The Ultimate Guide to Clean Your MacBook Pro Keyboard and Screen

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Before You Start: Essential Prep for Cleaning Your MacBook

Alright, before you go spraying and wiping, let’s do a little prep work. Think of it as setting the stage for a flawless performance.

The most crucial first step before you even think about cleaning your MacBook is to turn it off completely and unplug it from any power source. You definitely don’t want to be sending garbled emails to your boss or accidentally deleting a folder while you clean the keys.

This also protects the internal components from any potential for excess liquid causing a short.

Next, gather your arsenal. You don’t need a lot, but you do need the right stuff.

Forget paper towels or old t-shirts; those are abrasive and can leave lint behind or even scratch the surface of the keys. You’ll want a soft, lint-free cloth—a microfiber cloth is your best friend here.

You should also grab a can of compressed air, sometimes called a compressed air duster, preferably with a thin straw to direct the airflow. If you’re dealing with more than just dust, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (70% is the sweet spot) can be a powerful cleaner, but we’ll get to that.

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The Compressed Air Method: Blasting Away Dust and Crumbs

This is the official Apple-recommended method, and for good reason—it’s incredibly effective for getting rid of loose debris without any physical contact that could cause damage.

This is your go-to move to dislodge that annoying crumb or built-up dust from under and around the keys. The trick is all in the angle and the motion. You don’t just point and shoot.

First, hold the MacBook at a 75-degree angle. It shouldn’t be completely vertical, but tilted enough so that gravity can help the debris fall out.

Now, take your can of compressed air and, using the straw nozzle, spray the keyboard in short bursts. Keep the nozzle about a half-inch away from the keyboard; you don’t want to be touching the keyboard with it.

Work your way across the keyboard in a left-to-right zig-zag pattern.

But wait, you’re not done. To be thorough, you need to attack the dirt and grime from all sides.

After your first pass, rotate your MacBook to its right side and repeat the left-to-right spray. Then, rotate it to the left side and do it again.

This ensures the compressed air gets into every nook and cranny, dislodging anything clinging to the sides of the keys. This is the best way to use compressed air to clean your computer keyboard effectively.

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Wiping Down Your MacBook Keyboard for a Surface Clean

Once you’ve blown out all the loose particles, it’s time for a surface-level clean to handle fingerprints, oils, and minor smudges. This is where your microfiber cloth comes into play.

For a simple clean, you can just use a dry cloth to gently wipe the keys. This is often enough to remove fingerprints and give the keyboard a nice shine.

However, if you’re dealing with a bit more stubborn grime, you’ll want to introduce a cleaning solution. But—and this is a big but—never, ever spray directly onto the keyboard.

Doing so is asking for trouble, as the excess liquid can seep underneath the keys and cause serious physical damage to the keyboard. Instead, lightly dampen your microfiber cloth with a small amount of cleaning solution.

What kind of cleaner should you use? A solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol is perfect for Apple products because it cleans effectively and evaporates quickly without leaving a residue.

Just a small amount on the cloth is all you need. Gently wipe the keyboard, moving across the keys with light pressure.

You can also use a cotton swab slightly dampened with the alcohol solution to clean around the keys and get into those tight spaces between them. After you’re done, let it dry completely before turning your MacBook back on.

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Tackling Sticky Keys and Stubborn Grime

Sometimes, a simple wipe isn’t enough. We’ve all been there—a drop of soda, a bit of sticky residue, and suddenly you have sticky keys that make typing a nightmare.

This is where you might need to bring in a specialized keyboard cleaning kit. These kits often come with a variety of tools like soft brushes, keycap pullers, and a quality screen cleaner that doubles as a keyboard cleaner.

When I first picked up an all-in-one keyboard cleaning kit, the first thing I noticed was the variety of tools designed for hard-to-reach areas. The kit included a soft brush that was much more effective than just a cloth for getting into the gaps.

In my field test on a keyboard that had suffered a minor coffee spill, the result was fantastic. I used the soft brush to gently agitate the sticky area, and then applied a tiny amount of the provided cleaning solution to a foam-tipped swab.

The cleaner lifted the residue without being abrasive, and the key returned to its normal, clicky self after I gently wiped it dry.

If you decide to buy a new keyboard cleaner, look for one that is specifically safe for electronics and Apple products. Avoid using harsh chemicals or anything with bleach.

For a deep clean, a good keyboard cleaner combined with a soft brush is the ultimate combo to tackle that deep-seated dirt and grime and keep your MacBooks looking pristine.

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What to Avoid: Common Mistakes That Can Damage Your Keyboard

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. A common mistake is using the wrong cleaning agents.

Stay far away from abrasive cleaners, aerosol sprays that aren’t canned air, solvents, or anything containing hydrogen peroxide or bleach. These can strip the finish off the keycaps, causing discoloration and permanent damage.

You should be avoiding using anything that isn’t explicitly safe for electronics.

Another critical point is to never spray the keyboard or apply any cleaner directly onto its surface. Always apply the liquid to your microfiber cloth first.

This prevents excess liquid from seeping into the sensitive electronics underneath. Also, be gentle! Scrubbing too hard or pressing keys with force while cleaning can damage the delicate butterfly or scissor mechanisms under the keycaps, which could lead to an expensive keyboard replacement.

Finally, don’t rush the process. After you clean your keyboard, especially if you used a damp cloth, give it ample time to air dry completely before you power it back on.

Trapped moisture is the enemy of any electronic device, and patience here can save you a trip to the Apple Store.

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Keeping Your MacBook Keyboard Clean for Longer

Now that you’ve got a sparkling clean MacBook keyboard, you probably want to keep it that way. A little bit of regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing buildup.

Make it a habit to give your laptop keyboard a quick wipe with a dry microfiber cloth every few days to keep oils and dust at bay.

If you’re serious about protection, consider investing in a keyboard cover. A good quality, thin silicone cover can protect your keyboard from spills, crumbs, and dust entirely.

It’s a simple way to prevent damage and makes cleaning as easy as peeling it off and washing it. This is one of the best ways to keep your keyboard in top condition.

Regularly using compressed air once a month can also prevent the slow accumulation of dust that can lead to unresponsive keys. The goal is to make cleaning a small, regular habit rather than a major deep-cleaning project.

Taking these small steps will not only keep your MacBook looking great but will also help maintain its functionality and extend its life.

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FAQ

What is the best way to clean my MacBook’s keyboard?

The best way to clean your MacBook’s keyboard is to first turn off the laptop and hold it at an angle. Use a lint-free cloth, lightly dampened with a screen cleaner kit, to gently clean the surface of the keys. Avoid pressing keys while doing this to prevent any damage to the internal mechanisms. For tough dirt and debris, you can use a soft brush or compressed air to dislodge particles without turning the MacBook upside down.

Can I use a regular cleaning spray on my MacBook’s keyboard?

No, you should avoid using regular cleaning sprays directly on the keyboard, as they can damage the keys or seep into the internal components. Instead, use a cloth dampened with a screen cleaner kit specifically designed for electronics. This will help ensure that you clean without causing any harm to your MacBook’s keyboard.

How often should I clean my MacBook’s keyboard?

It’s a good practice to clean your MacBook’s keyboard at least once every few weeks, especially if you frequently eat or drink near it. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of dirt and debris, ensuring that the keys remain functional and easy to press. If you notice that keys are still sticky or hard to reach, it may be time for a more thorough cleaning.

What should I avoid when cleaning my MacBook’s keyboard?

When cleaning your MacBook’s keyboard, avoid using excessive liquid, as this can damage the keys and internal components. Don’t spray cleaners directly on the keyboard; instead, use a cloth. Additionally, avoid pressing the keys while cleaning, as this can push dirt further into the keyboard. Always turn off the laptop before cleaning to prevent any accidental key presses.

Is it safe to turn my MacBook upside down for cleaning?

While it can be beneficial to turn your MacBook upside down to let loose debris fall out, be cautious when doing so. Ensure that you do not apply pressure to the keys from underneath, as this can cause damage. Instead, consider holding your MacBook at an angle to effectively remove dirt and debris without risking damage to the keyboard.

Can I use a vacuum cleaner to clean my MacBook’s keyboard?

It is not recommended to use a vacuum cleaner to clean your MacBook’s keyboard, as the suction can potentially damage the keys or pull them off. Instead, use compressed air or a soft brush to gently clean between the keys. This method allows you to effectively remove dirt and debris without risking any harm to your MacBook.

What should I do if my keyboard still feels dirty after cleaning?

If your keyboard still feels dirty after cleaning, you may need to take a more thorough approach. Consider using a slightly damp lint-free cloth to wipe down the keys again, focusing on areas where dirt accumulates. For stubborn spots, a gentle brush can help dislodge any remaining dirt. If the keys are still not responding properly, you may need to consult a professional for further assistance.