And today’s tip?
How to clean your keyboard—especially if you're like me and spend hours each day in front of a screen.
Why a Clean Keyboard Matters
Your keyboard is one of the most-used items in your workspace—and usually one of the dirtiest. Whether you're at home or in a hotdesking environment, hygiene matters.
I’ve worked in enough shared offices to know how bad things can get. Let’s just say there were days I seriously considered bringing my own peripherals into work. (We’ll save those stories for another day.)
The Problem: No Wipes, No Problem
So here’s the scenario: I ran out of cleaning wipes. Not ideal.
Sure, I could’ve just ordered more and waited—but I don’t like to compromise my work environment. It’s my space for focus and peace, and I like to keep it tidy.
That led me down the rabbit hole of “how to clean your keyboard without wipes.”
The Unexpected Solution: WD-40?
While searching for ways to clean my keyboard without wipes, I came across something unexpected: WD-40.
I know—it’s usually thought of as a lubricant or rust remover, not something you’d associate with cleaning electronics. At first, I didn’t take it seriously. But after some research, I found that WD-40® Specialist® Contact Cleaner is actually designed for safely cleaning electrical components.
So I gave it a try.
I applied a small amount to a microfiber cloth (never directly onto the keyboard!) and carefully cleaned the keys and surface. To my surprise, it worked really well—lifting grime without any stickiness or damage. It dried quickly too, which is important when dealing with electronics.
If you’re out of wipes and need a reliable alternative, WD-40’s contact cleaner is worth considering. Just make sure you’re using the right product—not the classic blue-can version.
Quick Tips: How to Clean Your Keyboard (Safely)
Here’s a simple method that works, whether you’ve got wipes or not:
- Turn off your device or unplug the keyboard.
- Shake out the crumbs — turn it upside down and gently tap.
- Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust.
- Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol or WD-40 (spray on the cloth, not the keyboard).
- Wipe each key gently.
- Let it dry completely before plugging it back in.
Final Thoughts
If you take pride in your workspace like I do, keeping your keyboard clean is a small but meaningful habit.
I’ll be sharing more practical tips like this soon—so whether you're a techie or just looking for smart ways to look after your gear, feel free to stick around.
And if you’ve got your own cleaning hacks, I’d love to hear them.
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