You may want to avoid turning your laptop off, but don’t forget this step. You want to have the freedom to press down on all the keys without worrying about changing important settings or accidentally emailing your boss a note filled with gibberish. Think of it as a well-deserved nap for your hard-working computer.
Try tapping all of the keys on your keyboard repeatedly and then shake it over the trashcan again. Tapping the keys helps to dislodge dirt and other material that may have collected over the weeks, or years, since the last time you cleaned your keyboard. You may see some unwanted debris fall out as you gently shake the laptop, but don’t be discouraged if you don’t. Doing this will still help break up unwanted gunk that will be dealt with as you continue cleaning.
Be sure to keep the end of the straw about a half-inch away from the keyboard. Avoid inverting the can while you are spraying. You may want to get a friend to help you hold your computer at this angle while you spray. If you have a MacBook Pro that is older than the 2016 model you can skip the compressed air. Using compressed air on older models of the MacBook Pro can force dust deeper into the laptop, rather than blowing it out.
Don’t forget to keep the end of the straw about half an inch away from the keyboard. The compressed air has enough force that it will be able to clean out the keys from that distance. Spraying it any closer could damage the keys.
This is a good time to do a final once-over with the can of compressed air. If you think you may have missed a spot, take the time now to access it. You may want to give your laptop one more gentle shake over the trashcan, for good measure.
As you’re dusting, use a light hand and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the keyboard.
Make sure your disinfectant wipes don’t contain bleach. Apple suggests Lysol Wipes or Clorox Kitchen Disinfecting Wipes. [6] X Research source You can also use electronics cleaner and a microfiber cloth in place of the disinfectant wipes. Or, try making a cleaning solution yourself, using equal parts water and rubbing alcohol. [7] X Research source Be really careful to avoid liquid pooling around your keyboard. Have a dry towel on hand to mop up any spilled cleaning solution. Avoid spraying liquid directly onto the keyboard (apply to a lint-free, microfiber cloth, instead). [8] X Expert Source James SearsHouse Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 28 August 2019. Remember that liquid is not a friend to your keyboard. The last thing you want to do is damage your keyboard while you’re trying to clean it. Less is more when it comes to using cleaning solution.
You may want to squeeze the damp cloth out over a sink before applying it to your keyboard, to be sure you aren’t adding unnecessary water to the keyboard.
Take a moment to test all the keys to make sure everything is working properly.
