Why is it that Apple Keyboards give up the ghost the moment you approach them with a damp cloth to clean the keys?

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Why is it that Apple Keyboards give up the ghost the moment you approach them with a damp cloth to clean the keys?

I'm an Apple fan.

I love Apple products and my MacBook Pro hasn't let me down since I bought it in September 2009...

So why is it that Apple Keyboards (i.e. the full-size USB keyboards) give up the ghost the moment you approach them with a damp cloth to clean the keys?

I've gone through three of them in 2 years. At over NZ$100.00 each they're not cheap. Surely Apple can make them a bit more robust than that? How are we supposed to clean them?

I've tried warming the faulty ones up with a hair dryer on low (doesn't work) and leaving them out in the sun (doesn't work either).

Is there a non-Apple alternative?

Disappointed (and out of pocket)...

MacBook Pro (17-inch Mid 2009), OS X El Capitan (10.11.3)

Posted on Mar 7, 2016 9:53 PM

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Answer 1

Cunnla

Level 6

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Mar 7, 2016 10:14 PM in response to KiwiSteve1

Apple Aluminum and Plastic Wireless and Wired Keyboards

If your keyboard is wired, first disconnect it from your computer. If it is wireless, power off the keyboard and remove the batteries. To clean the outside of your keyboard, use a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water. Don't get moisture in any openings or use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide.

This is Apple's advice on cleaning keyboards.

Make sure your cloth is not too damp.

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Answer 2

KiwiSteve1 Author

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Mar 7, 2016 10:21 PM in response to Cunnla

Thank you Cunnla for replying. After the first two died I went on line and got similar advice as yours, which I used on the 3rd one, which promptly died too.

Don't really want to spend another $100...

Currently I'm making do with the little wireless keyboard (which has survived several cleanings!) but I prefer the larger layout.

Is there a mac-compatible alternative?

Steve

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Answer 3

steve359

Level 6

17,187 points

Mar 7, 2016 10:31 PM in response to KiwiSteve1

Water + electricity is a bad combination. Always has been.

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Answer 4

Cunnla

Level 6

8,263 points

Mar 7, 2016 10:35 PM in response to KiwiSteve1

Hi KiwiSteve,

If you are following the Apple advice and not letting moisture get inside, then it could be faulty keyboards, though three seems a bit much. Was there no warranty on the keyboards you bought?

See if you can get any help here: https://getsupport.apple.com

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Answer 5

KiwiSteve1 Author

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Mar 7, 2016 10:47 PM in response to Cunnla

Since it happens immediately after attempts to clean them, it's pretty clear that the attempt to clean has caused the fault.

I spend a fortune on Apple Protection on all my devices but it doesn't extend to keyboards.

Besides, after the last one I threw all three of them out in the rubbish and vowed 'never again'...

So if I can't find an alternative I guess I'll soldier on with the little wireless one.

Thanks for responding anyway.

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Answer 6

KiwiSteve1 Author

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Mar 7, 2016 10:48 PM in response to steve359

Yup, fully aware of that. It was a damp cloth, rather than free water. I have several PC's with logitech keyboards and they survive similar treatment with no problems.

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Answer 7

Cunnla

Level 6

8,263 points

Mar 7, 2016 11:07 PM in response to KiwiSteve1

Well, try a Web search for "mac-compatible usb keyboards" and there are lots of options. Good luck hunting.😎

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