This wikiHow teaches you how to clean the keyboard to fix stuck or sticky keys. Sticky keyboard keys are generally caused by liquid spills and dust buildup, so you can deal with them by cleaning. If the mechanical keyboard keys still work but can't perform certain functions on the computer, you can usually fix this by updating and reinstalling the keyboard or its drivers (drivers).
Step
Method 1 of 2: Cleaning the Keyboard
Step 1. Unplug the power supply cable from the keyboard
If using a laptop, you should turn off and unplug the laptop's power cord, and remove the battery if possible. If using a separate keyboard, you can simply unplug the keyboard or remove the battery.
Step 2. Spray the keyboard with compressed air
Blow compressed air to remove any dust and debris stuck between the keys and the keyboard pad.
Spraying the area around the keyboard keys with compressed air is a good practice. While not all of the keys are stuck, this can prevent key jams from happening in the future
Step 3. Use a toothpick to remove stuck objects
If there is a large object (such as dirt buildup) near or under the keyboard keys, pry it out with a toothpick.
Step 4. Wipe the keyboard with isopropyl alcohol
Spray a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a clean cloth, then wipe the cloth on the surface of the keyboard to the left and right. This is to clean the sticky residue and dirt around the keyboard keys.
- If isopropyl alcohol is not available, you can use water. However, dry the keyboard by patting it with a cloth before continuing with the process.
- If the computer has an ultraviolet coating or other similar effect, do not use isopropyl alcohol as it may erode it. Instead, use warm water.
Step 5. Test the button
Try pressing the sticky button a few times. If the button is no longer sticky, your work is done. If it's still sticky, continue the process by executing the next method.
Step 6. Take a picture of the computer keyboard
Before releasing any key, take a picture of the computer keyboard so you don't forget its position later.
Step 7. Remove the sticky keys from the keyboard
On mechanical keyboards (such as desktop keyboards), use a key pull tool if you have one. If not, you can wrap the thread around the base of the button and carefully tug on it. You may also have to use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry out the buttons.
- If you're using a laptop, refer to the laptop's manual or the manufacturer's official website for instructions on how to remove the buttons (usually, you'll need to pry the buttons from an angle to prevent the latch from being damaged).
- If you're a MacBook laptop user, you can release the buttons by prying them off the top of the buttons.
- Most of the dirt accumulates on the letter and number keys. The rest of the keys are usually less dirty and more difficult to put back together after you remove them (except the space bar).
Step 8. Clean the area under the button
Remove dirt and dust using a can of compressed air, and use a cotton swab or cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol to remove stains and sticky debris.
On laptop keyboards and other types that have fragile internal parts, only use a cotton swab to gently wipe it off
Step 9. Wash and dry the buttons
If the bottom of the button is discolored or dirty, put the button in a filter and run water over it. You can also scrub it with soapy water in a bucket. Allow the buttons to dry by placing them on a paper towel.
Step 10. Lubricate the mechanical keyboard keys
If your keyboard is mechanical, press the sticky key lever down and apply a drop of lubricant to the keyhole. Next, press and release the lever several times to spread the lubricant.
- Always use a lubricant specifically designed for keyboards or other sensitive plastic objects. Standard lubricants, such as WD-40, can damage the keyboard.
- Only do this if the mechanical keyboard lever is still sticky after you clean it.
Step 11. Allow the keyboard to dry for at least 2 days before using it
When the keyboard is completely dry, you can put the keys back in, connect it to your computer, and test it.
If the keys are still sticky, especially on an older mechanical keyboard, take the keyboard to a professional repair service
Method 2 of 2: Troubleshooting Hardware and Software Masalah
Step 1. Make sure the keyboard is properly installed
To prevent software problems from occurring, the keyboard must be plugged directly into the computer, not via a USB hub (an additional device for connecting USB devices to the computer).
If the keyboard runs on batteries, make sure the batteries are charged (or replaced with new ones)
Notes:
Skip this step if you are using a laptop.
Step 2. Update the keyboard driver
In most cases, keyboard problems will be related to out-of-date drivers or software. You can fix a problematic keyboard by updating the driver or software. The easiest way to keep your drivers up to date is to use the update utility on your computer:
- Windows - Open Start, click Settings gear-shaped, Click Updates & Security, click Windows Update, click Check for updates, then install any available updates.
- Mac - Open Apple menu, click App Stores…, click tab Updates, then click UPDATE ALL If there are.
- If you're using a mechanical keyboard, update your keyboard drivers by visiting the manufacturer's site, looking for your keyboard model, and looking for downloadable driver files. Next, you can download the keyboard driver file, and double-click on it to run it.
Step 3. Reinstall the keyboard
The easiest way to do this is to turn off the computer, unplug and plug the keyboard back in, and then turn the computer back on.
- Skip this step if you are using a laptop.
- You can re-pair a Bluetooth keyboard by removing it from the Bluetooth menu, then pairing it with your computer again.
Step 4. Find out the program that can't be run with the keyboard
If there's a particular program that won't work with the keyboard (such as a web browser or Microsoft Word), take note of the program.
If a keyboard key or a group of keys does not work in any program on the computer, skip this step and the next
Step 5. Update the problematic program
This doesn't always solve keyboard problems, but if the program hasn't been updated, it can actually be useful for the program.
Step 6. Repair the laptop's internal connection
If there are some laptop keys that don't respond when pressed, maybe there is a loose internal connection. Take the laptop to a professional repair service, unless you have a manual for the laptop model and are okay with disassembling the laptop yourself.
Tips
- Drying the keyboard with coffee filter paper instead of paper towels will leave fewer paper fibers on the keyboard.
- If something is spilled on the keyboard, immediately unplug the power cord and turn the keyboard over. Wipe the keyboard to remove as much liquid as possible using a dry cloth, and let it dry overnight. After that, clean the keyboard according to the instructions described above.
Warning
- Do not use cleaners or cleaning sprays that contain hydrogen peroxide.
- Do not apply liquid directly to the keyboard. You should use a damp cloth or cotton swab to apply the liquid to the keyboard.
