Keys sticking (mind out of the gutter people).?

Question

Some of the keys on the left side of my keyboard have taken a habit of sticking thanks to a few spills. Any suiggestions? i've already tried saline solution and water + q-tip. I'd prefer not to have to buy another keyboard as this one is wireless and those aren't all that cheap.

Answer 1

Give it a bath.

No kidding. I've done it several times over the years with several keyboards, and never had the slightest problem. (This includes an inadvertent bottled water bath on a US$3,500 laptop keyboard.)

Since you're fond of it, I suppose it's something you might want to try as a last resort -- but it's always worked for me. You don't need to put it in the dishwasher or anything; a bit of a soak in warm water, even without soap, should clear it right up. Try soap if the water alone doesn't do it, though.

Obviously not something the manufacturer would recommend, but no mind. It's definitely easier than removing the keys to clean under them, and my keyboards have tended to go wonky if they've had keys pried up despite being fine after a soaking.

Of possible interest:

http://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-22358.html

Answer 2

You can pop the keys out w/ a small flat head screwdriver, & then clean underneath them. Don't forget to actually clean off the keys on the inside too....I have spilled a couple times on my keyboard & this is the only way to get them completely clean!
Good Luck!

Answer 3

Remove the keys and use a bit of alcohol on a clean rag to remove anything making them stick. Do it a couple of times till you get it to unstick...
or like you said, you may need to buy a new one.

Answer 4

keep food & drink off the computer tabel...take the keys off & really clean it...make SURE you take a pic first so you can put them all back right, or you will be very confused!

Answer 5

try a bit of rubbing alcohol on a q-tip, this may help dissolve any gunk that's sticky-ing up your keys