how can i clean the white keys on my keyboard

There is another recent thread running on this topic... "How do you clean a wireless keyboard?" (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6890997). I posted the comments below on that thread. IPA (rubbing alcohol) is not a bad idea, it will be a pretty decent solvent for many types of grime and will not harm the plastic keys. Still, it obviously has to be kept under control, you can't allow it to run down into the keyboard and shutting everything down while you are cleaning the keys is also a must.

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.

JWS Newbury

Having read much of the recent advice on cleaning the keyboard I tried a few options. Alcohol (enough to dampen only) on a cotton bud worked very well. The best source was gin out of a miniature bottle. Maybe vodka would have worked as well. I now have a very clean keyboard.

22 June 2015

I use Formula 409. I spray it on a paper towel, making sure it isn't drippy wet, and rub it on the keys. Make sure it isn't wet enough to leak into the keys. Works like a charm on both the keys and the base.

I wouldn't spray this anywhere around the screen.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (or other similar brand). Wet the end ever so slightly and then use a 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!

i just used pledge multi purpose to clean my keyboard and your right looks brand new. i used an old nail brush and it was much quicker, place the key board on the floor and spray from a height to avoid getting the keyboard over wet lol plus it now smells nice too lol

I have had many Apple products over the years and have tried many cleaning methods. Eyeglass cleaners, vinegar, alcohol, ammonia, and products that use chemicals common to these can damage the surface of the device. Your beautiful white device then becomes dirtier faster and has a different feel to the surface. There is also a risk of removing the letters/numbers/symbols on the device.

To clean with my method, you will need soft gauze, coconut oil (solid is easier to work with), and a tiny bit of elbow grease. Wrap the guaze around a finger tip and dip into the cococut oil, rub with circular motions on the keys and use the other hand to hold keys down as you clean the base of the keyboard. Everything cleans up beautifully, original white looks great, and the keys feel slick as when they were new.

Happy scrubbing my obsessive compulsive friends!

I just now decided to clean my filthy keyboard. After reading everybody's comments I decided to try Vim since it's more of a paste than liquid. I put a little water on a paper towel with a teeny drop of Vim, squeezed out the excess water, turned the keyboard off and upside-down as suggested and viola! I now have a clean keyboard, except for the "b" which I just noticed now. Oh, and the 1. Well… It looks better than it did before.

I use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and it works fast and really well.

I just use a really wrung out damp dish cloth or wash cloth with only a hint of dish soap left in the rag, to minimise sudsing, to clean my Apple keyboards.

Turn off your Mac or unplug your keyboard before cleaning.

Been using this method for 20 years and always cleans the whole keyboard and keys very well.

Gets off all of the finger oils, grease and grime.

I just cleaned mine keyboard again last week. As I've mentioned before in this thread I typically use a paper towel slightly damp with windex. It's pretty similar to what MichelPM mentions. My company makes the Magic Eraser material, it's pretty interesting how popular it has become. My only concern about using it would be the particulate matter that using it would generate. That could cause keys to stick or reduce travel.