Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

farmaceut

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 20, 2018
44
5
Hello,

I am looking to clean the keyboard and speakers to remove any smudges and dirt. However, I'm unsure how to do so without accidentally turning on the computer by opening the lid or pressing any buttons. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance
 

ignatius345

macrumors 604
Aug 20, 2015
7,608
13,016
May not be avoidable. But cleaning the keys and getting some garbage input isn't really a huge deal if you just make sure you're on the lock screen.

That said, I now remember there might be a terminal command to switch off the way the machine powers itself on when the lid is opened and/or keys besides the power key are pressed? I could also be thinking of older iterations of MacBook here.
 

donawalt

Contributor
Sep 10, 2015
1,284
630
I have done this for years, works great - I lock the keyboard - I set up Settings/Desktop & Dock/Hot corner shortcuts so 1 of the corners is "Lock Screen". So for me, usually last thing at the end of the day, with the Trackpad I slide the cursor to that corner - screen locked. I use a spray container of water only, and a microfiber cloth, spraying the CLOTH NOT the keyboard, and rub the whole keyboard vigorously. The only side effect is sometimes whatever was playing on music comes on, I just hit F8 to turn it off when I am done. I use the Apple cleaning cloth (or a microfiber cloth would do) and the same spray water ON THE CLOTH, and wipe the display if it needs it - it usually only needs it about once a week or so. I close the lid - done! My keyboard looks great, so does the display. No side effects from cleaning as all was locked.
 

geek2022

macrumors newbie
Jun 16, 2022
22
2
hello,
how can I clean my Clean MBP M1 keyboard? I haven't cleaned it in ages and I think some dust is under the keys.
tempImager4e2rL.jpg
 

smirking

macrumors 68040
Aug 31, 2003
3,941
4,008
Silicon Valley
I'm afraid most of the dust and debris is stuck unless you want to remove the keycaps, but you can make it better. This is what I do.
  1. Give it a good wipe down.
  2. Use a soft bristled brush to sweep away any remaining debris. Try to get the bristles into the crevices. You may be able to pick up or nudge out some of the debris that way.
  3. Use a small vacuum cleaner or a special attachment that'll let you vacuum up small areas. I bought an inexpensive USB powered keyboard vacuum on Amazon for this purpose.
It's never going to be as clear as the day you got it, but this routine can pick up a good bit of dust, lint, hair, and crumbs that get under the keycaps.
 
Last edited:

Jackbequickly

macrumors 68040
Aug 6, 2022
3,184
3,276
My MBPro is seldom on the move so I use the wireless keyboard with Touch ID. Keyboard stays clean as new.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.