How to clean the keyboard keys?

[AdamA9]

After a month of use, the keys have developed a slight shine to them. I assume this is because of the natural oils on your skin as I don't eat and use my keyboard.

I was wondering what is the best and safest way to clean my keyboard?

Thanks.

 

[afir93]

I'm usually using a microfibre cloth when I notice any stickiness from sweaty fingers or the like. Never had any issues with it; should be pretty safe.

 

[whiteonline]

I usually use the microfiber cloth, very slightly damp and leave the lid open to ensure there is no moisture before putting the machine away.
Keep in mind, your fingertips will polish away the texture from the key caps over time resulting in the shine.

 

[psingh01]

I have Monster Screen Clean which I use with a microfiber cloth to clean the screen. Afterwards I just wipe down the keyboard with the same cloth.

 

[AppleHaterLover]

Keep in mind, your fingertips will polish away the texture from the key caps over time resulting in the shine.

This is true no matter how you baby it.

 

[cgpd7507]

I use a microfiber with a little alcohol. I don’t believe plain water will “cut it” literally. My hands can get pretty oily.

 

[AppleHaterLover]

I use a microfiber with a little alcohol. I don’t believe plain water will “cut it” literally. My hands can get pretty oily.

In 2009, I killed a Dell Inspiron (R.I.P.) with "a little alcohol" for this exact same purpose.

I wouldn't use anything but isopropyl alcohol on electronics. Plus there's the risk that the alcohol residue will contact the screen when the lid is closed and ruin the coating.

 

[Painter2002]

In 2009, I killed a Dell Inspiron (R.I.P.) with "a little alcohol" for this exact same purpose.

I wouldn't use anything but isopropyl alcohol on electronics. Plus there's the risk that the alcohol residue will contact the screen when the lid is closed and ruin the coating.

I second this, well I mean I’ve never used alcohol on a laptop keyboard, but I’d highly recommend against it. The painted on coating on the keys is likely to start getting stripped, if not the first time over time it could.

I personally just use a tiny amount of water on a microfiber cloth dedicated to just keyboard cleaning and I don’t have any oil marks on my keyboard.

 

[jerryk]

I would first start by powering off the MacBook Pro. Then just use a microfiber cloth wetted with a drop of water.

 

[Painter2002]

I would first start by powering off the MacBook Pro. Then just use a microfiber cloth wetted with a drop of water.

I forgot to mention the part about turning off the computer, don’t need to be sending your boss or loved ones a bunch of gibberish (although mine are probably already used to it by now, Lol).

 

[LogicalApex]

I forgot to mention the part about turning off the computer, don’t need to be sending your boss or loved ones a bunch of gibberish (although mine are probably already used to it by now, Lol).

Impossible to keep the 2018 MBP off while doing this unless you drain the battery to zero before you start!

 

[Painter2002]

Impossible to keep the 2018 MBP off while doing this unless you drain the battery to zero before you start!

Ah yes you are right, I forgot this. My 2017 MBP can be turned off, and so long as you don’t close the lid, you can clean the keys off. Can’t do that with the 2018 model lineup.

Shame that Apple doesn’t make a simple toggle option for the auto-on features in setttings.

 

[Antoni Nygaard]

Ah yes you are right, I forgot this. My 2017 MBP can be turned off, and so long as you don’t close the lid, you can clean the keys off. Can’t do that with the 2018 model lineup.

Shame that Apple doesn’t make a simple toggle option for the auto-on features in setttings.

Why isn't that possible on the 2018 model?

 

[Painter2002]

Why isn't that possible on the 2018 model?

The 2018 models now have a new “feature” where if you press any key after turning the computer off, it will automatically turn computer back on. So in a sense the new Macbook Pros are never truly “off”.

 

[Antoni Nygaard]

The 2018 models now have a new “feature” where if you press any key after turning the computer off, it will automatically turn computer back on. So in a sense the new Macbook Pros are never truly “off”.

Ah, thanks.

 

[cgpd7507]

I second this, well I mean I’ve never used alcohol on a laptop keyboard, but I’d highly recommend against it. The painted on coating on the keys is likely to start getting stripped, if not the first time over time it could.

I personally just use a tiny amount of water on a microfiber cloth dedicated to just keyboard cleaning, and I don’t have any oil marks on my keyboard.

I striclty use isopropyl alcohol and have never noticed any residue. I can't imagine using any other form of alcohol for any electical component. Maybe I'm a germaphobe because I use the same method to wipe down my phones and haven't suffered any adverse effects. The isopropyl alcohol pretty much evaporates and countless companies provide the wipes to clean equipment prior to installing screen savers and skinz. Again, I would only recommend using this for the keyboard and the outside of the device. I actually use https://purosol.com/products/purosol-lens-cleaner which is designed to clean SLR camera lenses for my screen.