If your keys ever get stuck when you're typing, the underside of your keyboard's keys may be in need of a simple cleaning.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Wiping

  1. 1
    Pop off the sticky keys with a screwdriver.
  2. 2
    Apply an all-surface cleaner to the rag and wipe the keyboard with it.
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  3. 3
    Put all of the keys back on after it dries.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Putty

  1. 1
    Buy special cleaning putty. This is usually available cheaply online and in-store.
  2. 2
    Place putty on the keyboard.
  3. 3
    The putty will form its shape over the keys and seep through the cracks.
  4. 4
    Pull the putty carefully off the keyboard, so as to not break off the keys. Wash off any dirt and crumbs.
  5. 5
    Repeat all over the keyboard for a thorough clean.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    I spilled root beer on my keyboard. The laptop and keys still work, it's just really annoying because they keep getting stuck. Will this work for getting the sticky residue of root beer off too?
    Skooter1504
    Skooter1504
    Community Answer
    Yes, it should.
  • Question
    Is pulling off the keys on a Windows 10 safe?
    DerHackerSlacker
    DerHackerSlacker
    Community Answer
    Windows 10 is an operating system, which is software. It has no bearing on what your hardware is like.
  • Question
    Can I do this to a laptop?
    XXX_SUCC77760NOSCOPE2017KKK_XXX
    XXX_SUCC77760NOSCOPE2017KKK_XXX
    Community Answer
    It depends. Some laptops have removable keys, while others don't.
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Warnings

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Things You'll Need

  • A soft rag
  • All-surface cleaner or putty
  • Screwdriver

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 10 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 119,316 times.
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Co-authors: 10
Updated: October 11, 2022
Views: 119,316
Article SummaryX

If there’s grime or goo under your laptop keys, there are a couple of ways to clean under them. Before doing any cleaning, unplug your laptop and power it off. To get dust out from between the keys, place a piece of keyboard cleaning putty over the keyboard and wait for it to seep in around the keys, then gently peel it off. It should take the dirt with it. For a more thorough clean, carefully pry the keys off with a screwdriver. Then, wipe down the surface under the keys with a clean, slightly damp microfiber cloth. Once the keyboard is completely dry, pop the keys back on.

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