How to Clean Xiaomi Keyboard: From Dust to Sticky Spots

Xiaomi’s keyboard — whether it’s a compact wireless model for a smartphone or a full-size mechanical model for a PC — requires regular maintenance. Over time, dust, crumbs, hair accumulate between the keys, and greasy spots from the fingers appear on the surface. If you ignore the contamination, this can lead to button sticking, sensor failures (on membrane models), or even corrosion of contacts. Especially a problem for owners of the Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Keyboard, Xiaomi Smart Keyboard or Redmi G Pro gaming keyboards, where the exact operation of the keyboard is critical.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for cleaning different types of Xiaomi keyboards, from surface cleaning to deep cleaning with disassembly, and we will tell you which tools and tools are safe to use and which can damage the device. You will also learn how to avoid typical mistakes (e.g., getting moisture on the board of membrane keyboards or using abrasive materials for mechanical switches — FAQ Answering Frequent Questions and Pollution Prevention Tips.

1. Determine the type of Xiaomi keyboard: what can and can not be done

Before cleaning, it is important to understand which model you are dealing with. Xiaomi has three main types of keyboards, and each needs its own methods:

• 🖥️ Mechanical keyboards (e.g. Redmi G Pro or Xiaomi Mechanical Keyboard) – with physical switches (Cherry) MX, Gateron or Xiaomi Switch. They can be disassembled, cleaned separately, and even lubricated switches.
• 📱 Membrane keyboards (such as Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Keyboard or Xiaomi Smart Keyboard) are thin, with rubber domes under the keys. It is risky to disassemble them (you can damage the membrane), so they are mostly cleaned from the outside.
• 🎮 Hybrid or low profile (e.g. Xiaomi Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad) – combine elements of membrane and mechanical.

🔍 How do you know your keyboard type? Look at the keys: if they're high and you hear a click, that's mechanics. If the keys are almost flat and the soft press is a membrane. Also check the model in the documentation or on the box.

⚠️ Warning: Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean Xiaomi's membrane keyboards! Suction force can tear rubber domes off the board, leading to broken keys. For mechanical models, vacuum cleaner is acceptable, but only at minimum power.

Preparation for cleaning: tools and means

To clean the Xiaomi keyboard without the risk of breaking it, prepare in advance:

❌ What can't be used:

• 🧴 Household detergents (such as Fairy or Mr. Muscle) – leave a film that sticks to your fingers.
• 🧽 Wet wipes with fragrances - can eat the coating of the keys.
• 🔥 Hair dryer in hot air - deforms plastic.
• 🧂 Abrasive powders (baking soda, salt) – scratch the surface.

3. Surface cleaning: remove dust and crumbs

If the Xiaomi keyboard is not heavily contaminated (dust, small crumbs, fingerprints), start with surface cleaning.This method is suitable for all types of devices and takes no more than 10 minutes.

Disconnect the keyboard from the device (remove the batteries/disable Bluetooth/USB)

Turn over the keyboard and shake slightly so that the crumbs fall out

Walk a soft brush between the keys (movements - from yourself)

Wipe the case and keys with a napkin soaked in isopropyl alcohol (don't drip on the keyboard!)

Let it dry for 5-10 minutes before use-->

💡 Tip for membrane keyboards: If there's hair or thread stuck between the keys, use a toothpick dipped in alcohol. Tap the contamination carefully and pull it out. Don't push hard - the membrane under the keys is thin!

For Xiaomi mechanical keyboards (such as the Redmi G Pro), you can use a compressed air canister. Hold it vertically 5-7 cm from the keys and blow dust with short presses (1-2 seconds each).

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi keyboard is backlit (RGB Avoid liquid on LEDs. Even isopropyl alcohol can corrosion contacts if it does not dry completely. After cleaning, allow the device to lie in a dry place for at least an hour.

4.Deep cleaning of Xiaomi's mechanical keyboard

If surface cleaning doesn't work and the keys stick or don't press, it's time to unplug the keyboard. This method is only suitable for mechanical models (e.g. Redmi G Pro or Xiaomi Mechanical Keyboard).

🔧 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Take a picture of the keys (you can use them when you build them), especially for non-standard keys (Enter, Shift, Space).
2. Remove the keys with a plastic mediator. Plug it under the key on the side and gently pull it up. Start with corner keys (e.g. Esc or Delete).
3. Pull the switches out (if necessary) and pull them with tweezers or fingers over the top. Be careful not to lose the springs!
4. Clear the charge and the case: 🧹 Dust from the board blow away with compressed air. 🧴 Remove sticky spots on the board with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol. 🧽 Wash the body with warm water and soap (if it is not electronic).

Wash the keys.

Lubricate the switches

Krytox 205g0

Gather the keyboard.

⚠️ Critical error: Do not use switches to lubricate WD-40 These products thicken and attract dust over time, which makes the keyboard less efficient!

1. Whether the switches are inserted correctly in the board (should be a click).

2. Are there any bent contacts on the board?

3. Is the keyboard connected to USB/Bluetooth (Sometimes the problem is not the mechanics, but the connection).-->

5. Cleaning Xiaomi membrane keyboard without disassembling

Membrane keyboards (such as the Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Keyboard) are not desirable to disassemble — their rubber domes are easy to damage, but even without disassembly, you can remove most of the contaminants.

🛠️ Method 1: Wet cleaning with napkins

1. Turn off the keyboard and turn it over.
2. Moisten the microfibre wipe in isopropyl alcohol (do not pour the alcohol directly onto the keyboard!).
3. Gently wipe each key and the spaces between them. Use cotton swabs for hard-to-reach areas.
4. Let's dry for 15 to 20 minutes.

🛠️ Method 2: Cleaning Sticky Spots

If there are traces of drinks or sticky prints on the keys:

1. Apply a little toothpaste (no abrasives!) on a soft brush.
2. Rub the contaminated keys with circular movements.
3. Remove the leftovers of the paste with a wet wipe, then wipe dry.

🛠️ Method 3: Removal of crumbs and debris

For this, a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle for furniture (at minimum power!) or a sticky roller for clothes (cut off a piece and roll between the keys) is suitable.

⚠️ Note: If after cleaning the membrane keyboard Xiaomi began to “fall down” (keys do not return to the original position), then you damaged the rubber domes.

6.Brushing the keyboard after spilled liquid

If you spill water, tea or soda on a Xiaomi keyboard, you need to act quickly — it depends on whether you can save the device. The algorithm of actions is different for mechanical and membrane models.

💦 For mechanical keyboards:

1. Disconnect the keyboard from power immediately (remove the cable/batteries).
2. Turn it over and shake it so that the liquid leaks out.
3. Remove the keys and switches (if the liquid is deep).
4. Wash the board with distilled water (not tap water!) - this will remove sugar and other sticky residues.
5. Ask for a dryer in cold air or leave it in a dry place for 24 to 48 hours. Don't use rice - it doesn't help!
6. After drying completely, collect the keyboard and check the performance.

💦 For membrane keyboards:

1. Turn off the device and turn it over.
2. Wet the liquid with paper towels (don't rub!).
3. Put the keyboard in a dry, warm place (like the battery, but not direct heating!) for 48 hours.
4. Do not turn it on ahead of time - even if everything is dry, condensation could remain inside.

8. Frequent Questions (FAQ)