Depending on the type of spill (and how severe it is), it may take a day or two to dry out.

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Here at Digital Trends, were not immune to this even though were experts on these things.

But there are a few critical steps to take before you start scrubbing.

Cleaning your keyboard isnt something you should do on the go remember, a desktop keyboard is easy to replace, but if your laptop keyboard gets damaged, thats a bigger problem.

It may not be as bad as sticky stains, but over time, dust naturally builds up between and on the sides of your keys.

The standard solution is a hand vacuum that comes with small brush attachments that you can slowly maneuver around your keyboard while sucking up the dust.

A larger vacuum can work if it also has a dust attachment and isnt too powerful.

That said, you can always buy your own if youre very serious about keyboard care.

This double-edged sword will blast much of the dust and crumbs away, but it might also blow much of it further into your laptop, potentially causing more problems.

A vacuum cleaner is usually a more efficient solution, so start there.

You can approach this cleaning mission by using disinfecting wipes, but we prefer using a melamine cleaning sponge, which excels at cleaning up grime such as this.

Gently rub a corner of the sponge on the soiled parts of the keys until the grime is removed.

Melamine can be a very abrasive material if used carelessly, so go slow and try to avoid rubbing off any key characters.

Keys Cleaner Free To Snip

The material is also very easy to cut out into the right shape, so feel free to snip off a portion for more customized work.

If your keys are a little too dirty and youre wondering if they may have become a biohazard, then its time to get out the disinfectant.

Isopropyl (the rubbing alcohol kind) is essential, because stronger versions thereof may accidentally burn off some of your keyboard letters.

Dip and dab a swab so that its damp but in no danger of dripping, and then start wiping your keys one by one.

This somewhat tedious method is very effective but easier to do if, well, youre a little bored and have some time to waste.

To reduce the odds of permanent damage, prioritize protecting your laptops internal components.

Shut everything down, take out your battery, and unplug the computer if necessary.

Dont turn it back on again until you are confident that any liquid inside has evaporated.

Mac Keys Cleaner