[gabesk]

For small amounts of text, another simple way is to paste it into the Run dialog (Winkey-R) and then copy it back out again. Works well for turning URLs into plain text and removing the editor formatting from function names before pasting into a bug report, for example.

[piperswe]

Since I spend a lot of time in the web browser, I use the address bar for the same thing. Ctrl+(C then T then V then A then C then W) is my muscle memory "copy without formatting" shortcut.

[kotaKat]

That's my go-to for a clipboard clear. Win+R, space, Ctrl+A, Ctrl+C/X (I go for X because closer key), ESC, all on the left hand.