How To Clean MacBook Keyboard

Is your MacBook keyboard looking like it is in need of a clean? Or do you simply like to keep all your devices clean and spotless and want to know the best way to do it?

No matter whether your MacBook is old or brand new, cleaning the keyboard is important not only for hygiene purposes, but because it can affect the performance of the keys themselves. 

The Apple MacBook has a sleek design and high-quality build. So the built-in keyboard that is designed to last years. Unfortunately, the keyboard is often the first part of the laptop that gets dirty.

Dirt, grease, and grime tend to quickly accumulate on the keyboard, which can also build up over time and tarnish the color and surface of the keys.

This makes it important to clean any laptop keyboard on a regular basis.

But it is just as important to clean your keyboard the right way. And this guide will tell you how.

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How NOT To Clean MacBook Keyboard

There are many ways you can clean your MacBook keyboard. However, some methods may not be safe or ideal.

The first thing to be aware of is that the keyboard is directly above the internal electronics of the laptop. This includes the battery, motherboard, CPU, and more.

These can malfunction and stop working altogether if exposed to liquid or even moisture, so it's worth keeping that in mind before you reach for any cleaning products.

Due to this, you should not drench the keys or apply an amount of water or cleaning product that will seep under the keys.

It's also important to not use any rough towels or cloths, as these can affect the surface of the keys and possibly even make the symbols on the keys fade and disappear.

You may also like: How to Clean a MacBook Screen

How To Clean A MacBook Keyboard

There are several ways you can clean your MacBook keyboard, and which you choose can depend on how visibly dirty it is.

The first thing to do, in any case, is to make sure your laptop is turned off.

In the event that moisture or any accidentally spilled cleaning products get under the keys, this will prevent the electrical components from short-circuiting, as well as decrease the risk of permanent damage to the laptop.

It is also worth cleaning your keyboard in a well-lit area to make sure that the job is done thoroughly and efficiently.

Alcohol Wipes

Most people clean their keyboards using an alcohol wipe. Wipes provide enough moisture to clean the keys, without posing a water risk to the internal electronics of the laptop.

Cleaning a keyboard with an alcohol wipe also means that you're wiping off any fingerprints or other residue left behind after use. The antibacterial properties of most wipes will remove all germs and bacteria.

Alcohol wipes are not the most eco-friendliest way of cleaning a keyboard. Alcohol wipes contain isopropyl alcohol, which can cause serious health problems if ingested. If this is a concern, you can use wet wipes that do not contain alcohol.

To use a wipe to clean your keyboard, simply run it lightly over the keys until all dirt and grime is removed.

Microfiber Cloth

If you are worried about moisture or do not want to use alcohol, try using a microfiber cloth instead. These cloths come in different sizes, so you can choose the right size depending on how much cleaning needs to be done.

Cloths are also ideal for simple jobs like removing dust or dirt.

One downside to using a cloth is that it won't be as effective as using a wet wipe. To get around this, you can dampen the cloth slightly by quickly placing it under a running tap.

Alternatively, you can use a water spray or antibacterial spray to lightly moisten the keys of your keyboard before wiping with the cloth.

Q-Tip

A q-tip is useful for cleaning areas of the keys that a wipe or cloth might not reach. In the same way, lightly moisten the q-tip with water to fully remove any dirt or grease that has reached under, or at the side, of the keys.

If you use a q-tip, however, make sure not to apply too much force or pressure to the keys when cleaning them. This can dislodge the keys or cause permanent damage if done with too much force.

Compressed Air

Last but not least, an air compressor can also be helpful when cleaning your MacBook keyboard.

Dirt and dust can collect under the keys, as well as in the ports of your laptop, and a compressed air duster can help to remove these by blowing air into these unreachable spaces.

If you do not have one of these at home, however, you can blow air around the sides of the keys manually. This will not be as effective as a can of compressed air, but can still work to remove loose dust and dirt.

Are Clean Keyboards Necessary?

Cleaning keyboards is important because it makes them work better. A clean keyboard feels more responsive than a dirty one, and may also help to prevent the risk of malfunctioning keys down the line.

Additionally, cleaning your keyboard helps to keep it germ-free and overall safe to use. The keyboard is often the main part of the laptop that gets dirty due to finger contact, so cleaning it regularly ensures good hygiene practice.

What To Do If You Spill Something On Your Keyboard

If you spill something on your keyboard, don’t panic, but make sure to act fast. This is what to do if you accidentally spill a liquid on your keyboard:

• Turn the laptop off completely.
• Turn the laptop upside down to drain excess water away from the inside.
• Use a cloth to dry the keyboard and absorb further moisture.
• Leave the laptop off and upside down for at least 24 hours.
• Help the laptop further dry out by positioning a fan pointed at the keyboard.

Conclusion

Your MacBook needs regular maintenance to avoid any potential problems. And this includes cleaning the keyboard to ensure that the keys work optimally and will not become unresponsive down the line.

It is possible to clean your MacBook keyboard through a variety of ways but the best method is to use a damp cloth or wet wipe and lightly glide it over the keyboard, which will help to remove dirt and grime without damaging the internal electronics.

To prevent the keys of your MacBook getting dirty - as well as protect the laptop from all moisture and spillage - use a keyboard protector.

These work by adding a protective layer on your keyboard, often made out of silicone, that is both waterproof and easier to clean.