AlaskaDerringer

Q: How do you clean a wireless Keyboard?

I have a wireless Keyboard for my iMac and would like to know the best way to clean it. It is turning very dark and I would like it to be white again.

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2), 2.3GHz Intel Core i7

Posted on Mar 24, 2015 11:59 AM

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Q: How do you clean a wireless Keyboard?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Baby Boomer (USofA),

    Baby Boomer (USofA) Baby Boomer (USofA) Mar 24, 2015 12:13 PM in response to AlaskaDerringer
    Level 9 (57,623 points)
    Mar 24, 2015 12:13 PM in response to AlaskaDerringer

    Clean your Apple products - Apple Support

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Wave Siggy.gif

  • by AlaskaDerringer,

    AlaskaDerringer AlaskaDerringer Mar 24, 2015 1:46 PM in response to Baby Boomer (USofA)
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iCloud
    Mar 24, 2015 1:46 PM in response to Baby Boomer (USofA)

    It does not clean the key pads with just water alone.

  • by Gary Scotland,

    Gary Scotland Gary Scotland Mar 24, 2015 1:52 PM in response to AlaskaDerringer
    Level 6 (14,417 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 24, 2015 1:52 PM in response to AlaskaDerringer

    Use soft, lint-free cloths lightly moistened with clear window cleaner or household worktop cleaning solution. Computer shops and supermarkets sell computer cleaning cloths in a pack.

  • by Baby Boomer (USofA),

    Baby Boomer (USofA) Baby Boomer (USofA) Mar 24, 2015 2:16 PM in response to AlaskaDerringer
    Level 9 (57,623 points)
    Mar 24, 2015 2:16 PM in response to AlaskaDerringer

    Works wonders on Mac's white keyboards & keys

    pDGC1-12184711v380.jpg



    Invest in a keyboard cover which can be found at the Apple Store (online & off) as well as any Mac reseller stores.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Wave Siggy.gif

  • by Gary Scotland,

    Gary Scotland Gary Scotland Mar 25, 2015 3:55 AM in response to Baby Boomer (USofA)
    Level 6 (14,417 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 25, 2015 3:55 AM in response to Baby Boomer (USofA)

    Do not use these so called "magic erasers " on electronic or computer equipment, they will permanently damage the surface of plastic and painted surfaces.

    These erasers contain an abrasive powder to scratch the away the surface of anything it is used on. Would you use sandpaper to clean your keyboard, it is the same result. Do the correct thing and use window cleaner solution.

  • by pokey b,

    pokey b pokey b Mar 25, 2015 8:37 AM in response to AlaskaDerringer
    Level 3 (582 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 25, 2015 8:37 AM in response to AlaskaDerringer

    For a keyboard that has gotten this dirty it will take some fairly aggressive action to get it clean. You might need to be prepared to replace the keyboard if you get too aggressive. I too have used window cleaner like Windex and other cleaners like 409 on my hard wired keyboard, but as mentioned you CAN NOT let it run down into the keyboard. If some liquid does get in the keyboard, even if it does't destroy the function could gum things up as it will likely carry some of the dirt and grime with it. I am a plastics engineer. None of these cleaners will harm the keys. Perhaps hold the keyboard upside down and slowly wipe with a sponge or cloth somewhat saturated with the cleaner. This should keep liquid from accidentally getting into the innards of the keyboard. It may take several cleanings like this to get it truly clean..

  • by Baby Boomer (USofA),

    Baby Boomer (USofA) Baby Boomer (USofA) Mar 25, 2015 2:03 PM in response to Gary Scotland
    Level 9 (57,623 points)
    Mar 25, 2015 2:03 PM in response to Gary Scotland

    Gary Scotland wrote:

     

    Do not use these so called "magic erasers " on electronic or computer equipment, they will permanently damage the surface of plastic and painted surfaces.

    These erasers contain an abrasive powder to scratch the away the surface of anything it is used on. Would you use sandpaper to clean your keyboard, it is the same result. Do the correct thing and use window cleaner solution.

    Only if the item is so dirty/filty that you have to scrub it to death.  Was using Mr Clean erasers on my G5 iMac keyboard for years.  I used them once a week, so my keyboard was never filthy.  Then I discovered keyboard covers, problem solved!!!!!!

  • by Webhead1990,Helpful

    Webhead1990 Webhead1990 Mar 31, 2015 11:40 AM in response to AlaskaDerringer
    Level 1 (14 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 31, 2015 11:40 AM in response to AlaskaDerringer

    This is how I clean my wired keyboard:

     

    Isopropyl alcohol

    Q-tips (As q-tips get dirty, use clean q-tips)

    Cotton rag (old cotton t-shirts.)

     

    Step One - Turn the wireless keyboard off, or disconnect a wired keyboard.

     

    Step Two - Wet Q-tip in alcohol, then use the q-tip one key at a time, and then I wipe with cotton rag. Then I use alcohol and q-tip to clean non-key areas. Clean small areas at a time.


    Turn keyboard over and clean bottom of case with rag dipped in alcohol. Again, a small section at a time.


    Step Three - Allow time for everything to dry. I allow an hour or two to dry completely. There may have been a little bit of alcohol that has fallen through the top of the keyboard. This wait time is to allow any material that has fallen through the cracks to evaporate.


    It takes me up to an hour to clean my keyboard. Just before I disconnect my keyboard, turn my iMac and MacBook off. With a water-dampened cotton rag (different from the one I use to clean the keyboard), I clean the monitor.


    Step Four - turn the keyboard back on, or coonnect the wired keyboard.


    Btw, drinking beverages while at the computer is on is a big no-no. A small spill will fry your keyboard!


    I have been cleaning my keyboards this way since 1990.




  • by AlaskaDerringer,Helpful

    AlaskaDerringer AlaskaDerringer Mar 31, 2015 11:40 AM in response to Gary Scotland
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iCloud
    Mar 31, 2015 11:40 AM in response to Gary Scotland

    Found a commercial cleaner called eKlenz that works great for keyboards.

  • by cat's claw,

    cat's claw cat's claw Sep 29, 2015 4:32 PM in response to AlaskaDerringer
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 29, 2015 4:32 PM in response to AlaskaDerringer

    Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (or other similar brand).  Wet the end ever so slightly and then use a gentle circular motion over your entire keyboard.  Reverse the circular motion for a few seconds, wipe to perfection with a paper towel.  This method works and takes less than a minute.  It's like, well, magic!

     

    The eraser contains no cleaners that will leave a residue.

     

    Support staff:  Please don't remove my comment, it's in the same vein as all the other responses.  I don't know why you are singling out my comment as inappropriate.