How to Clean a Sticky Laptop Keyboard

A sticky laptop keyboard can be an annoyance. When you are typing important passwords or login information, you can easily make mistakes. In addition, if you are using email or an online chat, backspacing multiply letters can become tiresome. When you accidentally spill soda, juice or other sticky substance on your keyboard, you can clean the mess without having the laptop serviced. In addition, you can clean a sticky laptop keyboard without taking it apart.

Things You'll Need

• 2 rags
• Durable paper towel
• Tweezers

Instructions

1. Turn off your laptop properly. Then unplug it from the wall or the back of the computer.

2. Get one cloth moist with extremely hot water. Do not burn your hands or fingers with the water. Squeeze out as much water as possible. The rag should be slightly damp.

3. Rub the cloth over your laptop keyboard. Press gently but cover all keys that are sticky. Wipe that area for about two or three minutes. The slight dampness and the heat will dissolve the sugar substance.

4. Moisten a durable paper towel. This kind is more expensive and does not rip easily. Again, wring out any excess water. To clean between the keys, use your tweezers.

5. Place the paper towel over the area of the sticky substance. Gently put one side of the tweezers on the towel. Press in between the keys and rub back and fourth. Do not force the tweezers. If it does not easily slip between the keys, find a smaller tool. For example, an eyeglass screwdriver or a small file may work. Do not rip the paper towel while cleaning between the keys.

6. Remove the towel. Use your second rag to wipe any moisture off the laptop keyboard. Press down and rub gently. Wait about an hour before you turn your laptop back on. This is to ensure that no damage will occur if any moisture got into your laptop hardware.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep all liquids and food away from the laptop. Accidents and spills can happen. If the sticky substance reached the laptop components, it could damage the computer.

• Do not use soap or cleaning sprays. It is difficult to remove all of the cleaning solution. In addition, certain soaps may damage the laptop keyboard.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish