
2. **Dust & air**: Use a soft brush + short, controlled bursts of compressed air.
3. **Case & plate**: Wipe with a microfiber; stubborn spots → a drop of isopropyl.
4. **Keycaps bath** (PBT/ABS): soak in **warm soapy water** (no boiling), rinse, and **air-dry fully** (at least 6–12 h).
- Dye-sub/doubleshot legends are safe; avoid harsh chemicals.
5. **Reinstall** keycaps according to your layout (take a phone photo beforehand).
> Never soak the keyboard itself. Liquids + PCB = risk.
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## Stabilizers & Sound (Optional)
- Rattly **space/enter**? Remove the keycap and check the stabilizer.
- Add a **tiny** amount of appropriate lube to stab wires/contact points.
- If your board supports it, consider **pre-lubed stabilizers** or a foam mod for a deeper “thock”.
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## Switch Care (Hot-swap boards)
- Pull a noisy/gritty switch with a **switch puller** and reseat it.
- For advanced users: open and lube switches **sparingly**; avoid lube in the leaf/contact.
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## Spills: What To Do
1. **Unplug immediately.**
2. Turn upside down and **let it drain**; blot with microfiber.
3. Remove keycaps; clean residue with isopropyl on a cotton swab.
4. **Air-dry 24–48 h** before testing. If sticky, repeat cleaning.
5. Sugary drinks are hardest—patience is key.
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## Long-Term Tips
- Keep food/liquids away (or use a **desk mat**).
- Use **PBT keycaps** to resist shine.
- Store dust-free; cover when not in use.
- Replace worn keycaps for a fresh feel → [Shop Keycaps](/collections/keycaps)
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## Quick Checklist
- □ Weekly wipe & brush
- □ Monthly deep clean + keycap wash
- □ Check stabilizers & loose keycaps
- □ Keep a small **cleaning kit** at your desk
Upgrade your feel and sound with durable sets → **[Keycaps](/collections/keycaps)**
Need tools? Grab a **puller/brush** here → **[Accessories](/collections/accessories)**