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How to Clean a Mac Keyboard

Maintain that keyboard and you'll be able to use it for years

By Web Webster Web Webster Writer Rhodes College Web Webster has been writing about technology for 20+ years. His work has appeared in Memphis Magazine, Griffin Technology, and TechnologyAdvice. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 29, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Apple Macs iPad

What to Know

Surface grime: Unplug, turn on its side, and tap to dislodge debris. Wipe with a damp cloth. Use an alcohol-dampened swab for corners.Deep clean: At an angle, spray canned air amid keys and from edge to edge. Use a canister/shop vac to gently remove remaining debris.Bluetooth keyboard: Remove the batteries. Use canned air as above. Clean elements with a soft cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol. This article explains how to clean your Mac or MacBook keyboard so it stays crisp and responsive, whether you're doing a quick surface cleaning or a deeper scrub. How to Clean a Magic Keyboard

Gather Your Gear

Start by gathering your tools for the cleanup: Canister or shop vac with a soft brush attachmentOld pantyhose (optional)Lint-free cloth or paper towelsCotton ear swabsIsopropyl alcohol, 99% (available at most pharmacies)Cloth or paper towels for the work surfaceCanned air

How to Clean Surface Grime From Your Mac or MacBook Keyboard

Getting rid of the dirt and oils that accumulate over time keeps a keyboard or laptop looking new and prevents the grunge from creeping down into the keyboard's switches where it can do real damage. Unplug the keyboard or shut down the MacBook. Turn the keyboard or laptop key-side down and give it a good shake. To dislodge any loose debris from between the keys, tap the edges of the keyboard or laptop. Dampen a small area of a dry and clean lint-free cloth or paper towel. Then, gently wipe away the surface dirt and oils that accumulated on the keys. Clean between the keys, the space bar, and the trackpad. Turn the cloth or paper towel frequently so that you're removing dirt rather than pushing it around. Use an alcohol-dampened cotton swab to get at corners or small spaces or to loosen stubborn grime. When using isopropyl alcohol, less is more. Alcohol evaporates quickly, so if you keep swabs and paper towels only damp, you shouldn't need to dry off anything.

Deep Clean the Keyboard of Your Mac MacBook or MacBook Pro

When keys stick or debris is lodged under a key, do a deep cleaning. Disconnect the keyboard or shut down the laptop. Press each key to ensure that the keycaps are properly seated and snapped in place. This is also a good way to ensure that the action on the keys is consistent and that key travel isn't hindered by hidden debris. Turn the laptop or MacBook key-side down and give it a good shake. To dislodge any loose debris from between the keys, tap the edges of the keyboard or laptop. The object is to shake out as much of the dry and loose debris as possible. Hold the keyboard at an angle (Apple recommends 75 degrees for laptops). Then, spray the canned air in short bursts in the space between each row of keys. Work left to right, top to bottom, in a zigzag pattern. Apple Read the instructions when using canned air. Tipping the can during use may result in propellant spraying out of the can rather than air, which can harm delicate electronics. Turn the keyboard 90 degrees to the right and blow compressed air in short bursts from edge to edge. Apple Use a canister or shop vac with a soft brush attachment to gently brush along the keyboard or laptop to remove any remaining debris. If any keys are loose or have fallen off previously, cut the foot from a pair of pantyhose and slip it over the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner before turning on the vacuum. If a keycap comes loose from the suction of the vacuum cleaner, it is caught before traveling into the vacuum bag. Remove surface dirt and grime using the instructions above. MacBook (2015 through 2017 models) and MacBook Pro (2016 to 2017 models) have an ultra-low profile key design that creates challenges for cleaning debris from under the keys. If your MacBook or MacBook Pro keyboard is acting weird—repeating letters or sticking keys—have it serviced under the Apple Keyboard Service Program.

How Do I Clean My Mac' s Bluetooth Keyboard

A Mac's no-cable Bluetooth keyboard is near indestructible. It will last for years with preventive maintenance and cleaning. Apple.com Here's what you need to know: Remove the Bluetooth keyboard's batteries if the batteries are removable. Removing the batteries ensures you don't accidentally power up the keyboard as you're cleaning it. The Apple Magic Keyboard doesn't have removable batteries but does have an on/off switch, so switch off the keyboard. Similar to how you clean a MacBook keyboard, hold the keyboard sideways (short side up) at an angle and use short bursts of compressed air to blow debris away from the keys. Move from top to bottom. Clean the keycaps, trackpad, and mouse base with a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. Take care to prevent moisture from entering any opening.

Are Clean Keyboards Necessary

It hasn't been proven, but a computer with a clean keyboard seems to run faster in the same way a freshly washed car feels peppier. Spending a few minutes of preventive cleaning time can make a difference in the performance of this essential part of your digital technology tools. Before you clean a mess caused by a liquid spill on a Mac keyboard or MacBook, unplug the keyboard or shut down the laptop. Then, take it to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Center. Powering up an expensive computer before it's been cleaned by a specialist could prove costly. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Physically Clean Your Laptop How to Clean a Camera Lens How to Clean a Wireless Mouse How to Fix PS4 Controller Drift How to Fix It When a Keyboard Won't Type How to Clean a PS5 Console How to Clean Headphones and Earbuds How to Clean a Magic Keyboard How to Clean a Mechanical Keyboard How to Put a Key Back on a Laptop Keyboard How to Clean a MacBook Screen How to Fix a Chromebook Touchscreen That's Not Working How to Clean Your VCR Heads How to Clean Your Airpods Case How to Clean a MacBook Keyboard How to Find a Flash Drive That's Not Showing Up on a Mac Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies