how to clean a macbook?

Not sure where else to post this, but oh well.

I'm looking for tips on how to clean and dust my macbook. From the wear on the keyboard and the keyboard grease and such it accumulates over time, what is the best way to cleanse it all without causing any damage?

Thanks.

RangerJet said:

Not sure where else to post this, but oh well.

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How about the Apple Notebooks forum where I moved it to?

RangerJet said:

I'm looking for tips on how to clean and dust my macbook. From the wear on the keyboard and the keyboard grease and such it accumulates over time, what is the best way to cleanse it all without causing any damage? Thanks.

Click to expand...

You can find detailed interactions on how to take your MacBook apart at www.ifixit.com. Just use common sense while cleaning - use nothing that would damage either the finish or cause an electrical problem. In other words, no liquids!

I think I just ruined my Apple Wireless Keyboard by cleaning it with a paper towel dampened with ammonia. Now, it is doing things like typing the letter "q" when I hit "delete." Is this repairable?

The keyboard on my MacBook Pro also needs cleaning. Is my only option to use a dry cloth?

Thanks.

RangerJet said:

Not sure where else to post this, but oh well.

I'm looking for tips on how to clean and dust my macbook. From the wear on the keyboard and the keyboard grease and such it accumulates over time, what is the best way to cleanse it all without causing any damage?

Click to expand...

Hello - check Apple's Guidelines for cleaning their various products - as already stated, liquids are to be avoided, especially around the keyboard (KB) - if your KB is that dirty, then dismantling the computer according to the link provided and the recommendations there might be your best option, other that letting a 'professional' service do the cleaning. Good luck - Dave

Marrk said:

I think I just ruined my Apple Wireless Keyboard by cleaning it with a paper towel dampened with ammonia. Now, it is doing things like typing the letter "q" when I hit "delete." Is this repairable?

The keyboard on my MacBook Pro also needs cleaning. Is my only option to use a dry cloth?

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Hi Mark. - you've kind of 'hijack' another's thread since your issue is basically a 'liquid spill' on a keyboard, although I do not know 'how much' dampening was on the paper towel. A lint free dry cloth should have been used only.

You likely have damaged your computer - ammonia is an ionizing solution that conducts electricity and can also dissolve computer components, including delicate copper wiring. For more information, see the sticky on Liquid Spills for suggestions on what to do next, but I can only provide solace, i.e. an expensive repair or a replacement. Sorry - Dave

RadDave said:

Hi Mark. - you've kind of 'hijack' another's thread since your issue is basically a 'liquid spill' on a keyboard, although I do not know 'how much' dampening was on the paper towel. A lint free dry cloth should have been used only.

You likely have damaged your computer - ammonia is an ionizing solution that conducts electricity and can also dissolve computer components, including delicate copper wiring. For more information, see the sticky on Liquid Spills for suggestions on what to do next, but I can only provide solace, i.e. an expensive repair or a replacement. Sorry - Dave

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It's not a hijack, it's a cleaning question. My computer is fine. My wireless keyboard may be kaput.

From now on, I'll start a new thread for every question. Forums seem to be hostile to contributions to an existing thread. Until they become hostile to the start of a new thread on the same to;pic.

Marrk said:

It's not a hijack, it's a cleaning question. My computer is fine. My wireless keyboard may be kaput.

From now on, I'll start a new thread for every question. Forums seem to be hostile to contributions to an existing thread. Until they become hostile to the start of a new thread on the same to;pic.

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Sorry Marrk - must have read your post in haste, i.e. questions about damage to a 'wireless' keyboard (KB) and cleaning your KB on the MBPro - my misunderstanding.

Well, I provided a link in my post to the OP's question which outlines Apple's advice; as to your 'wireless' KB, check out the 'sticky' thread, but still feel that it is likely damaged.

As to the 'hijack', I'm just in the habit of usually encouraging posters to start their own threads, even if the issue varies slightly - since you had two differing questions, then no problem; but, often these posts can get buried in a thread and never seen depending on the thread title or the nature of its OP - Dave

Just to follow up:

1) My Apple Wireless Keyboard seems to have returned to a fully functional state. Guess it just needed to dry out.

2) A dry cloth on my MacBook Pro keyboard is simply not getting the job done when it comes to cleaning.

More anon.

I use a mix of alcohol and glass cleaner to clean my MacBook screen, works very well. As for your topcase and keyboard as such you can use the same stuff. Use a micro viber cloth to clean both. That should get you sorted