This article teaches you how to clean a Magic Keyboard and what to do if you spill something on it.

What to Know

  • Clean your keyboard with a lint-free microfiber cloth.Only use a dampened cloth. Never make your keyboard wet.Clean sticky keys with a cloth then toothpick to clear residue.

How Do You Clean Magic Keyboard Keys?

The Magic Keyboard - like all keyboards - can be a dirt magnet. Fortunately, it’s quite simple to clean the Magic Keyboard keys. Here’s how to clean them so that your keyboard looks as good as new. Always make sure to clean the surface softly and carefully. 

  • Unplug the keyboard and toggle the switch on the bottom of the keyboard to switch it off.
  • Use a damp, soft microfiber cloth to carefully brush over the keys and clean any surface dirt off.
  • Use keyboard wipes to remove more stubborn stains that require some elbow grease.
  • Use a dry toothbrush to scrape off any leftover dried-on gunk.

How Do You Clean an Apple Magic Keyboard After Spilling It?

If you spill a drink on your Apple Magic Keyboard, all is not lost. It’s essential to clean it carefully to restore it safely, so it’s no longer sticky or wet. Here’s what to do.

Avoid getting any moisture into any openings and never use bleach.

Unplug the keyboard and toggle the switch on the bottom of the keyboard to switch it off.

Use a damp, soft microfiber cloth to carefully brush over the keys and clean any surface dirt off.

Use keyboard wipes to remove more stubborn stains that require some elbow grease.

Use a dry toothbrush to scrape off any leftover dried-on gunk.

  • Disconnect the Apple Magic Keyboard from your computer or iPad. Toggle the switch on the bottom to switch it off.
  • Gently wipe the surface off with a damp, soft microfiber cloth to remove any sticky residue.
  • Use a q-tip or other cotton bud to wipe around the sticky keys to clean them off.
  • Use a toothpick to remove residue from between the keys.
  • Continue to do this multiple times until the surface is clean.
  • If the keyboard is covered in liquid, place it in a bag of rice and leave it in a warm enclosed environment for a couple of days to draw out the liquid.

How Do I Clean the Magic Keyboard on My iPad?

Cleaning the Magic Keyboard for your iPad is the same as with other Magic Keyboards. Here’s a quick overview of what to bear in mind. 

Disconnect the Apple Magic Keyboard from your computer or iPad. Toggle the switch on the bottom to switch it off.

Gently wipe the surface off with a damp, soft microfiber cloth to remove any sticky residue.

Use a q-tip or other cotton bud to wipe around the sticky keys to clean them off.

Use a toothpick to remove residue from between the keys.

Continue to do this multiple times until the surface is clean.

If the keyboard is covered in liquid, place it in a bag of rice and leave it in a warm enclosed environment for a couple of days to draw out the liquid.

  • Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. A lint-free cloth won’t leave any unwanted residue on your keyboard surface.Use a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or disinfecting wipe. The chemicals used are gentle yet effective at cleaning dirt patches.Never pour water on it. Never use water to clean the Magic Keyboard unless it’s just to make your cloth slightly damp. Avoid prolonged exposure. Whatever you clean with, avoid prolonged exposure or excessive pressure to keep the keyboard safe.

Can I Use a Disinfectant on My Magic Keyboard?

Apple recommends that you avoid using window cleaners, household cleaning products, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or any cleaning products that contain hydrogen peroxide to clean your Magic Keyboard. Only use materials lightly moistened with water and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth afterward.

  • How do I clean an Apple Magic Keyboard with keys that stick?
  • Use a toothbrush or cotton swab to clean around the keycaps. You could also apply canned air to the stuck keys in a zig-zag pattern, which is an approach you can also use to clean a MacBook keyboard. If this method doesn’t fix the sticking issue, take your keyboard to an Apple Store or authorized specialist.
  • How do I remove and clean Magic Keyboard keys?
  • Use a thin, flat tool such as a spudger to pry and lift the keys gently. Wipe the keys with a damp cloth or use cotton swabs and 70 percent isopropyl alcohol to remove debris around the edges and the back of the keys and carefully align and press the keys back in place when they’re dry. If you’re having issues with keys and suspect a more significant problem with the keyboard, you might have better luck making an Apple Support appointment instead.

Use a toothbrush or cotton swab to clean around the keycaps. You could also apply canned air to the stuck keys in a zig-zag pattern, which is an approach you can also use to clean a MacBook keyboard. If this method doesn’t fix the sticking issue, take your keyboard to an Apple Store or authorized specialist.

Use a thin, flat tool such as a spudger to pry and lift the keys gently. Wipe the keys with a damp cloth or use cotton swabs and 70 percent isopropyl alcohol to remove debris around the edges and the back of the keys and carefully align and press the keys back in place when they’re dry. If you’re having issues with keys and suspect a more significant problem with the keyboard, you might have better luck making an Apple Support appointment instead.

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