Are you tired of the 'I' key on your MacBook keyboard never turning off because you spilled some sticky soda on it months ago? Unfortunately you have sticky key syndrome. This is when dust, crumbs, or other debris gets stuck under a key, preventing it from being pressed down easily. It is annoying and prevents you from working as efficiently as possible.
If your first instinct is to grab a can of compressed air to clean under those keys, then you're on the right track. But you don't want to just point and shoot because you might miss some of the hidden debris or put it further under the key.
Keep reading to learn a technique that works well and will help prevent you from emptying an entire can of air for nothing. On the other hand, if you notice that there is no dirt underneath, you may have a dead key, which is a bigger problem for you becauseAppelwill have to replace the keys (which may take several days). Here's how to find out.
How to clean your MacBook keyboard step by step
1. Make sure the suction tube is securely attached
When you purchase a can of compressed air, a thin straw is taped to the side of the can. Make sure you click it into the mouthpiece before you start and make sure it is secure. If it fails during start-up, reinstall it.
2. Turn off your laptop and disconnect it from the power cord
Before you spray your keyboard with compressed air, make sure you have turned off the laptop and unplugged it from the wall socket. You don't want to accidentally press buttons that could delete important documents or enter a bunch of random characters if you disturb the keys while cleaning. You also don't want that cable to get in your way.
3. Turn your laptop upside down
To remove loose dirt or crumbs, turn your laptop upside down and lightly tap the bottom. This means less work that the compressed air has to do.
4. Place your MacBook properly
Make sure you hold your MacBook at a 70-degree angle rather than vertically. This is so the dirt can fall out cleanly and away from your keyboard. The last thing you want is to send the gunk flying under another key.
5. Start spraying
Press the nozzle continuously for a steady stream and slowly spray the compressed air over your keyboard in a methodical zigzag pattern. Save the short bursts for spot checks after you've done a deep cleaning. Start with the top left key and stop at the last bottom right key so you don't miss a spot.
6. Place your MacBook on the left side
Use the same zigzag pattern and spray the keys again. This time you start with the fn (function) key.
7. Turn your MacBook right side up
Again, use the zigzag pattern to spray your keyboard with compressed air. Start with the top right key - this varies depending on which MacBook model you are using. This can be the power key or the delete key.
8. Sweep up or vacuum away any remaining pieces
If there are still visible crumbs on your keyboard, use a small vacuum cleaner tool to remove them. Once you've done that, give your keys a good wipe with an electronic cleaning cloth. Ditto the floor or whatever surface the gunk fell on.
What not to do
Never spray liquid of any kind on your keyboard. This can cause water damage and put you in a worse situation than sticking keys. Instead, use a damp cotton swab to gently clean the keys, or an electronic cleaning cloth.
If you have a butterfly keyboard, don't ruthlessly pry off the keys as this can cause damage to the butterfly clip fasteners. Instead, place a thin, flat tool under the edge of the wrench and gently lift it up.
No luck? Visit your nearest Apple Store
If your keys still don't work after cleaning them from all directions, there could be a much bigger problem causing your keyboard to not work.Make a dealto go to the nearest Apple Store to have your MacBook serviced by the Genius Bar. Apple representatives can determine if the key needs to be replaced and can give you the estimated time it will take.
If you don't live near an Apple Store, you can send your MacBook to an Apple repair center.
Want to know how to properly clean your other electronic devices? Checking outhow to clean your gross phone screen.
