DIY Laptop Keyboard Cleaning Guide for Electronics
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 7 Steps
If your Apple laptop sports a “butterfly” keyboard (like any 2015+ MacBook or 2016+ MacBook Pro), we suggest you steer clear of removing those keys yourself. Trust us, it’s better to leave it to the pros!
As time goes by, our keyboards can gather all sorts of dust, grease, and other gunk from our fingers. This makes them a cozy spot for germs to set up camp, and can lead to keys that stick or just don’t work right. In this guide, we’ll show you how to give your laptop keyboard a good cleaning. The example photos feature a MacBook Pro keyboard, but don’t worry—these techniques work for nearly any laptop keyboard out there. If you’re rocking an Apple laptop with a ‘butterfly’ keyboard (found on any 2015+ MacBook or 2016+ MacBook Pro), we suggest leaving the key removal to the pros since that mechanism is a bit delicate. If you’re having keyboard troubles with one of these models, you might want to check out the Keyboard Service Program. We’ll kick things off with some basic maintenance tips and then dive into the deep cleaning methods. Feel free to stop at any point that feels good to you. If you’re dealing with a specific issue, you can jump straight to it: Loose Debris, Grease & Grime, or Sticky Keys. And remember, if you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
Step 1
– Power down your laptop and give it a little break!
Step 2
If you spot something wedged under a key, give your laptop a little tilt and blow some compressed air from different angles to help dislodge it. Those tiny edges on laptop keys can be sneaky little traps for all sorts of debris!
– Give your keyboard a little love with some compressed air, sweeping it back and forth like you’re cleaning a dance floor.
– If you can, flip your laptop upside-down, so the keyboard is facing the ground. This way, all that pesky debris will fall away from your device, making cleanup a breeze!
Tools Used
Step 3
– Grab a microfiber cloth or a trusty vacuum to clear away any pesky debris that the compressed air may have kicked up from your keyboard.
Tools Used
Step 4
– Moisten a microfiber cloth with some potent >90% isopropyl alcohol and give your keyboard a good wipe-down. Make sure to focus on those tricky spaces between the keys and any spots that are looking a bit too grimy for comfort. Keep it fresh!
Tools Used
Step 5
Hey there! Just a heads up: if you’re working on an Apple laptop with a “butterfly” keyboard (that’s any MacBook from 2015 or MacBook Pro from 2016 onward), you might want to think twice. Those butterfly mechanisms and ultra-thin key caps can be a bit touchy and tricky to handle without causing a ruckus. If you’re running into keyboard issues on a 2016 or 2017 Apple laptop, you might be eligible for the Keyboard Service Program. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
The key caps are secured by some pretty delicate little clips. So, as you gently lift any keys, just take it easy and show them some love.
– Got a sticky key or some pesky debris hiding under one of your keys? No worries! Grab an Opening Pick or any thin tool and gently pop up that key with a little care.
– To do this, slide the opening pick into the tiny gap between the key and the chassis, then give it a gentle upward nudge. Easy peasy!
Step 6
If your key retainer is feeling a bit sticky, just take it off and give it a cozy soak in some hot, soapy water for about 5 minutes. After that, let it dry off and pop it back into place!
– Now that you’ve popped that key off, grab some compressed air and give the area a gentle blast to clear out any pesky debris hanging around the key retainer.
– For any stubborn grime lurking near the key retainer, moisten a q-tip or cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and give it a nice wipe-down. You’ll have it looking spick and span in no time!
Tools Used
Step 7
Handle those key caps with care—they’re like little ninjas, super delicate and easy to break! If a cap isn’t popping back on smoothly, don’t stress it. Just check the clip alignment and give it another shot. You’ve got this!
– To pop those key caps back on, first check out where the clips are hiding on the underside. Next, line up the key with its retainer buddy and give it a gentle press with your finger until you hear that satisfying snap. You’re almost there!
