How to Clean Your Keyboard with $10 Sticky Slime That Satisfies

Even though I rely on my keyboard daily, cleaning it is usually the last thing on my mind. Once I log off my PC and leave my workspace, that thought tends to fade away. I tend to do everything at my desk—from grabbing quick lunches (and yes, crumbs happen) to giving love to my rescue greyhound (his fur likes to spread everywhere). One day, while absentmindedly eyeing the gunk between the keys, I realized just how grimy my keyboard really was.

This is where my quirky little slime cleaner comes into play. It’s a bright yellow, gooey blob that effortlessly slips into the tight spots of my keyboard. Compared to compressed air, it’s a game-changer. While canned air just shifts the debris around, this slime actually grips onto the grime and pulls it out. Plus, it has a fresh lemon scent that I find quite pleasant. It may not be high-tech, but it’s engaging and a bit silly.

I’ve started using this gooey cleaner almost every day—not just because it’s effective, but also because it’s oddly satisfying. It’s reminiscent of those addictive pimple-popping videos that you can’t seem to look away from. After I’m done, I simply tuck it back into its plastic container, ready for the next time. My keyboard is a mechanical one with Cherry MX Red switches (the Corsair K70), so the keycaps are tall, creating the perfect hideaway for crumbs, making this slime ideal for the job. Oh, and just a heads-up: always switch off your PC before using the slime or you’ll end up typing a whole lot of nonsense!

This quirky slime also works wonders on the dust that gathers on my desk. Just by gently rolling it around, it picks up dirt without leaving a single trace. It’s particularly great for getting into those pesky nooks around my oddly-shaped dual monitor setup, making it easier to keep my workspace tidy with minimal effort.

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

Sometimes, when I’m trying to brainstorm or during breaks between meetings, I’ll break off a small piece to play with. It actually helps clear my mind.

Although the slime doesn’t last indefinitely (it will eventually turn dark and a bit grimy), replacing it is simple and inexpensive. Right now, you can grab a two-pack on Amazon for just $9.99—marked down from $15.99, a savings of around 38 percent! And it’s not solely for keyboards; this slime can also clean car vents, air conditioning units, calculators, and just about any narrow space that gathers dust.

Initially, I thought cleaning gadgets were unnecessary, but I’ve grown to enjoy using this quirky blob on my keyboard several times a week. It’s a little messy, a lot of fun, and surprisingly efficient. What more could one want from a ball of slime? If your keyboard is starting to resemble a small ecosystem, it’s definitely time to consider getting your own cleaning slime.