Cleaning Sticky Keys on Space Grey Apple Keyboard

Whats's the best way to clean sticky keys. Just spraying alcohol isn't working.

Thanks

Posted on Jul 14, 2020 5:04 PM

Reply
1 reply

Jul 14, 2020 6:51 PM in response to adgod42

Do NOT spray any liquid onto any device or you may cause liquid damage to the device.


Try using compressed air to clean the keyboard. Make sure to keep the can of compressed air completely upright or you can damage the keyboard when the freezing cold liquid propellant sprays out. Use this Apple article as a guide on how to hold the keyboard when using compressed air (even though it describes a laptop, the same principle applies to a regular keyboard):

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205662


If compressed air doesn't help and only a few keys are sticking, then you can try removing the keycaps to clean the scissor mechanism, keycap, and edges of the key opening using Isopropyl alcohol. Keep in mind it is very easy to damage the keycap and scissor mechanism when removing & reinstalling the keycap. This can be a lot of work even for just a few keys.


The trick to removing the keycap safely is being able to determine which side of the keycap snaps onto the scissor mechanism. The other side of the keycap actually slides onto fragile studs on the scissor mechanism. While most of the keys will snap on in the same way, there will likely be some keys which fit together differently. Plus the longer keys (Tab, Caps Lock, Shift, Space, Return, Delete, etc.) may contain two or more scissor mechanisms as well as a metal stabilizing bar(s) which can be tricky to reattach. Extreme care must be taken.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Cleaning Sticky Keys on Space Grey Apple Keyboard

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.