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- Wiping |
- Putty |
- Video |
- Expert Interview |
- Q&A |
- Warnings |
- Things You'll Need
If your keys ever get stuck when you're typing, the underside of your keyboard's keys may be in need of a simple cleaning.
Things You Should Know
- If you have a mechanical keyboard, the keys are easily removable.
- However, many modern laptops come with membrane keyboards that have keys that are more difficult to remove.
- Use putty for keyboards that you don't want to dismantle, and wipe down under the keys on mechanical keyboards to clean them.
Steps
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Buy special cleaning putty. This is usually available cheaply online and in-store.
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Place putty on the keyboard.
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The putty will form its shape over the keys and seep through the cracks.
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Pull the putty carefully off the keyboard, so as to not break off the keys. Wash off any dirt and crumbs.
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Repeat all over the keyboard for a thorough clean.
Community Q&A
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QuestionI spilled root beer on my keyboard. The laptop and keys still work, it's just really annoying because they keep getting stuck. Will this work for getting the sticky residue of root beer off too?Skooter1504Community AnswerYes, it should.
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QuestionIs pulling off the keys on a Windows 10 safe?DerHackerSlackerCommunity AnswerWindows 10 is an operating system, which is software. It has no bearing on what your hardware is like.
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QuestionCan I do this to a laptop?XXX_SUCC77760NOSCOPE2017KKK_XXXCommunity AnswerIt depends. Some laptops have removable keys, while others don't.
Video
Tips
Warnings
- Don't apply the wiping cleaner directly to the keyboard.Thanks
- Do not let the keys fly off the keyboard.Thanks
- Make sure your keyboard is unplugged before cleaning.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- A soft rag
- All-surface cleaner or putty
- Screwdriver
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about fixing computer issues, check out our in-depth interview with Luigi Oppido .
About This Article
If there’s grime or goo under your laptop keys, there are a couple of ways to clean under them. Before doing any cleaning, unplug your laptop and power it off. To get dust out from between the keys, place a piece of keyboard cleaning putty over the keyboard and wait for it to seep in around the keys, then gently peel it off. It should take the dirt with it. For a more thorough clean, carefully pry the keys off with a screwdriver. Then, wipe down the surface under the keys with a clean, slightly damp microfiber cloth. Once the keyboard is completely dry, pop the keys back on.
