How to Clean Your Laptop, Keyboard and Screen Safely

By Ammar Aslam · Updated September 5, 2026 · 7 min read

Laptops collect a surprising amount of dust, crumbs, fingerprints and germs. A dirty keyboard can cause sticky or unresponsive keys, and dust in the air vents makes the laptop run hotter and louder, which can even slow it down. Regular cleaning keeps it looking good and working well for longer.

The key is to use the right materials. Many household cleaners can permanently damage screens and coatings. Here is a safe routine that works for any laptop, including MacBooks.

What you need

Two or three soft, lint-free microfibre cloths
Distilled water (tap water can leave mineral spots)
Isopropyl alcohol, 70%, for keyboards and the body (not for all screens)
A can of compressed air or a small electric air blower
A soft, clean brush, such as a new paintbrush or makeup brush
Cotton swabs or buds

What NOT to use

Paper towels or tissues, which can scratch
Glass cleaners containing ammonia, bleach or acetone
Spraying any liquid directly onto the laptop
Vacuum cleaners on internal parts, which can create static electricity

Step 1: Prepare

Shut down the laptop completely, unplug the charger and disconnect all accessories. Do not just put it to sleep. If your laptop has a removable battery, remove it. Work on a clean, flat, well-lit surface.

Step 2: Clean the keyboard

Hold the laptop open at about a 75-degree angle and gently tap or shake it to loosen crumbs.
Use compressed air in short bursts, moving in a zig-zag pattern across the keys. Hold the can upright and keep the nozzle a little distance away.
Rotate the laptop and repeat from different angles.
Lightly dampen a cloth or cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol, squeezing out any excess, and wipe the tops of the keys. Alcohol cleans grime and evaporates quickly.

If a key is sticky from a spilled drink, clean around it with a barely damp swab. Avoid prying keys off unless you know how your model's keys attach; they can break easily.

Step 3: Clean the screen

Wipe gently with a dry microfibre cloth first to remove dust.
For fingerprints and smudges, lightly dampen a clean microfibre cloth with distilled water. The cloth should be damp, not wet.
Wipe gently in straight lines or small circles without pressing hard.
Dry with another clean microfibre cloth.

Some manufacturers allow a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on screens, while others, especially for anti-glare and matte coatings, recommend water only. When unsure, stick to distilled water, and check your manufacturer's support page.

Step 4: Clean the body and touchpad

Wipe the lid, palm rests and touchpad with a cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol or a mix of water and a drop of mild dish soap. Palm rests collect oils from your hands and can discolour over time, so cleaning them regularly keeps the laptop looking new.

Step 5: Clean ports and vents

Use short bursts of compressed air into the USB, HDMI and charging ports. Use a dry brush or toothpick gently to remove lint, never metal objects. Then clean the air vents, usually on the sides, back or underside. Blowing air through them removes dust that traps heat.

Tip: when cleaning vents with compressed air, do not let the fan spin too fast. You can gently hold it still through the vent with a toothpick, or keep bursts very short.

Should you clean inside the laptop?

If your laptop is very loud, hot, or has not been cleaned in years, dust inside the fan and heatsink may need removal. Opening a laptop can void the warranty and risk damage, so unless you are confident, have a professional technician or authorised service centre do an internal clean. This is especially worthwhile for gaming laptops.

Step 6: Let it dry

Wait at least 10 minutes to make sure all moisture has evaporated before turning the laptop back on.

How often to clean

Part	How often
Screen and keyboard wipe	Weekly or as needed
Compressed air on keyboard	Monthly
Ports and vents	Every 2–3 months
Internal dust clean	Every 1–2 years, or if running hot

Habits that keep it clean

Avoid eating and drinking over the keyboard.
Wash your hands before long work sessions.
Use the laptop on hard surfaces, not beds, to avoid sucking fabric dust into vents.
Use a padded sleeve or bag when carrying it.

A clean laptop also runs cooler, which helps both performance and battery health.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use sanitising wipes?

Many manufacturers allow 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes on the exterior and keyboard. Avoid bleach wipes, and do not use them on the screen unless your manufacturer says it is safe.

What if I spill a drink on my laptop?

Turn it off immediately, unplug it, turn it upside down to drain, and take it to a technician. Do not turn it back on to test it.

Ammar Aslam
Ammar writes clear, practical tech guides that help everyday users fix problems, stay safe online and get more from their devices.