How to clean your keyboard with the best products, per an expert

Thinking about all the germs they store can put your head in a tailspin when it comes to your daily devices (smartphones, E-readers, tablets, laptops, etc.).

To help us all stay as safe and healthy as possible, we wanted to gather information on the best way to keep one of the dirtiest tech accessories sanitized: the keyboard.

Let’s face it there’s nothing grosser than a grimy keyboard, and while you may have never thought about how to clean it properly, we have. We’ve got your back — and the best way to clean a keyboard.

The New York Post spoke with Wendy Spander, Logitech head of global communications, personal workspace and Logitech for education, on the best way to clean external keyboards. We also turned to the Apple support page for built-in keyboards (aka how to clean your laptop keyboard).

How to clean your keyboard:

Here are a few things to note before jumping in:

If your device is cabled, always unplug your device from your computer first.
If your device has user-replaceable batteries, remove the batteries.
Be sure to switch off your device and then wait five to 10 seconds before starting to clean. Don’t put cleaning liquids directly on your device.
For devices that are not waterproof, keep moisture to a minimum and avoid any liquid dripping or seeping into the device.
When using cleaning products such as spray cleaners, spray a cloth and wipe — do not spray to clean the keyboard directly.
Never submerge the device in a liquid, cleaning or otherwise.
Don’t use bleach, acetone or nail polish remover, strong solvents, or abrasives.

Here is the best way to clean a keyboard, according to Spander:

Use regular tap water to lightly moisten a soft, lint-free cloth, then gently wipe down the keys.
Use compressed air to remove any loose debris and dust between the keys. If you do not have compressed air available, you can also use the cold air setting on your hair dryer.
Then lightly wipe down the keys using fragrance-free disinfecting wipes, fragrance-free anti-bacterial wet wipes, makeup-removing tissue or alcohol swabs containing less than 25% concentration of alcohol.

Is it OK to use a disinfectant product on a laptop?

Apple recommends using a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75% ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your Apple product, such as the display, keyboard or other exterior surfaces.

Don’t use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any opening, and don’t submerge your Apple product or any other laptop in any cleaning agents.

The best products to keep your keyboard clean

1. Puomue 6 Pack Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, $9

Amazon

Use one of these microfiber cleaning clothes with a bit of water to gently wipe down the keys. This set comes in a pack of six.

2. iDuster Compressed Air Duster, $19

This set of two cans of compressed air is made explicitly for electronics and claims to blast away 99% of dust.

3. Cleaning Gel Universal Dust Cleaner, $6

This infamous dust cleaner is ideal for surface grim in and on your keyboard. For just $6, you can’t go wrong.

4. MiracleWipes for Electronics, $17

While not specifically for keyboards, these Microfiber clothes are specially made for electronics and great for any screens as they leave a streak-free shine.