Your mechanical keyboard’s keycaps are more than just aesthetic accents—they’re the frontline warriors against daily wear, oils, and grime. Over time, dust settles, fingerprints accumulate, and even crumbs find their way beneath the keys. Regular cleaning isn’t just about looks; it’s about performance, hygiene, and longevity.

But how do you clean keycaps properly? Can you toss them in the dishwasher for a quick fix? Is alcohol safe to use, or will it damage the plastic? How often should you deep-clean them, and what’s the best way to dry keycaps without warping? In this guide, we’ll debunk myths, compare methods (from ultrasonic cleaners to UV sterilization), and walk you through a step-by-step cleaning process to keep your keycaps—and your keyboard—feeling like new.

Whether you’re a daily typist, a competitive gamer, or a keyboard enthusiast, a little maintenance goes a long way. Let’s dive in.

 

How to clean your mechanical keyboard keycaps?

Cleaning your keycaps might seem simple, but doing it the right way ensures they stay pristine without damage. Whether you’re dealing with greasy fingerprints, dust buildup, or stubborn grime, follow this safe, effective method to restore your keycaps to like-new condition.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, gather these tools:

• Keycap puller (or a flat tool like a butter knife in a pinch)
• Warm water (not boiling)
• Mild dish soap (avoid harsh detergents)
• Soft-bristle toothbrush or keycap brush
• Microfiber cloth
• Optional: Isopropyl alcohol (70%+), compressed air

Step 1: Remove the Keycaps

1. Take a photo of your keyboard layout to avoid reassembly headaches.

2. Use a keycap puller to gently lift keys off the switches. For stubborn keys (like spacebars), wiggle slowly to avoid bending stabilizers.

• Pro Tip: Group keycaps by row (e.g., F-keys, home row) to simplify cleaning.

Step 2: Pre-Clean Loose Debris

• Shake keycaps in a colander or mesh bag to dislodge crumbs.
• Use compressed air to blast dust from hard-to-reach corners.

Step 3: Soak and Scrub

1. Fill a bowl with warm water (not hot—high heat can warp plastic) and add a few drops of mild soap.

2. Soak keycaps for 10–15 minutes to loosen grime.

• For ABS keycaps: Reduce soak time to 5–10 minutes (ABS is more prone to shine).

3. Gently scrub each keycap with a soft brush, paying attention to textured surfaces (e.g., homing bars on F/J keys).

• For sticky residue: Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and spot-clean.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

1. Rinse keycaps under lukewarm water to remove soap residue.

2. Dry thoroughly:

• Air-dry on a microfiber cloth overnight (key side down).
• Speed it up: Use a low-heat blow dryer (keep it 12+ inches away).
• Never reassemble damp keycaps—moisture can damage switches!

Step 5: Clean the Keyboard Base

While keycaps dry:

• Wipe the keyboard plate with a microfiber cloth dampened with alcohol.
• Use a cotton swab to clean switch housings.

Step 6: Reattach Keycaps

• Refer to your layout photo to avoid mistakes.
• Press firmly until each keycap clicks into place.

Pro Tips for Different Keycap Materials

• PBT keycaps: More durable; tolerate longer soaks.
• ABS keycaps: Clean gently to avoid shine.
• Painted/Dye-Sub Keycaps: Avoid alcohol to prevent fading.

What Not to Do

❌ Dishwashers/washing machines: Agitation and heat can warp keycaps.

❌ Acetone/bleach: Will melt or discolor plastic.

❌ Scrubbing pads: Scratch surfaces.

If you’re tired of ABS keycaps developing shine after frequent cleaning, consider upgrading to textured PBT keycaps—they resist oils and wear far better. Explore our premium PBT keycaps collection for options that stay cleaner and last longer.

 

Can You Wash Keycaps in a Dishwasher or Washing Machine?

The idea of tossing your keycaps into a dishwasher or washing machine for a "hands-off" clean might sound tempting—but is it actually safe? Let’s break down the risks, potential workarounds, and why most enthusiasts recommend against it.

The Short Answer: Not Recommended

While some keyboard owners claim to have successfully machine-washed their keycaps, the risks far outweigh the convenience:

1. Heat Damage

• Dishwashers use hot water (60°C/140°F+) and steam, which can:
  • Warp thinner ABS keycaps.
  • Loosen adhesive on printed/dye-sublimated legends.

2. Harsh Detergents

• Dishwasher tablets/powders contain abrasive chemicals that may:
  • Dull glossy finishes.
  • Fade colors over time.

3. Physical Stress

• High-pressure water jets can knock keycaps around, causing:
  • Chips or cracks in delicate edges.
  • Broken stems (especially on longer keys like spacebars).

• Agitation from the spin cycle can turn keycaps into projectiles, damaging both the keys and your machine.
• Lint/fabric softener residue can stick to keycap textures.

When Machine Washing Might Be Acceptable

• You’re cleaning ultra-cheap, replaceable keycaps (e.g., a $10 set).
• You’re willing to accept potential damage (e.g., for a science experiment).

Otherwise, save yourself the headache—hand-wash for the win.

 

How Often Should You Wash Keycaps?

Keycap cleaning frequency depends on usage, environment, and material. Here’s a practical guide to keeping your keyboard hygienic without over-cleaning:

1. General Cleaning Frequency Guidelines

User Type	Surface Cleaning (Wipes/Air)	Deep Cleaning (Full Remove + Wash)
Casual Typist	Every 2–3 weeks	Every 6–12 months
Daily Office User	Weekly	Every 3–6 months
Gamer/Heavy User	2–3 times per week	Every 2–3 months
Food/Eaters Nearby	Weekly	Every 1–2 months (grease buildup)

2. Signs Your Keycaps Need Washing

• Visible grime: Shiny spots, fingerprints, or discoloration.
• Sticky/tacky feel: Oil or soda spills attracting dust.
• Odd smells: Bacteria buildup (especially under keys).
• Sound changes: Clicks feel "muffled" from debris.

3. Material Matters

• ABS Keycaps: Clean more gently (every 2–3 months) to avoid shine.
• PBT Keycaps: Durable; can handle frequent washes (monthly if needed).
• Painted/Artisan Keycaps: Spot-clean only to preserve designs.

4. Pro Tips to Reduce Cleaning Frequency

• Wash hands before typing to minimize oil transfer.
• Use a keyboard cover in dusty/dirty environments.
• Compressed air blasts (weekly) prevent debris accumulation.

5. Over-Cleaning Risks

• ABS keycaps may develop premature shine.
• Stem loosening from frequent removal.
• Bottom Line: Deep-clean only when necessary—surface maintenance goes a long way!

Want to deep-clean less often? High-quality PBT keycaps naturally repel oils and grime. Browse our easy-clean keycaps designed to stay fresh with minimal maintenance.

 

Can You Use Alcohol to Clean Keycaps?

Alcohol is a powerful cleaner, but it can damage keycaps if misused. Here’s how to disinfect and degrease your keycaps without ruining them.

✅ The Short Answer: Yes, But Carefully

• Safe for:
  • Most PBT keycaps (durable plastic).
  • Unpainted ABS keycaps (if used sparingly).
• Risky for:
  • Painted/Dye-Sublimated keycaps (alcohol may fade prints).
  • Resin/Artisan keycaps (can cloud or crack coatings).

Step-by-Step: Safe Alcohol Cleaning

1. Dilute Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)

• Use 70% IPA (ideal balance of cleaning + evaporation).
• Avoid 90%+ (evaporates too fast, less effective for grime).

2. Apply Correctly

• Do: Dip a cotton swab/microfiber cloth in alcohol, then:
  • Gently rub sticky spots (e.g., around keycap edges).
  • Disinfect high-touch keys (WASD, spacebar).
• Don’t: Soak keycaps in alcohol—it can seep under legends.

3. Dry Immediately

• • Wipe with a dry cloth to prevent residue.

• Backlit Keycaps with Transparent Legends: Alcohol can haze the plastic.
• Vintage/Retro Keycaps: Older plastics may react unpredictably.
• Aftermarket Coatings (e.g., UV/oil-resistant layers).

Alternatives to Alcohol

1. Mild Soap + Water: Safer for daily cleaning.

2. Vinegar Solution (1:1 water): For odor removal (rinse after).

3. Commercial Plastic Cleaners (e.g., Polywatch for scratches).

Myth Busting

❌ "Alcohol cleans better than soap!"

• Truth: Soap lifts oils; alcohol just sanitizes. Use both strategically.

❌ "Vodka/ethanol works the same!"

• Truth: Beverage alcohols contain sugars/additives—stick to IPA.

Pro Tip for Gamers

Before tournaments, wipe down keycaps with alcohol to remove sweat/oils that cause slippage.

 

How to Dry Keycaps Properly?

Drying keycaps incorrectly can warp stems, trap moisture, or cause clouding. Follow these steps to ensure your keycaps stay pristine after washing.

✅ The Right Way to Dry Keycaps

1. Shake Off Excess Water

• After rinsing, gently flick each keycap to remove droplets.
• Use a microfiber cloth to pat dry (avoid paper towels—they leave lint).

2. Air-Dry on a Towel (Best Method)

• Lay keycaps stem-side up on a clean towel.
• Spread them out to allow airflow (don’t stack).
• Let sit for 6–12 hours (or overnight).

3. Speed Up Drying (Safely)

• Use a fan (low speed, 1–2 feet away).
• Hair dryer on cold mode (hold 12+ inches away).
• Never use heat guns/high heat—ABS keycaps can deform at 60°C/140°F+.

❌ Sun drying → UV rays fade colors and weaken plastic.

❌ Using an oven/microwave → Melts stems.

❌ Reassembling damp keycaps → Traps moisture, corrodes switches.

Pro Tips for Different Materials

• ABS Keycaps: Dry faster (more heat-sensitive).
• PBT Keycaps: Can tolerate slightly warmer air (but still no heat guns).
• Artisan/Resin Keycaps: Air-dry only—alcohol/heat cracks resin.

How to Test if Keycaps Are Fully Dry

1. Stem Check: Blow into the stem—if fog forms, it’s still wet inside.

2. Tissue Test: Press a dry tissue against the inner wall—dampness = wait longer.

What If Keycaps Warp?

• ABS Warping: Dip in warm (not boiling) water and reshape gently.
• Loose Stems: If stems expand, let dry longer—they usually tighten back up.

 

Can You Use UV Sterilizers or Ultrasonic Cleaners?

Both UV sterilizers and ultrasonic cleaners promise deep cleaning, but are they safe for mechanical keyboard keycaps? Here’s the truth, risks, and best practices.

1. UV Sterilizers: Killing Germs Without Cleaning

✅ Pros

• Effective against bacteria/viruses (e.g., for shared keyboards).
• No physical contact—safe for fragile artisan keycaps.

• Doesn’t remove dirt/oils: UV light kills germs but won’t clean grime.
• Potential fading: Prolonged UV exposure may discolor dyes (especially on ABS).
• Uneven coverage: Shadows can leave spots untreated.

How to Use UV Safely

• Short cycles (5–10 mins max).
• Pre-clean keycaps with soap first.
• Avoid UV on translucent/glow-in-the-dark keycaps (may yellow).

2. Ultrasonic Cleaners: Deep Cleaning with Caution

✅ Pros

• Removes embedded grime (great for textured keycaps).
• Fast (3–5 minute cycles).

• May loosen dye-sublimation prints (especially cheap sets).
• Risk of stem damage: High-frequency vibrations can crack thin ABS stems.
• Water intrusion: If seals aren’t tight, moisture gets trapped under legends.

How to Use Ultrasonic Cleaners Safely

• Use plain water or mild soap (no harsh chemicals).
• Short cycles (2–3 mins max).
• Dry immediately with compressed air to prevent water pooling.

Verdict: When to Use (and When to Avoid)

Method	Best For	Avoid If...Avoid If...
UV Sterilizer	Germ-phobic users, shared boards	Keycaps have delicate dyes/art
Ultrasonic	PBT keycaps, heavy grime buildup	Using ABS/artisan keycaps

Alternatives for Deep Cleaning

• Denture tablets: Soak keycaps in a fizzy solution (gentler than ultrasonic).
• Manual scrubbing: Safer for painted/rare keycaps.

 

Conclusion: The Art of Keycap Care – Where Cleanliness Meets Performance

Your keyboard's keycaps are more than just plastic—they're the tactile interface between your thoughts and the digital world. Like any well-loved tool, they deserve proper care to maintain their precision and personality.

Through this guide, we've explored:

• The science of safe cleaning – from hand-washing techniques to material-specific care
• Myth-busting revelations – why dishwashers and harsh chemicals do more harm than good
• Pro maintenance strategies – balancing cleanliness with keycap longevity

Remember: 

Your keyboard is a daily companion. Treat its keycaps with the same attention you'd give to any valued tool, and it will reward you with years of comfortable, precise typing.

Now go forth and type with confidence – on keys that look, feel, and perform their best.⌨️💫

P.S. Found a cleaning hack that works for you? Share it with fellow keyboard enthusiasts!

Once your keycaps are spotless, why not treat yourself to a new look? Discover unique designs—from minimalist to bold—in our keycap collection. Clean or upgrade, your keyboard deserves the best.