What should I do if my MacBook keys are stuck?

justchloe wrote:

...Can I bring this to my local Apple store and have it cleaned? I have Apple Care for it. ....

Taking it to the Apple Store is the best and safest option to have it evaluated, especially if you have AppleCare+ as it covers accidental damages. The batter may not have only got on the keyboard but seeped through to the logic board where it can become a moisture absorbing corrosive substance and could eventually cause the logic board to fail.

So, unless you are an Apple repairman, best to let the pros analyze and determine the proper course of action which most likely will mean a keyboard replacement because once things get into the keyboard they are usually toast.

Hello!

Apple has some instructions on cleaning your keyboard that I will provide below. Be careful using other cleaning methods as they might damage your keyboard.

• Hold your Mac notebook at a 75-degree angle, so it's not quite vertical.

• Use compressed air to spray the keyboard, or just the affected keys, in a left-to-right motion.

• Rotate your Mac notebook to its right side and spray the keyboard again, from left to right.

• Repeat the action, this time with your Mac notebook rotated to its left side.

If any keys are still sticky or unresponsive after you've followed these steps, visit an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for service.

Hope this helps!

-Drake

justchloe Said:

"Cake Batter Between Keys.: Can I bring this to my local Apple store and have it cleaned? I have Apple Care for it. If not, what should I do at home? I tried taking a very thin plastic sheet and shoving it in between the keys, while this slightly worked, the batter is still obviously there. Please help, as I am perturbed. Thank you!!"

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Clearing Cake Batter Between Keys:

Stop Fiddling with this, and take it in to Apple.

Make a Store Appointment:

Set up a Genius Bar Appointment at your local Apple Store. There, it will be diagnosed, and you'll be provided with your options. IMPORTANT: Be certain to bring along a proof of purchase (i.e. sale receipt or original packaging) and the iPhone, itself.

Expect a Fee:

Don't be shocked if there is a fee. For accidental coverage, this is something you would have agreed to, upon opening an AppleCare+ plan.

1. Go Here: AppleCare Products - Mac - Apple
2. As it reads: $299 for other accidental damage

drake211 wrote:

Use compressed air to spray the keyboard, or just the affected keys, in a left-to-right motion.

Using compressed air sounds like a great way to force the cake batter deeper into the Mac. The instructions you're referencing are for getting something like a piece of lint or a crumb out from under the keyboard. They are not intended for a sticky, viscous substance like cake batter.

drake211 Said:

"Apple has some instructions on cleaning your keyboard that I will provide below. Be careful using other cleaning methods as they might damage your keyboard."

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Why would you mention something that may damage a device?

To the OP: Get this Serviced.

I mention that other cleaning methods that are not approved by Apple may damage your keyboard. I am giving OP a warning that doing things like "taking a very thin plastic sheet and shoving it in between the keys" may damage the keyboard.

Learn more about the Apple created cleaning method here: How to clean the keyboard of your MacBook or MacBook Pro - Apple Support.