Difference between revisions of "Fix Sticky Keyboard Keys"
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#Spray with compressed air. Pick a can up from an office supply store and spray around the base of each stuck key to dislodge dust and debris. | #Spray with compressed air. Pick a can up from an office supply store and spray around the base of each stuck key to dislodge dust and debris. | ||
#*If you don't have compressed air, turn the keyboard upside down and tap the back while shaking gently. | #*If you don't have compressed air, turn the keyboard upside down and tap the back while shaking gently. | ||
| − | #Wipe with isopropyl alcohol. Dampen a cotton swab or clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Run it around the edge of each key to remove grease and dried liquid.<ref>http://www.pcworld.com/article/249212/how_to_clean_your_keyboard.html</ref> | + | #Wipe with isopropyl alcohol. Dampen a cotton swab or clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Run it around the edge of each key to remove grease and dried liquid.<ref name="rf1">http://www.pcworld.com/article/249212/how_to_clean_your_keyboard.html</ref> |
#*Some people have reported success with baby oil, but it can remain in your keyboard, so use at your own risk. | #*Some people have reported success with baby oil, but it can remain in your keyboard, so use at your own risk. | ||
#Pick at gunk with a toothpick or paper clip. If you can see the debris underneath the key, use the toothpick or straightened paper clip to dislodge it. | #Pick at gunk with a toothpick or paper clip. If you can see the debris underneath the key, use the toothpick or straightened paper clip to dislodge it. | ||
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#*Before you continue, unplug the keyboard, remove batteries from a wireless keyboard, or shut down and unplug the laptop. | #*Before you continue, unplug the keyboard, remove batteries from a wireless keyboard, or shut down and unplug the laptop. | ||
#Refer to manufacturer instructions for laptops. Most laptops have keys that are difficult or impossible to remove. In these cases, you'll need a guide or advice specific to your laptop model, or you'll need to have your laptop professionally repaired. | #Refer to manufacturer instructions for laptops. Most laptops have keys that are difficult or impossible to remove. In these cases, you'll need a guide or advice specific to your laptop model, or you'll need to have your laptop professionally repaired. | ||
| − | #*Macbook keys from 2012 or later can be pried up by pulling the top left corner.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCT-CldP_r4</ref> | + | #*Macbook keys from 2012 or later can be pried up by pulling the top left corner.<ref name="rf2">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCT-CldP_r4</ref> |
#Pry up the stuck keys. On desktop keyboards, the outer key covering can usually be pried up easily with a flat-head screwdriver. | #Pry up the stuck keys. On desktop keyboards, the outer key covering can usually be pried up easily with a flat-head screwdriver. | ||
| − | #*Most debris is found in the letters and numbers. Other keys tend to be less dirty and more difficult to replace after removal, especially the space bar.<ref>http://www.helpwithpcs.com/maintenance/cleaning-keyboard.htm</ref> | + | #*Most debris is found in the letters and numbers. Other keys tend to be less dirty and more difficult to replace after removal, especially the space bar.<ref name="rf3">http://www.helpwithpcs.com/maintenance/cleaning-keyboard.htm</ref> |
#Clean under the keys. Use compressed air to remove exposed dust and debris, and a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to remove stickiness and stains. | #Clean under the keys. Use compressed air to remove exposed dust and debris, and a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to remove stickiness and stains. | ||
#*For laptop keyboards and other keyboards with delicate internal parts, use gentle swabbing only. | #*For laptop keyboards and other keyboards with delicate internal parts, use gentle swabbing only. | ||
#Wash and dry the keys. If the underside of your keys are discolored or dirty, put them in a colander and run water over them, or rub them in a bucket of soapy water. Let them air dry completely on a paper towel. | #Wash and dry the keys. If the underside of your keys are discolored or dirty, put them in a colander and run water over them, or rub them in a bucket of soapy water. Let them air dry completely on a paper towel. | ||
#Clean a laptop key hinge. Try this technique if your laptop key raises or lowers extra slowly. After removing the key, look for a square plastic object around the button. Remove this gently by pushing the corners sideways with a toothpick. Rinse this in water to clean the hinge, then let air dry. | #Clean a laptop key hinge. Try this technique if your laptop key raises or lowers extra slowly. After removing the key, look for a square plastic object around the button. Remove this gently by pushing the corners sideways with a toothpick. Rinse this in water to clean the hinge, then let air dry. | ||
| − | #*On a Macbook, the catch that holds these hinges in place are on the lower left and right.<ref | + | #*On a Macbook, the catch that holds these hinges in place are on the lower left and right.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Let dry before using. Let all the keys dry, then push them down over the buttons to reattach them. Let the keyboard dry overnight before you use it. | #Let dry before using. Let all the keys dry, then push them down over the buttons to reattach them. Let the keyboard dry overnight before you use it. | ||
===Fixing Hardware and Software Issues=== | ===Fixing Hardware and Software Issues=== | ||
#Test a different program. If you only have keyboard problems when using a single application, you'll need to look for help fixing that software issue. | #Test a different program. If you only have keyboard problems when using a single application, you'll need to look for help fixing that software issue. | ||
| − | #Check the keyboard plug or battery. Inconsistent results from keystrokes can be caused by low battery power. USB keyboards work best when plugged directly into the computer, not into a hub, keylogger, or other device.<ref>http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001337.htm</ref> | + | #Check the keyboard plug or battery. Inconsistent results from keystrokes can be caused by low battery power. USB keyboards work best when plugged directly into the computer, not into a hub, keylogger, or other device.<ref name="rf4">http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001337.htm</ref> |
| − | #Shut down the computer before reconnecting PS/2 keyboards. Keyboards with a circular, six-pin PS/2 plug sometimes encounter errors if they are connected while the computer is on. Shut down the computer, disconnect the keyboard, and reconnect it again.<ref | + | #Shut down the computer before reconnecting PS/2 keyboards. Keyboards with a circular, six-pin PS/2 plug sometimes encounter errors if they are connected while the computer is on. Shut down the computer, disconnect the keyboard, and reconnect it again.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#Repair internal laptop connections. If some of your laptop keys don't register when pressed, there could be a loose internal connection. Unless you have a guide for your model and are comfortable disassembling your laptop yourself, you should take it to a professional. | #Repair internal laptop connections. If some of your laptop keys don't register when pressed, there could be a loose internal connection. Unless you have a guide for your model and are comfortable disassembling your laptop yourself, you should take it to a professional. | ||
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*If all else fails, take the laptop or keyboard to a computer store. The store clerks usually have a special cleaning tool and/or experience removing keys. | *If all else fails, take the laptop or keyboard to a computer store. The store clerks usually have a special cleaning tool and/or experience removing keys. | ||
*If your keys move up and down normally, but sometimes characters don't appear on your screen, it could be a wiring problem. This is most common with recently disassembled laptops. Disassemble again and reattach loose connections, or take it to a computer store. | *If your keys move up and down normally, but sometimes characters don't appear on your screen, it could be a wiring problem. This is most common with recently disassembled laptops. Disassemble again and reattach loose connections, or take it to a computer store. | ||
| − | *If you spill something on your keyboard, immediately remove the power source and turn it upside down. Wipe up as much as you can with a dry cloth, let it dry overnight, then clean as described above.<ref>http://www.computerhope.com/cleaning.htm#09</ref> | + | *If you spill something on your keyboard, immediately remove the power source and turn it upside down. Wipe up as much as you can with a dry cloth, let it dry overnight, then clean as described above.<ref name="rf5">http://www.computerhope.com/cleaning.htm#09</ref> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
*Be very careful when removing keys or prying at debris beneath them to avoid breaking them. | *Be very careful when removing keys or prying at debris beneath them to avoid breaking them. | ||
| − | *Do not use cleaning sprays or cleaners that contain hydrogen peroxide. Do not apply liquids directly; use a damp cloth or cotton swab instead.<ref>http://support.apple.com/en-us/ht204172</ref> | + | *Do not use cleaning sprays or cleaners that contain hydrogen peroxide. Do not apply liquids directly; use a damp cloth or cotton swab instead.<ref name="rf6">http://support.apple.com/en-us/ht204172</ref> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
