Possible to remove keys for cleaning?

[Naramis]

I have a 2016 MacBook Pro with Touchbar, and a few days ago I spilled some coffee on it.
It's still working perfectly, no defects so far, but some of the keys that got coffee on them are mushy and sticy. They still work perfectly though, they're just not as "clicky" as they're supposed to be.
Is there a way to remove the keys without breaking them, to clean a bit and put them back on?

 

[Ashton Cofer]

This method worked for me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LotkV3uiU8I

It may feel like you're breaking the keys but don't worry, you're not.

 

[Naramis]

Thanks, that seems to have worked! The keys are 90% as good as before, I guess I should consider myself lucky that there are no other problems (so far).
The whole think still smells like espresso though, but I guess I could do worse

 

[aevan]

I have a 2016 MacBook Pro with Touchbar, and a few days ago I spilled some coffee on it.
It's still working perfectly, no defects so far, but some of the keys that got coffee on them are mushy and sticy. They still work perfectly though, they're just not as "clicky" as they're supposed to be.
Is there a way to remove the keys without breaking them, to clean a bit and put them back on?

It is - for regular keys, at least. Not sure about the bigger ones, like the space bar. In fact, I wasn't able to find a single video where someone removed a space bar from 2016/2017 MBP.

It's not even that hard. However, be really, really careful. Breaking a key can void your warranty, and you may end up paying a lot of money to have it fixed.

 

[Naramis]

Shift was a bit hard to remove but it turned out okay. Spacebar was not affected.
I think I screwed up the Up Arrow though.. but I never really use it, and I ordered a replacement one online.
As for the warranty, I believe that's already gone because of the coffee.. I only had like 1 month left anyway

 

[maflynn]

Braver then I am. I'm not sure if I'd be willing to remove the keys.

Glad it worked out for you.

 

[Elcompa]

Shift was a bit hard to remove but it turned out okay. Spacebar was not affected.
I think I screwed up the Up Arrow though.. but I never really use it, and I ordered a replacement one online.
As for the warranty, I believe that's already gone because of the coffee.. I only had like 1 month left anyway

I removed the command, option, control, fn, shift, caps, z, x, a, s, d keys. Spilled beer! Got all sticky and keys were clicking loudly upon pressure, then coming back up slowly. Didnt need to remove the shift key, but I guess it would be the same procedure. Once I had the key tops off, I blew out all the inners/switches with compressed air, then I dipped a Q-Tip in eyeglass cleaning solution and dabbed it around the back of the key and in the switch. I used very little eyeglass solution kin the switch. Then dabbed all with dry Q- tips to ensure it was very dry. Let it sit for 15 mins. to be sure. Then snapped it all back together. I am not very handy at all, and was able to do it.

 

[Silver2k]

yeah, I was getting a high pitched sticky noise under 2 keys and used some thin plastic to pry up the top part of the key and it popped off really easily, cleaned it and popped it back on and it went on perfectly

I do however dread doing the spacebar! If anyone has managed to remove and clean the spacebar let me know how it worked out and if there's any special way of removing it.

 

[Weelious225]

I've used a similar method to the video above and never had an issue. But DO NOT try and pop off the spacebar -- everything I've heard and read says that its almost guaranteed to break.

 

[Admiral]

I've found that Apple and Apple Authorized Service Centers are generally willing to clean up a few drops of Coke or coffee from the keyboard for free. They do have tools for that, and if it takes five minutes or so they almost always wave me off when I ask about payment. I do have AppleCare, though; who knows if it would be free without AppleCare?

 

[old-wiz]

I've found that Apple and Apple Authorized Service Centers are generally willing to clean up a few drops of Coke or coffee from the keyboard for free. They do have tools for that, and if it takes five minutes or so they almost always wave me off when I ask about payment. I do have AppleCare, though; who knows if it would be free without AppleCare?

Applecare does not cover accidents like spilling liquids.