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Best way to clean macbook pro keyboard?

B

boateng

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 8, 2012
440
10
I have had my 13' macbook pro for about a year now

I have noticed dust/hair etc are getting trapped in the keyboard.
What's the best way to clean it and get rid of it?

Do I have to go to the Apple store and pay for them to clean it for me?
 
Collider said:
Have you tried compressed air? That usually works for me.
Click to expand...

nope havent because i heard compressed air wasnt good since liquid gets into the keys:eek:

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Macman45 said:
I use a very fine top quality varnishing brush to get in between the keys. Then I just wipe with a damp micro fibre cloth and I'm good. The very soft brushes are the ones to use.
Click to expand...
will the brush get between the keys though?

which exact ones do you use...can you post me a link from amazon because all this hair is annoying me!
 
Shave your head.

I suggest a keyboard cover for protection against future dust/hair getting in there. I use it when I need to work at the dinner table and might be touching food at the same time. Say no to greasy keys :D
 
boateng said:
I have had my 13' macbook pro for about a year now

I have noticed dust/hair etc are getting trapped in the keyboard.
What's the best way to clean it and get rid of it?

Do I have to go to the Apple store and pay for them to clean it for me?
Click to expand...

if ur laptop is on use an app called keyboard cleaner that locks the keyboard and then clean with micro fibre. also perhaps consider using a vacuum and hovering th enozzle slightly over it .

apple wont clean it. theyll only replace the upper case, which is expensive... in the case of my 15 inch retina it would cost
about 425 dollars us.
 
Actually (as CHMK said as well) it is generally MUCH more preferable to use a small (or not too close) vacuum (with plastic/rubber nozzle so as not to mark the computer) along with a Small Brush to loosen any Dirt and Fuzzy Bits up.. if you BLOW air into Keyboard, some of those items will surely end up inside your MBP and under the keys, in the fans, etc etc..

And other than that, I would suggest a ~Monthly (or as needed) cleaning as such, and a Wiping of the Case and Keys with a slightly dampened micro-fibre cloth to pick up any Dirt and Oils off your hands.. It will be surprising what you get off of it and how much better a CLEAN Machine looks and feels..
 
webworks415 said:
Shave your head.

I suggest a keyboard cover for protection against future dust/hair getting in there. I use it when I need to work at the dinner table and might be touching food at the same time. Say no to greasy keys :D
Click to expand...

its called i skin right? I might get it actually....

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bobcan said:
Actually (as CHMK said as well) it is generally MUCH more preferable to use a small (or not too close) vacuum (with plastic/rubber nozzle so as not to mark the computer) along with a Small Brush to loosen any Dirt and Fuzzy Bits up.. if you BLOW air into Keyboard, some of those items will surely end up inside your MBP and under the keys, in the fans, etc etc..

And other than that, I would suggest a ~Monthly (or as needed) cleaning as such, and a Wiping of the Case and Keys with a slightly dampened micro-fibre cloth to pick up any Dirt and Oils off your hands.. It will be surprising what you get off of it and how much better a CLEAN Machine looks and feels..
Click to expand...

Yeah my macbook gets so dirty easily. I am not sure if it is because i sit next to a window but my screen and keys need almost cleaning every two days:eek:

not sure if i should just get that iskin macbook key's cover instead?
 
chabig said:
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (or equivalent).
Click to expand...

I would not recommend that because its abrasive and might affect the finish of the keyboard

A soft brush as mentioned to get the big stuff, and a damp cloth for the rest.
 
maflynn said:
I would not recommend that because its abrasive and might affect the finish of the keyboard

A soft brush as mentioned to get the big stuff, and a damp cloth for the rest.
Click to expand...

what about if there is dust inside the keyboard which cant be seen

i dont want to take the keys off because i am not good with that sort of stuff and dont want to risk breaking it!
 
boateng said:
what about if there is dust inside the keyboard which cant be seen

i dont want to take the keys off because i am not good with that sort of stuff and dont want to risk breaking it!
Click to expand...

Don't take the keys off the keyboard there is a high probability you'll break something.

Perhaps a small vacuum as mentioned from the post above?
 
maflynn said:
Don't take the keys off the keyboard there is a high probability you'll break something.

Perhaps a small vacuum as mentioned from the post above?
Click to expand...

i have a vacum

maybe put it on low and hope it works?
 
I use a q-tip and a little rubbing alcohol, but my main problem is getting gunk in between the keys. I've also used compressed air. Keep it an inch or two away and then you won't get liquid.
 
Best way to clean macbook pro keyboard?

I recommend the OXO Good Grips Electronics Cleaning Brush.

You can get it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0050B6CYW

eBay: http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_k...NING+BRUSH+FOR+COMPUTER+CELL+PHONE+PDA+CAMERA

6u4a4uta.jpg
 
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actually apple does clean the laptop up for you. I have given my macbooks a couple of times to service and when i got it back it was as good as new, they clean the keyboard display even the insides. That is what i was told by the guy at the AASP
 
KUguardgrl13 said:
I use a q-tip and a little rubbing alcohol, but my main problem is getting gunk in between the keys. I've also used compressed air. Keep it an inch or two away and then you won't get liquid.
Click to expand...

As far as cleaning the keys themselves, I use isopropyl alcohol. You don't need to be that dainty with it. I just put a little on a paper towel or terry cloth towel and rub it on. I've cleaned all of my laptop and other keyboards that way for many years and have never had any issues.
 
LadyX said:
I recommend the OXO Good Grips Electronics Cleaning Brush.

You can get it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0050B6CYW

eBay: http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_k...NING+BRUSH+FOR+COMPUTER+CELL+PHONE+PDA+CAMERA

Image
Click to expand...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/OXO-Good-Gr...428&sr=8-1&keywords=electronic+cleaning+brush

I am in the UK....is it this onehttp://www.amazon.co.uk/OXO-Good-Grips-Electronics-Cleaning/dp/B0050B6CYW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376176428&sr=8-1&keywords=electronic+cleaning+brush

What do you think is better....the brush you recommend or an air duster?

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phpmaven said:
As far as cleaning the keys themselves, I use isopropyl alcohol. You don't need to be that dainty with it. I just put a little on a paper towel or terry cloth towel and rub it on. I've cleaned all of my laptop and other keyboards that way for many years and have never had any issues.
Click to expand...

will a standard lcd screen/iklear be okay to use to clean the actual keys?

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KUguardgrl13 said:
I use a q-tip and a little rubbing alcohol, but my main problem is getting gunk in between the keys. I've also used compressed air. Keep it an inch or two away and then you won't get liquid.
Click to expand...

im worried about using an air duster incase i damage the macbook

not sure if i should get a brush or air duster
 
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Vacuums are, in general, not recommended for cleaning computer components as they create an electrostatic charge that can damage components. The use of compressed air is the much preferred alternative, and the only way you will get liquid in the computer is if you spray with the can upside down. Cleaning out the keys is a tricky business, and a combination of compressed air (to blow out dust and small debris) combined with something along the lines of the OXO brush or a q-tip would be best for cleaning.
 
I use rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and rub down the keyboard. Generally, that will take most of the dirt and nasty off of there.

Just a note, don't leave a cloth with alcohol on a mac keyboard, it will cause the paint to flake loose from the keys and to fix it will require a new top case.
 
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