Cleaning your PC is a must, and cleaning your console becomes more and more important every time you boot it up. As you run your console, it steadily sucks in dust and debris, generating wear and tear if you don't remove it fast enough. And your keyboard! You'll have plenty of tasks you'll need to take care of if you're serious about maintaining your electronics.
If you're curious about what you need to get these tasks done, we're happy to help. We've looked around and found six products that we believe are must-haves or important tools for your computer and console maintenance. Use this as a starting list and fill in anything that you think you still need!
Hagibis Cleaning Soft Brush Keyboard Cleaner
Best Tool Overall $12 at AmazonFiveJoy Universal Cleaning Gel
Best Cleaning Gel See at AmazonInnovera IVR10012 10oz. Compressed Air Cans
Best Canned Air See at AmazonHonkid Stainless Steel Keycap Puller
Best Keycap Puller See at AmazonEveo Electronic Screen Wipes
Best Screen Wipes See at Amazon- See More
Fulljion 3-Gear Compressed Air Duster
Best Air Compressor See at Amazon
6 Handy Tools To Have Around When Cleaning Your Game Console Or PC
Best Tool OverallHagibis Cleaning Soft Brush Keyboard Cleaner
Keycap puller, brush, and more
Keeping your keyboard clean helps make sure everything stays functional and effective. The Hagibis Cleaning Soft Brush comes with all the tools you need to get debris out of your keyboard.
Pros & Cons- Comes with multiple necessary tools
- Includes brushes of different strength
- The inclusion of a keycap puller means you won't have to buy one
Coming in at our best tool overall is something that I personally use on a weekly basis. I have this tool from Hagibis sitting on my desk, and it's one of the best computer maintenance tools I have. This tool comes with multiple in one, handling several problems for you.
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PostsOne is a soft-bristle brush that can get loose debris out from between your keys. Two stiffer brushes also help you get more stubborn debris away, which is great for scrubbing your keyboard down. Finally, a metal pick helps you get the hard-to-reach spots from between the switches. You also have an easy-to-use keycap puller to remove your keys.
Best Cleaning GelFiveJoy Universal Cleaning Gel
Objectively strange, but also effective
Type Cleaning Gel Color Various Manufacturer FiveJoy Size 4.72 x 1.77 x 7.2 inches Material Biodegradable gelIt may look gross, but it's one of the most effective tools you'll find. This universal cleaning gel is great for getting things out of your keyboard or controller buttons.
Pros & Cons- Affordable and reusable
- Legitimately fun to use, if strange
- Doesn't do great with raised keys
You probably don't think of rolling a big glob of slime through your keyboard when you're looking for cleaning materials. But believe it or not, this goop is one of the best ways to clean out buttons and keys. FiveJoy Universal Cleaning Gel is a cleaning gel that you can roll between keys and buttons to remove the gunk without having to remove anything.
This product works best with low keys, such as membrane keyboards or the buttons on your console controller. It's a bit tougher to use for raised keys like mechanical keyboards where the goop can get stuck under the keys.
Best Canned AirInnovera IVR10012 10oz. Compressed Air Cans
Just don't tilt it
Dust is the console killer, making tools like Innovera's 10oz compressed air cans a perfect choice. We love this brand for its affordability, easy-to-use product, and combination packs.
Pros & Cons- One can is enough for a console or PC
- Works great on fans, computers, consoles, and anything else
- Shelf-stable and won't deteriorate in short-term storage
- Tilting the cans can cause propellant to shoot out
- 10oz isn't that much air
Compressed air is one of the most common tools for clearing out a system. As your fans run, your PC and console pull dust in, which can clog plenty of components. Compressed air is the standard tool to blow all that dust off and keep the airflow in your system going as well as possible.
We've picked the Innovera 10oz can pairing, but to be honest, air is air. Any brand that you prefer or can easily get your hands on is going to work as well as another.
Best Keycap PullerHonkid Stainless Steel Keycap Puller
Steel, rigid, and trustworthy
When it's time for keyboard maintenance, pulling your keycaps off is a bit of a hassle. Tools like the Honkid Stainless Steel Keycap Puller make it simple.
Pros & Cons- Steel construction makes this a long-lasting tool
- Latches under a keycap for an easy pull
- Distributes pressure properly so you don't damage a switch
- There are much cheaper options available, but these are often less reliable
A keycap puller is a must-have for anyone who's cleaning out a keyboard. A puller will help you evenly pull a key out to avoid causing any damage to a switch or cracking a keycap. We prefer the Honkid Stainless Steel Keycap Puller for its sturdy construction and ease of use.
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PostsBeing stainless steel, it's unlikely you'll ever need to replace a tool like this. This is an exceptionally long-lasting tool, but that comes at the cost of... well, a higher cost. Still, you'll never need another, so what's a few more dollars?
Best Screen WipesEveo Electronic Screen Wipes
Get those finger smudges off your screens
Getting a few too many fingerprints on the screen of your favorite device? This pack of Eveo Electronic Screen Wipes is the perfect choice for keeping your screens clean and maintained
Pros & Cons- Leaves behind a streakless, clean surface
- Works fantastically with any electronic screen
- The container keeps them from drying out
Electronic wipes are a must-have for your console or PC. You'll use these for your monitor on your PC and your television on most consoles. But if you're using a Steam Deck or a Nintendo Switch, then you'll still want these for that touchscreen as well. You can even comfortably use them for your phone.
This option comes with two containers of 40 each for a total of 80 wipes. The wipes are microfiber cloth which is soft, reliable, and won't tear. You also can stop the cloth from drying out by using the containers they came in.
Best Air CompressorFulljion 3-Gear Compressed Air Duster
If you're tired of buying canned air
Buying canned air can add up over time. Get rid of the hassle by buying this Fulljion 3-gear compressed air duster to get the job done on a rechargeable, reusable basis.
Pros & Cons- Replaces having to frequently purchase compressed air
- Ultimately, not much more expensive than compressed air
- Comes with five attachments to customize your cleaning
- Some people feel these compressors are weaker than canned air
Need compressed air but getting tired of purchasing new cans over and over? If you're tired of buying compressed air, the Fulljion 3-gear Compressed Air Duster is a great choice. This rechargeable air compressor does the same job as canned air without needing to be replaced.
The Fulljion compressor comes with five attachments to use as you wish. At its price point, it isn't considerably more expensive than having to buy compressed air, especially in the long run. The only drawback is that some people feel that these sorts of tools are weaker than compressed air.
FAQ
Is Canned Air Bad For The Environment?
There are some concerns over how canned air can affect the environment. Mostly, the main source of concern is having a one-time-use can that you then throw away. If this is a concern of yours, consider purchasing an air compressor.
What Tools Are Must-Have Maintenance Tools?
I strongly recommend using at least a keycap puller and brush. Compressed air is also easy to find, even easier to use, and almost always affordable. Everything on this list is some variance of a must-have.
Do I Really Need To Clean My Keyboard?
Absolutely, yes. It's particularly important for mechanical keyboards with raised keycaps, as things can slip between your keys much more easily. Keeping your keyboard clean stops buttons from sticking when you type.
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