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Apr 19, 2016 7:44 AM in response to Tristris389by Tristris389,where it says iMac it should be iBook and its a 2004 model
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Apr 20, 2016 1:05 PM in response to Tristris389by K Shaffer,There are a few ways to try and clean a portable Apple computer keyboard...
Cleaning debris from round or under the keys, in itself, can take alot of time.
Surface cleaning can be OK if liquid is not used or allowed to go inside; dry
methods include using the dry eraser such as suggested in this video
Cleaning White Apple Keyboards - YouTube
While I've used a slightly damp cloth and avoid contents that may rub letters
off the surface of the keys. You may be able to buy replacement key faces and
springs from some of the online vendors, I've noticed some; but didn't need any.
Be sure if you decide to take the key faces off to clean mechanisms underneath
that you keep track of where all the parts were from. I see images and stories of
how terrible a time someone had trying to discover where the parts should go
when time came to reassemble all those key faces and springy bits again.
Replace key-caps on various Apple portable computers:
http://www.powerbookmedic.com/manual.php?id=28
Do not remove all of them at once. Sometimes to clean single worst examples
works OK. To use dry methods if the keys are affixed to the keyboard, is good
since liquid can damage the circuitry under those keys. Only the plastic tops &
plastic springs (or stainless bits, where they exist) that come off, are washable.
And should be completely dry before reassembly.
Since the earlier white G3 dualUSB iBook and later white G4 iBook look a
bit alike, note they do use slightly different parts inside each of the keys.
Online pictures may show different models, so be wary of their examples.
quick cleaning of iBook keyboard:
http://www.sterpin.net/uk/cleaningibookkeyboarduk.htm
This page shows images and how to take key faces & mechanisms apart:
http://mij.oltrelinux.com/ibook/cleaning_keyboard/
An example of how to remove the entire keyboard (from 14-inch iBook G4)
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iBook+G4+14-Inch+1.42+GHz+Keyboard+Replacement/721
On another different path, here's an article showing where all the lettering on keys
was intentionally removed; worth a look, if not just to wonder why...
http://lowendmac.com/2011/how-to-remove-the-markings-from-your-powerbook-or-iboo k-keyboard/
A company powerbookmedic among others had key faces and the springy plastic
bits that wear out or can be damaged while trying to clean & reassemble, for sale.
And it is always handy to have working spares, Apple USB keyboard and mouse
on hand for use with portable and desktop Apple computers; for troubleshooting
and for backup in case of some odd failure to the main or original keyboard.
Since you did not specify external or internal cleaning, perhaps a mostly dry
wet-wipe (for hand cleaning) could work on surfaces. In between keys, there
are several ways, for simple dusting, to use a clean spare toothbrush or small
bristle brush that may be found among some cosmetics. The kind of bad stuff
to remove, would be anything that was damp going in and sets up once inside.
In any event...
Good luck & happy computing!