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Can I put my keyboard in the dishwasher?

Shake 'n' Bake

Shake 'n' Bake

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Mar 2, 2009
2,186
2
Albany
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!
 
Shake 'n' Bake said:
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!
Click to expand...
I would only dishwash a keyboard as a last resort. Rinsing is better but let it dry in a warm place for at least 48 hours.
 
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.
 
There was a thread about this a while back... and I want to say that people have done so with mixed results.

I will try to dig up the thread

Woof, Woof - Dawg
pawprint.gif
 
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.
Click to expand...

That's what I'll do then, unless someone else has a better idea.
 
I could see washing the keys, since they're just plastic. But I wouldn't subject the base (with the electronics) to anything but distilled water, and even then, make sure it's very well dried out before you plug it in again.
 
And just where on your keyboard are you seeing the words "Dishwasher Safe"??? This is a ridiculous idea, IMO.
 
Whenever I've gotten a used computer, PC or Mac, I never take the keyboard or mouse . . . to much "personal user interface" for my liking.

After getting the keycaps clean, invest in a silicone skin and you'll be all set.
 
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.
Click to expand...

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

Locoweed said:
Maybe you should wash your hads before computing?:p
Click to expand...

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!
 
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.
 
Shake 'n' Bake said:
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.
Click to expand...

Because everything you read online is true I would go ahead and do it.

I would use Cascade with JetDry to ensure you don't get water spots.
 
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.
Click to expand...

That sounds pretty good.

Tomorrow I'll do that and combine your and flopticalcube's solutions for the best clean possible!:D
 
One preventative measure for the future would be to cover your keyboard with a cloth when it's not in use.
 
Shake 'n' Bake said:
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!
Click to expand...

Mac OS X has one. Go into :apple: -> System Preferences -> International -> Input Menu and check Keyboard Viewer, as well as the "Show input menu in menu bar" option if it isn't. A new icon will appear in your menu bar, probably with a flag on it. (The icon varies depending on what keyboard layout you're using.) You can open the keyboard viewer from this menu, and it will highlight keys as they are pressed.

wadejc85 said:
One preventative measure for the future would be to cover your keyboard with a cloth when it's not in use.
Click to expand...

Most of the grime on keyboards is the product of contact with your fingers, not dust. I don't know that the cloth trick would do much.

Then again, my keyboard is very rarely not in use, except while I'm sleeping.
 
yall are just silly.....everyone knows you can only put WINDOWZ keyboards in the dishwasher....you have to put mac boards in the washing machine
 
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