How do I safely clean a laptop keyboard (or deal with spills on it)?

Power off and unplug the laptop, then turn it upside down and shake gently to dislodge loose debris. Use short bursts of compressed air (can held upright) to blow particles from between keys. Dampen a microfiber cloth or cotton swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol and wipe key tops and gaps — never…

Keyboard cleaning gel (or putty) lifts dust, crumbs, and hair from between keys without leaving residue. Press a piece of gel gently onto the powered-off keyboard, push it slightly into the gaps, then peel it away slowly — debris sticks to the gel.

A clean, soft-bristled brush — such as a small paintbrush or clean makeup brush — loosens and removes surface dust from keyboard keys and the gaps between them. It is gentle enough to use daily without risking key damage.