Methods for cleaning the Apple Aluminum Keyboard

[butturinij]

I just spilled a can of grape soda on my keyboard, and i just took it apart and let all the parts soak in rubbing alcohol. The keys pop off real easy, and then I used an exacto knife to take off the little white parts underneath (this is usually where the sticking is occuring at the hinge). Let all the parts soak really good, let them dry, and assemble together. It is a little time consuming, but your keyboard will be back like new when you are done.

 

[ridgelift]

Perfect cleaner for aluminum keyboard

I just discovered the perfect cleaner for an aluminum keyboard, and I was surprised by how quickly and thoroughly it worked. Try using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. It's a white sponge that you slightly dampen with water and then rub against the keys and aluminum back. It made my keyboard look brand new after a few seconds of light scrubbing.

 

[quantum003]

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. They call them "magic" for a reason. Not sure if it's black magic or white magic, but those little erasers have stolen my heart...

They will clean any white apple hardware you point them at without causing damage. Try it.

 

[Harrold]

I use anti-bacterial wipes to clean the keys of mine, it removes the dirt making it look as good as new. I've never really has the issue with dirt getting between and under the keys.

 

[ukchick]

Have a weird pink/purple stain on keys

Hi, I have the wireless Aluminium keyboard for my imac.. and i play games on it alot. i've had it maybe 5weeks.. and recently noticed a pink/purple stain on the A and W keys. I've never had anything on my fingers so not sure what it is. Any ideas on how to clean it. I had a "pink" issue on my macbook where the outside edge on the top plate for the keyboard changed to pinky colour.. really weird not sure why???

 

[spaceballl]

MR. CLEAN MAGIC ERASER!

This thing does WONDERS. use it VERY slightly damp at first. then use the dry side.

 

[troy14]

Old thread, but really, top rack of the dishwasher.

Let it dry for at least a day, I usually do 2-3 JUST to be safe.

Never had a problem and I do it routinely. Most electronics are fine getting wet if they have no power and have ample time to dry.

Makes the keyboard look brand new.

 

[pwrmacg4]

I know this is kind of an old thread, but I just thought I'd let everyone know how my cleaning went. I cleaned a wireless keyboard, magic trackpad, wired keyboard, and an apple remote. All I used was 2 paper towels and 70% rubbing alcohol. It seems to work better on the keyboards if you do it one row at a time, which shouldn't be a problem because if you care enough to clean your keyboard, you won't want paper towel shreds under the keys. The rubbing alcohol also works on the rubber feet on the bottom of the keyboards!! Also, it seemed to clean my [previously] white iPod/iPad/iPhone cable and make it white again.

 

[walterwhite]

Old thread, but really, top rack of the dishwasher.

Let it dry for at least a day, I usually do 2-3 JUST to be safe.

Never had a problem and I do it routinely. Most electronics are fine getting wet if they have no power and have ample time to dry.

Makes the keyboard look brand new.

I have been doing the wash of keyboards for years... I do the several rinses under cold water and then put it in a window that gets a lot of sun and put a towel under it... 3 days later, works great. I only use this for the spill damage from a sugar filled drink or coffee or the like, because of the acidity and stickiness. If its just dirty from use, the clorox wipes do well, or a dampened clean cotton rag with maybe winds or the like. I havent tried any wireless keyboards...

 

[friendlycow]

I was cleaning my desk 2 days ago and gave my apple aluminium keyboard a very quick wipe over with a antibacterial wet wipe, after this about 25% of my keys have stopped working (inclding both enter keys!) I have lifted off the offending keys and there is nothing obvious as to why they arent working, no moisture etc, does anyone have any sggestions on anything else I cold try (sorry for lack of pnctation and block of text!)

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Also, strangely, some keys are working but not the correct key, for example the right arrow key is moving to the right but also typing a '1'!