I regularly recommend turning the keyboard over and giving it a few sharp raps on the back with a knuckle. You will be stunned what comes out. Also, an unused lady's makeup brush works great for dusting/ cleaning between the keys. Spraying a little Windex on the brush helps a little too.

DA

You can take off the keys on most keyboards to get at the crud, but it's usually not necessary, and you run the risk of breaking one of the snap-on fittings if you're not careful. dammcoy's recommendations should take care of your needs. You can however use a little compressed air to help boost out anything hard to get at.

Seeing as how it a laptop, be careful of how hard you rap the bottom or shake it.

P.S. Dont eat cookies over the keyboard and keep the cat off of the laptop.....lol

A glass of red wine can be problematic, too...

I know: I'm just terrible with the cookies! My fault totally. But keeping the cat hair off things is just impossible: it is amazing how it takes over. I'll try both the shake method and the makeup brush. I was trying to think what soft small brush might work, and this is clearly the best idea. Thanks!

I take the shop vac and use care and common sense partial vacuum and tweezers.. amazing how many tiny little hairs stick up after a vacuum.

I saw something in BB&Beyond which looked like a squishy, gooey blob which you press on your keyboard and anything between the keys gets stuck to it. You pull it off and its full of dirt. I didn't buy it or even open the box, but it looked like it could work. They had a video running showing how to use it. Looks like a bright, yellow blob. Cost about $12 bucks.

Jane

A shop vac might very well work for you Mike, but "common sense" is too arbitrary so I can't support a vac use suggestion. I can see way too much more potential bad than good coming out of it.

I've read suggestions of using commercial/homeowner air compressors and I feel the same way about that too.

DA

I don't follow. What harm could a vacuum do?

Internally in a system there are numerous plug-in connections. The force of an over-powered vacuum air stream could disconnect any one of these connections. Further, this force could potentially draw and embed foreign material into anyone of numerous critical components.

A naysayer could also make an argument regarding static electricity in the close proximity of the system.

If the vacuum was manufactured for the specific purpose of cleaning computer systems these observations more than likely would be unwarranted. A household vacuum, especially a shop vac, could easily be hazardous.

DA

Use your vacuum that you use in the house- it will have a brush attachment and you should be able to adjust the suction to a minimal amount. Also, a clean/new paintbruch will loosen whatever is between the keys- just brush between while holding the computer upside down so the gunk falls out.
Don't forget to alcohol wipe (or disinfectant wipes)-the keys- they are extremly germ laden- think of the kids fingers going up their nose- then playing with the computer.... or the family member who goes to the bathroom, doesn't wash hands and goes to the computer.....gross! The nurse part of me gets grossed out by the thought!!

I use a hair dryer (only) with blower on high and temp settings on cool.