Key takeaways
- Turn off the laptop, use a microfiber cloth and a screen-safe, alcohol-free spray applied to the cloth, never directly to the screen.
- Clean keyboards with compressed air or an air duster and lightly dampened cloths; disinfect with 70% isopropyl alcohol on keys only.
- Avoid paper towels, glass cleaners with ammonia and excess liquid.
In this article
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Knowing how to clean a laptop screen and keyboard safely keeps your laptop looking good and working well without damaging delicate coatings or electronics. Screens, especially OLED and touchscreens, need gentle care, while keyboards and vents collect dust, crumbs and germs. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each product opens the current price on Amazon.
What you need
- Microfiber cloths (several)
- Screen-safe cleaner such as the WHOOSH! kit, or distilled water
- Compressed air or an electric air duster
- 70% isopropyl alcohol for keys and chassis
- Cotton swabs and a soft brush
How to clean a laptop screen
- Power off and unplug the laptop so you can see smudges and avoid accidental input.
- Dust first: wipe gently with a dry microfiber cloth in one direction.
- Dampen the cloth, not the screen: lightly spray screen cleaner or distilled water onto the cloth.
- Wipe gently: use light pressure, especially on OLED and touchscreens.
- Dry: use a dry part of the cloth to remove streaks.
Special screens
- OLED and glossy screens: use only screen-safe cleaners; avoid pressure.
- Matte anti-glare screens: avoid scrubbing, which can create shiny patches.
- MacBook nano-texture screens: use only the cloth Apple supplies or recommends.
How to clean a laptop keyboard
- Power off and unplug.
- Turn the laptop upside down at an angle and gently tap to remove crumbs.
- Use compressed air or an air duster in short bursts at an angle between keys.
- Wipe keys with a cloth lightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol to disinfect.
- Use a cotton swab for edges and tight spaces.
How to clean vents and the chassis
Use an air duster to blow dust out of vents, holding fans still with a toothpick if possible to prevent overspinning. Wipe the chassis with a lightly dampened cloth. Clean vents every few months to prevent overheating. Read why is my laptop overheating.
What to avoid
- Paper towels and tissues, which can scratch
- Glass cleaners with ammonia or bleach
- Spraying liquid directly onto the laptop
- Excessive alcohol on screens with coatings
- Cleaning while the laptop is on or charging
Products that help
Cleaning tools and helpful accessories
WHOOSH! Screen Cleaner Kit
Best screen cleaner kit · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.5/10 · Typical price: $15 – $25
Key specs: Alcohol-free and ammonia-free spray with microfiber cloths
Why we picked it: Safe, streak-free spray with microfiber cloths.
Pros: Safe on laptop screens · Streak-free · Includes microfiber cloths · Lasts a long time
Cons: Pricier than DIY · Small bottle · Cloths need washing
Buy it if you want a safe, simple way to clean your screen.
Skip it if you prefer just water and a cloth.
Electric Air Duster for Keyboards
Best keyboard and vent cleaner · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.2/10 · Typical price: $30 – $50
Key specs: Rechargeable cordless blower, multiple speeds, nozzles
Why we picked it: A reusable alternative to canned air.
Pros: Replaces canned air · Reusable · Strong airflow · Good for vents and keyboards
Cons: Loud · Needs charging · Can spin fans too fast if misused
Buy it if you want to clear dust from vents and keyboards regularly.
Skip it if you prefer compressed air cans.
Logitech MX Keys S
Best keyboard to reduce laptop wear · Verdict: Consider · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $99 – $109
Key specs: Full-size wireless keyboard, backlit, three-device switching, USB-C rechargeable
Why we picked it: Using an external keyboard at your desk keeps your laptop keys cleaner.
Pros: Excellent typing feel · Switches between three devices · Smart backlight · Works with Mac and Windows
Cons: Pricey · Not mechanical · Large footprint
Buy it if you want the best all-round wireless keyboard for a laptop desk setup.
Skip it if you want a compact or mechanical keyboard.
Rain Design mStand Laptop Stand
Best stand for a cleaner setup · Verdict: Consider · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $45 – $60
Key specs: Solid aluminum, fixed height, cable management hole
Why we picked it: Raising your laptop improves airflow and reduces dust buildup.
Pros: Rock-solid and stable · Raises screen to a better height · Passive cooling · Looks great with MacBooks
Cons: Fixed height · Not portable · Pricier than plastic stands
Buy it if you want a permanent, sturdy stand for a desk setup.
Skip it if you need adjustable height or travel use.
KLIM Wind Laptop Cooling Pad
Best for dusty environments · Verdict: Consider · Score: 8.3/10 · Typical price: $30 – $40
Key specs: Four fans, adjustable height, fits up to 17 inches, USB powered
Why we picked it: A cooling pad helps laptops stay cool where dust builds up quickly.
Pros: Strong airflow for the price · Adjustable angles · Fits gaming laptops · Affordable
Cons: Noisy at full speed · Plastic build · Takes a USB port
Buy it if you want cheap, noticeable cooling for a gaming laptop.
Skip it if you need silence.
Logitech MX Keys Mini
Best compact external keyboard · Verdict: Consider · Score: 8.7/10 · Typical price: $89 – $99
Key specs: Compact wireless, backlit, three-device switching, USB-C
Why we picked it: A smaller external keyboard for desks and travel stands.
Pros: Compact and portable · Excellent typing · Backlit · Multi-device
Cons: No number pad · Pricey · Not mechanical
Buy it if you want MX Keys quality in a smaller footprint.
Skip it if you need a number pad.
havit HV-F2056 Laptop Cooling Pad
Best quiet cooling pad · Verdict: Consider · Score: 8.1/10 · Typical price: $25 – $35
Key specs: Three fans, 15.6–17 inches, USB pass-through, metal mesh
Why we picked it: Quiet airflow helps keep dust and heat in check.
Pros: Quiet · Good value · Metal mesh surface · USB pass-through
Cons: Modest cooling gains · Fixed height on some versions · Blue LEDs not for everyone
Buy it if you want quiet extra cooling for work or light gaming.
Skip it if you need maximum cooling.
Roost V3 Laptop Stand
Best portable stand · Verdict: Consider · Score: 8.7/10 · Typical price: $90 – $100
Key specs: Folding, height adjustable, about 6 oz
Why we picked it: Keeps your laptop raised and away from crumbs on cafe tables.
Pros: Very light and portable · Adjustable height · Raises screen to eye level · Durable
Cons: Expensive · Needs external keyboard · Fiddly to set up
Buy it if you work from cafes, hotels and coworking spaces.
Skip it if you want a cheap stand for home only.
Keep it clean longer
Wash your hands before using the laptop, avoid eating over the keyboard and close the lid when not in use. A laptop stand with an external keyboard reduces wear on the built-in keys. Our guide to extending the life of your laptop has more care tips.
Compare more options
Search screen cleaner kit on Amazon See top-rated screen cleaner kit on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest way to clean a laptop screen?
Power off, wipe with a dry microfiber cloth, then use a cloth lightly dampened with distilled water or a screen-safe cleaner. Never spray liquid directly on the screen.
Can I use alcohol to clean my laptop?
Use 70% isopropyl alcohol sparingly on keyboards and the chassis. Avoid it on screens with special coatings unless the manufacturer allows it.
How do I clean between laptop keys?
Use compressed air or an electric air duster at an angle, then wipe keys with a lightly dampened cloth.
How often should I clean my laptop?
Wipe the screen and keyboard weekly if used heavily, and clean vents every few months.