How To Fix, Clean Sticky Keyboard Keys on a MacBook

Suppose you try typing on your MacBook, but the keys won’t cooperate because you spilled some sticky soda on it months ago? The sticky key syndrome is when dust, crumbs, or other gunk sticks to the key and prevents it from depressing easily. It isn’t very pleasant and impedes your work. Rather than having it repaired, you can clean it yourself. Why waste money on something that you can do yourself. This article will show you how to fix sticky keyboard keys on MacBook.

Common Causes of Sticky Keys on a MacBook

1. Spilled Liquids: Coffee, juice, soda or water spills can lead to sticky residues.
2. Dirt and Debris: Dust or crumbs stuck under the keys.
3. Mechanical Wear: Prolonged use can cause wear and tear.

How to clean your MacBook keyboard: Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Shut down Your computer

You must turn your computer off completely before getting started. Your computer screen will display an apple icon to the upper left. You will see a drop-down menu. Click the “Shutdown” button and turn off your MacBook. 

Step 2: Use isopropanol to clean your keys

Take a Cotton Swab and dip it in a small amount of isopropanol before wiping it around each sticky key. If you are using a cotton swab, make sure it is damp and not dripping. It would help if you never spray directly on your MacBook, as this can cause damage to its electronics. Depending on how dirty the cotton swabs become, you may need several cotton swabs. It will help you to remove the stickiness of your MACbook keys easily.

Step 3: Use a toothpick to remove the derbies

• After you clean the sticky keys, use a toothpick to remove crumbs and debris from the corner of the keys. Now turn on your laptop and try to work. If it works properly, you don’t need to go to the next step.
•  If your Macbook’s keys are not still working, then continue after step 5.

Step 4: How to Remove the Keys on a Keyboard

There are two types of switches: scissor switches and butterfly switches. The butterfly switch is lifted from the top, while the scissor-switch is lifted from the bottom. 

With the spudger tool, pry under one corner and lift until a click is heard. Keep the spudger tool in place until the click is heard. To lift the butterfly switches, lift from the top left or right corner. If you have scissor key switches, start from the bottom left or right.

The hooks on the Shift and Arrow keys are different. Be careful removing them. Move sideways to the right if you lift the left corner first. 

Note:  The keyboard won’t fall apart if one or both white plastic pieces come off while you remove the key. So, the key carriers can be easily replaced. Make sure you have both parts of the carrier in your hands if one is on the keyboard. 

Step 5: Use Soap and Warm water

• Now, you must take a cup and fill it with warm soapy water.
•  Put your keys in soapy water as you remove them. Let the keys soak for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Dry the keys

You can use cotton swabs dampened to clean your keyboard. Besides, you can use a towel to dry the keys completely. 

Step 7: Place the key on the correct spot

Press firmly into place after aligning the key in the right spot. Don’t forget to use the key carriers while placing the keys. Once you hear a double-clicking sound, move your finger from side to side.

Note: You should never spray liquids onto your keyboard. The results can be worse than sticking keys because water damage can occur. Alternatively, you can use an electronic cleaning wipe or a damp cotton swab to clean the keys. Also, don’t forcefully remove the keys from a butterfly keyboard because it can cause damage to the clip mounts. Instead, use a thin flat tool to lift the key’s edge rather than a tool that is too thick.

Preventive Measures:

1. Avoid Eating or Drinking Near the MacBook: Prevent spills and crumbs.
2. Use a Keyboard Cover: Protect against dirt and debris.
3. Regular Cleaning: Schedule routine maintenance to keep the keyboard clean.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the sticky keys persist after cleaning or if the MacBook has sustained extensive liquid damage, consult a certified technician at PC Fix London.

No appointment is needed; you can visit our service center directly for advanced repairs or keyboard replacements.

Final Words

Hope you have got a clear idea about how to fix sticky keyboards on a MacBook. After cleaning in every direction, if your keys still do not work, there may be a much larger problem. Get your MacBook serviced at our service center.

Please note that the guideline instructions provided may not always apply to the symptoms your computer is experiencing. Sometimes, symptoms or behavior can be the same, but the underlying reason or fault can be completely different.

The fastest way we can assist customers is by bringing computers to our workshop, where technicians have the tools to diagnose faults accurately. After checks, if parts are found to be faulty or damaged, we proceed to replace them with high-quality original parts.

No appointments are required; you can drop off your computer at our workshop during working hours.

If you have more queries about our laptop repair and upgrade services, please feel free to contact us at 020 7018 7490 or email us at contact@pcfixlondon.com