Can I put my keyboard in the dishwasher?

Behind the keys of my Apple Keyboard (the white one) is disgusting. I'd like to know if it would be safe to put it in the dishwasher. If not in the dishwasher, could I rinse it with dish soap and hot water?

Thanks for your help!

Thanks for the quick responses! I am asking because not only is my keyboard disgusting, but a guy on the Apple forums said that he's been putting keyboards in the dishwasher for ages.

BlueRevolution said:

You know I actually read somewhere that this works, but I still wouldn't try it. Unplug the keyboard and use a small slotted screwdriver to gently pry the key caps off. Wipe the surface down with a damp cloth, then reassemble. (Might want to take a picture of the keyboard in advance. I can never remember where the + - * and / on the number pad go.) I also suggest wiping each individual key when you reassemble, since you have it apart anyway.

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That's what I'll do then, unless someone else has a better idea.

flopticalcube said:

Put all the keys in a plastic ziploc bag with water and mild dishwashing soap. Shake it gently. Then repeat with clean water. Let dry.

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I'll do that tomorrow to get the keys back to good as new.

Locoweed said:

Maybe you should wash your hads before computing?

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I got the keyboard and MM second hand from my neighbor.

Anyways, I used BlueRevolution's scheme and it restored the keyboard to near new quality.

Here's what I did:

1. Took off all the key caps and put them in a strainer and rinsed with water, then set them to dry.

2. Used a dry paper towel to wipe out the fuzz and other crap in the base, then wiped between the posts with a wet paper towel.

3. Dried, then repeated step with Windex. Dried.

4. Wiped down the clear plastic with Windex, then reassembled.

5. Wiped top of keys with Windex, dried.

Just to make sure everything still works, is there an application I can download to show me what key I'm pressing? Thanks for all your help!

Flynnstone said:

I've washed my key board in the dishwasher several times.
I have kids ... so it gets disgusting ... even when you tell them "no food" near the computer.

Important !
electronics and water don't get along.
need small allen wrench set and small philips screwdriver.
need a dish for holding all the screws. There is a lot.
Also need a dish for the silicone "springs" under the keys.
Careful not to lose any. I lost one. F15 doesn't do anything that I can think of.

you get a big plastic piece with all the keys attached. This can go in dishwasher. (remember ... no electronics or cables in dishwasher).
Use no soap/detergent. just hot water.

Reassemble.
The keyboard looks like new after.

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That sounds pretty good.

Tomorrow I'll do that and combine your and flopticalcube's solutions for the best clean possible!