Hey guys. So around two years ago my kid spilled soda on my Macbook Pro 2010 model, and I never bothered cleaning it since I wasn't using it much. Now it's 2 years later and I'm using it often and it's all spongy and sticky, the Macbook still works perfectly fine and all the keys work okay it's just sticky. Can anyone recommend a method of cleaning them? Thanks a lot.
The keys on these Macs are comprised of 5 or 6 moving parts: the black cap that has the extruded letter or symbol, a translucent body that has a number of snaps, a two-piece scissors mechanism made of white plastic, a silicone rubber "cup" and in some, a stainless steel wire guide. All snap together onto the body and onto metal guides on the printed circuit on the Mac itself. around the microswitch that's nestled inside the rubber "cup". That cup's springiness is what pushes the key back out. Awhile back, one "leg" on the scissor of my left Caps Lock broke off and the key proceeded to pop like a Mexican Jumping Bean. Apple said it was "cosmetic damage", "not covered by warranty" and they would kindly repair it after I plopped $800 and waited while they replaced the entire top case (whole chassis, including keyboard and trackpad), for ONE FRIGGIN KEY. Needless to say, I purchased a collection of keys (5 for the price of 4; needed 1, but I'm sure another eventually will die and wanted to make the cost of the product bigger than the cost of shipping!) from replacementlaptopkeys.com, watched a couple of YouTube videos (like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TawSCmb08tM&feature=g-hist ) and got the Mac back in working order 15 minutes after the postman showed up and I feverishly tore the envelope open.
So I can tell you with full confidence that the only way to get that clean is by lifting the caps. Yeah, that will make the AppleCare guys most unhappy. And yeah, I'm sure more than one of the keycaps will get damaged in the process and require replacement. At $4.95 a pop, with discounts if you break many, just make sure to order the correct type; my Late '11 MBP has type AC01.
(Click on the image for supersize zoom)
" first shut down your computer and unplug the power adapter. Then use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth." I have done this to cean my keyboard and have had no issues. I use the microfiber cleaning cloth the mac came with.
Liquid spills are generally devistating, and that you are not experiencing any major malfunctions is amazing. I just dampen the cloth with water. To be honest, I wouldn't even attempt to remove the keys and clean underneath..just go over the top.
My own experience was:
I spilled a Long Island Ice Tea Royale on my keyboard (never ever have a drink THAT close to your keyboard)
So: My screen went crazy blue/green/program lines, etc etc
- Immediatly unplug all cord/wall cables (it's a MacBook) AND turned it off!
- I"gently" slammed the keyboard against a cushioned surface (my sofa seat)
- Keeping the keyboard facing downwards I unscrewed the lower (gray) lid (8 tiny screws)
- I sprayed it with CRC 05101 QD Electronic Cleneaner
(when not available, use any first aid alcohol spray)
Let it dry (drain) all contaminants while the keyboard stands upright for at least 15 mins.
Restart it & check
to add to hhhrnt's post.....take the lower lid off and immediately unplug the battery.
Also, takes way longer than 15 minutes to dry. I'd wait at least a couple days. Once all the liquid dries, (unless it was just water) then you've got all the sugar and crap left. That will start eating/corroding parts if not completely cleaned out.
It's not the top of the keys that are sticky, more like when I push them down they are sticky and spongy as the pressed key goes in and takes some time to raise back up. Doesn't feel very pleasent to type on.
Thanks for the reply mate, but where I'm not sure is how to remove the keys, and what to damp the cloth with, and what parts underneath and should and shouldn't clean.
Hey the same thing happened to me!
i was wondering what did you end up doing and did it work??
Cleaning Macbook pro 2010 keyboard, soda spill 2 years ago.
