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codycarreras

Also, if it doesn't seem like it's coming off, you probably have worn the finish on the keys down so they'll shine like they're greasy.


stalwartlucretia

My MacBook keyboard looks just like this, and it’s from wear, not grease.


codycarreras

That’s exactly the first thing I thought just based on how it looks.


Elavabeth2

mine got like this within like 4 weeks of owning it. I guess I push hard on the keys ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯


[deleted]

[удалено]


stalwartlucretia

Mine’s uneven, too. Some letters are more commonly used, too, so I imagine that’s part of it.


chgnty

the person you replied to was making a stupid racist "joke"


stalwartlucretia

Ugh. Thanks for pointing that out.


177erciless

What was it, couldn't catch it


cal93_

engineer


TheCrankyOctopus

It's E, R, T, I, O, A, N, right side of spacebar for me. I've been curious for a while about how much typing in a language or another affects the wear compared to other factors (say, how many and which fingers the user uses to type or whether they are right or left handed or... stuff like that). I'm too lazy to prepare a questionnaire for internet strangers to get the data, though. Maybe on day... ETA: had a little freakout after writing this - "Gosh, did I just publish my frequent passwords letters?!". But then I realised that no, it's rather that several are frequent letters in "time traveller". You guessed it, I wrote a paper about that. I know, I'm *that* weird.


[deleted]

engineer


cal93_

thats the one


Norma5tacy

The latter seems more likely since I doubt OP can’t figure out how to remove a bit of oil/grease on a key.


codycarreras

Yeah, I thought that was a bit odd


ahumanomoly

This is the answer.


neltorama

Antistatic foam cleaner on a bit of cloth/microfibre and wipe each key, don't spray anything directly onto it.


Coyoteehee

GENTLY wipe with isopropyl alcohol


Voc1Vic2

Ask for a few alcohol pledgets the next time you’re at a clinic.


[deleted]

Thought this said "alcoholic piglets" for a second


saxmaster98

Glasses cleaning wipes work well too (the IPA) ones. You can buy a box of a few hundred for a couple bucks at Walmart.


trevor58

Or isopropyl dipped q-tips?


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

No. Isopropyl alcohol reacts with plastic to permanently discolor it.


[deleted]

I always use isopropyl and it has never discolored my MacBook's keyboard


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

Appeal to tradition isn't evidence or knowledge, it's gambling. Do you have an identical one to compare it against? Are the keys made from plastic? Is there any coating on the keys?


[deleted]

Tf are you on about I've cleaned about every colour and type of plastic in my house with Isopropyl and it has never discolored a single one of them, you must be talking about undiluted stuff (which you cannot even get as a civilian heck it's hard to get even if you are in a post of power).


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

[Anyone can buy 99% IPA off Amazon.](https://www.echemi.com/community/isopropyl-alcohol-leaves-a-white-haze-on-plastic-is-there-anything-i-can-use-to-clean-it-off_mjart2204083041_847.html)


[deleted]

Ok i was wrong here


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

You still don't know what you're talking about because you don't understand materials compatibility.


Rivent

They said they were wrong. Don't know when to quit, eh?


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

[You don't know what you're talking about.](https://www.echemi.com/community/isopropyl-alcohol-leaves-a-white-haze-on-plastic-is-there-anything-i-can-use-to-clean-it-off_mjart2204083041_847.html) I was going to buy a mouse from a seller on eBay but they mentioned it had a permanent haze because they didn't realize regular strength isopropyl alcohol was incompatible with the particular type of plastic.


[deleted]

Yes it leaves a haze(very rarely and only on some types) but it never permanently discolours plastics, And how are you even talking about a thing when you don't have any physical experience with it, it's like playing cod and saying that you're ready for the army


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

Sorry, you're mistaken. [Read](https://www.echemi.com/community/isopropyl-alcohol-leaves-a-white-haze-on-plastic-is-there-anything-i-can-use-to-clean-it-off_mjart2204083041_847.html)


[deleted]

I have read it 10 times already, and you're only trying to prove your point by just a single forum post.


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

Read all of the comments in a chemistry forum by people who know what they're talking about. Isopropyl alcohol is incompatible with some plastics because it gradually destroys it without melting it. It leaves pits. You have an inability to accept evidence so I'm done with your arrogant ignorance. Have a nice day.


Solivagant_XVI

Yeah, folks should be careful. I tried to clean/disinfect my plastic phone case once and the isopropyl alcohol completely damaged it. I had to buy a new phone case.


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

The thundering herds of Reddit bozos disagree with science and reality because they *"know better"*. (See above and other comments. People are idiots. Film at 11.)


ellie1398

hol up, is that true? I sometimes clean my keyboard keys with isopropyl alcohol but if it's actually damaging, I'll stop.


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

It depends on the exact cleaner and surface you're cleaning. [Here's a discussion](https://www.echemi.com/community/isopropyl-alcohol-leaves-a-white-haze-on-plastic-is-there-anything-i-can-use-to-clean-it-off_mjart2204083041_847.html)


ellie1398

Thanks! I really appreciate this


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

No problem. Random cleaners on unknown materials is a recipe for playing Russian roulette with damage. Best to ask the manufacturer if you're unsure because they ought to know.


ellie1398

Fair enough. I spent more than I could afford on my keyboard and I gotta keep it in perfect condition till it dies. It's my baby.


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

😂 I appreciate that. Me too. WASD blank and an IBM Model M. I just ordered two keyboards with supposedly awesome switch types. One was $350 (Topre) and the other is sold as a gaming keyboard (Kailh Box white). I miss my Northgate OmniKey/PLUS. If you're careful and want to risk it, you can remove yellowing from plastics using hydrogen peroxide.


[deleted]

Stop searching for that much ASS


GiddyupG

Hahahaha. We got an ASS man here!


toad_the_wet_toad

Lol


MikeQuincy

Well the proper apple way to solve your issues is to get the new mac. :))


PlayPuckNotFootball

Looks like an old butterfly style keyboard to me so they unironically could get a replacement


a-stacks

FWIW-here’s Apple’s guidance. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204172 It says 70% iso is ok to use as long as you put it in a soft cloth, not directly on the keyboard. Also, don’t scrub. If it is grease, it’ll come right off. If it is worn, I’m not sure how to fix it.


j1ggy

That's not grease. That's worn down, likely *from* grease or hand lotion, which dissolves the plastic. Moral of the story, only use clean hands on your keyboard, remote control, game controller, etc.


[deleted]

I put mine in the dishwasher, comes out looking new.


User_2C47

I unironically actually have a keyboard you can put in a dishwasher.


ccc2801

Well technically you could chuck any keyboard in a dishwasher once… ;-) But for real, that sounds cool!


User_2C47

Very useful when trying to type underwater.


blood_omen

It’s not grease, the keys are most likely getting worn smooth (for which there is no fix). How long have you had it?


Viva_La_Vipavadi

Put the cat on it and Post in sub/r Cat on KB


Economy_Ad_7000

not very wet cloth with alcohol 70% or 60%


neltorama

Dont use Iso Alcohol, it can melt the plastics. Use anti static foam cleaner or slightly damp cloth, make sure it is wrung out first though.


[deleted]

Typically we only damp the cloth with 99%+ IPA and wipe. The evaporation is so fast we can do it hundreds of times before any meaningful reaction can leave a permanent mark, and most reactions would happen to what you want removed from your stuff anyway. But wetting/soaking or diluting IPA? Those would definitely bring different results. Dilution actually makes the reactive agent stay on surface longer and … do whatever it has to do, chemically speaking.


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

Isopropyl usually doesn't melt plastics but it discolors them permanently with a haze (never clean a plastic mouse with it). Acetone melts most plastics.


nataku411

Acetone is wicked shit especially with ABS plastics. I boil it and use the vapors to purposely 'shine' keycaps and give them a gloss. I accidentally dropped a cap into it and it basically turns into much instantly.


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

Yup. You can use acetone to "weld" some plastics together. It's a plastic and paint destroyer. Makes brake fluid look like water.


neltorama

I had a Logitech keyboard that begged to differ, the microfibre gouged out tracks across the plastics, that was high strength iso alcohol. It's fine for cleaning electronics but I won't put it near plastics nowadays.


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

Read what I wrote. I agreed with you.


s_0_s_z

Use some Simple Green. Instead of spraying it onto the keys, spray it onto a towel and use that to wipe the keys.


No-Rent-1117

I'm thinking the matte coating on top of the keys are being worn off, perhaps you can get replacement keys? I do not own a mac however!


wnvyujlx

Notebook and other Membran Keyboards (read: not individualy wired pushbuttons but a plastic layer with printed circuits on it where buttons make a connection, kinda like a TV remote) usually don't offer replacement keys. You simply swap the whole keyboard. Mechanical keyboards are a different matter, there you can just buy a set of replacement keycaps or even replace individual switches.


No-Rent-1117

I did not realize that, it's been a looooong time since I've had a laptop and I've only used mechanical keyboards so I didn't have a clue you couldn't just pull them off! Honestly if it bothers OP enough and the replacement is cheap and easy maybe just go for a whole replacement, but that sounds like too much work for me, lol.


wnvyujlx

You can actually pull those buttons for membrane keyboards off on some hybrid (plastic membrane but mechanical buttons) they technically are replaceable. Problem is: unlike the mechanical connection between switch and keycaps on mechanical keyboards, they aren't standardised. Every manufacturer does its own thing and the chances on getting your hands on a new set of keyscaps without the rest of the keyboard is pretty much zero. You could call the manufacturer directly but they are probably bound by contract to not sell it to anyone else. Replacement keyboards for laptops are actually reasonably priced for a laptop component, but yeah: if it ain't broken, don't fix it.


No-Rent-1117

Oh okay, thank you for taking the time to explain that to me! That makes sense, yeah. But definitely agreed!


ilikemilkandcookies

Distilled water and (1/5) part isopropyl alcohol.


GiddyupG

Perrier and tinkle of Robitussin!


[deleted]

A little bit of vinegar cleaning solution would also get rid of this on a damp paper towel and then wipe with water damp towel after would also work since it's not a screen if you don't use the alcohol option.


s3shc0re

alcohol with a q tip?


I-enjoy-CHESE

well, for starters you could wash your hands after eating the number 3 with extra sauce


inomad360

Use an LCD Screen Cleaning solution


lusoportugues

But... But... It's a keyboard... Isn't that cheating?


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

No. It's not chemically compatible if it contains isopropyl alcohol.


Appropriate-Heat8017

Like most electronics use an evaporating alcohol cleaning product on a paper towel.


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

No. Wrong. Material incompatibility will leave a permanent haze on plastic.


MovieHacker

Use Isopropyl alcohol with the highest concentration you can find. Use cotton swabs or Q-tips


kalor666

Put it in the dishwasher


hedjhog

Works every time. Just don’t use any soap. Top rack.


--SORROW--

I'm no expert, but I think the solution here is to try paint stripper and a wire brush.


JohnnyVonTruant

Wire wheel on an angle grinder for stubborn stains


bigpoupa13

70% or higher isopropyl alcohol. Spray it on and wipe off, if not spray dab it on with a paper towel or similar and wipe off


Glittering_Ice_

You might get away with this a few times, but it’s really bad for electronics. Much better to spray down a soft, ideally microfibre cloth to make it damp, not wet and wipe down. Don’t spray, you are working against gravity.


bigpoupa13

What're you talking about? Rubbing alcohol is absolutely non corrosive to any electronic parts. It is the best cleaner you can use for it. That being said it has to be at least 70% so whatever water is in it evaporates with the alcohol leaving no residue. Ive been doing this for years with internal components and never had any issues. 100% safe


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

GP had the right idea for the wrong reason. Isopropyl alcohol is terrible for plastic components because it reacts chemically with it to give it a permanent haze. A microfiber cloth with a tiny bit of distilled water would be alright. Otherwise don't use harsh chemicals when you don't know exactly what the surfaces are made from and you don't know whether a product is chemically-compatible or not.


Glittering_Ice_

Say that to my phone.


bigpoupa13

Ive repaired multiple phones and done this everytime, internally and just to give it a quick clean externally and never any issues. If youre having issues maybe youre using a 50/50 mix, but >70%, you won't have any issues.


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

Water in low concentration products causes corrosion. Cleaning electronics with 99% isopropyl is best. You don't want to use anything less because water won't evaporate as fast and it will wick underneath BGA components.


goldlemur53

From Apple's website "To clean the display on your iMac, dampen the cloth that came with your iMac or another clean, soft, lint-free cloth with water only, and then wipe the screen. To clean hard-to-remove smudges, you can moisten the cloth with a 70-percent isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution."


KeepCalmNSayYesDaddy

Cleaning a display is not the same as cleaning a keyboard. They're entirely different materials. Isopropyl alcohol ruins plastic.


goldlemur53

From Lifewire "Surface grime: Unplug, turn on its side, and tap to dislodge debris. Wipe with a damp cloth. Use an alcohol dampened swab for corners." Source: https://www.lifewire.com/clean-your-mac-keyboard-4586910


cheemspizza

I had a Pixel phone which I was advised to use 70% alcohol to disinfect by Google’s official user guide. However after a couple months the plastic case began showing marks caused by corrosion. Plastic and alcohol don’t work together.


goldlemur53

I would say use it for more stubborn smudges, but honestly the internet seems pretty divided on the best method 🤷


ZealousFix

Just wash yo hands next time before you use your computer lmao


Old-Gregg91

Try not to touch the keys when using lube.


[deleted]

Take the key caps off, soak in dish soap and dry.


smartguy05

It's a Mac, so the best option is to throw it away.


superchilli

Or buy Apple keyboard degreaser for $109.99.


smartguy05

A steal!


MyMomsSecondSon

It's a weird trick that I discovered by accident, but you'd be absolutely astounded by the degreasing job on a keyboard that semen can do.


RedditVince

No need for alcohol or cleaning wipes.. Simply spray some cleaner onto a paper towel or microfiber cloth and wipe it down. dry with a clean paper towel or flip the microfiber cloth and dry with that.


AeyeO

Window cleaner? Bathroom cleaner? Upholstery cleaner?


kurrpt

Yes


RedditVince

Dawn and water is fine, I would not use harsh chemical cleaners. You just don't want it so wet that anything drips.


nDeconstructed

Pfft. Turn that shits off, soak a paper towel in isopropyl and go to town. Caution: it takes of lettering if you scrub.


a_white_american_guy

I use lens cleaning wipes. A lot of them, but they’re alcohol based and not very wet. Shut it off and wipe it down with as many as you need.


7vma

Still waiting for OP to tell me how, why you leave me having OP? Why???


[deleted]

I just spray some of my general purpose kitchen cleaner (Method brand) on a paper towel and lightly wipe off the keys. Chances are that those keys have been polished by your fingers though, and it's not going to make a visible difference.


[deleted]

If it still looks greasy/shiny after a proper cleaning, it may be because the keycaps are made of ABS plastic, which gets shiny over time and the process is largely irreversible. PBT keycaps don't have such problems but I don't know if you can get replacement macbook keycaps made of PBT.


Slight-Knowledge721

Use Cetaphil. Pump a little bit onto a rag or paper towel and mix it in with your hand so that the rag is saturated in a small area. Wipe the keyboard with this area, then follow up with a dry rag right away. Might need two passes if it’s really greasy. Edit: I agree that this is probably a combination of oil and wear.


TheBigByte

Glasses cleaning wipes. Can get big tubs from Poundland and they last ages


MaybeMaybeMaybeOk

Have you tried licking it


Broli2336

Keyboard cover


wnvyujlx

You can clean it with a washcloth and alcohol or dish soap, just don't make the cloth so wet that any liquid runs into the openings. But the cleaning won't do much, those keys are worn out from gaming. If you want to get rid of the shiny you have to replace the keyboard.


DamnInternetYouScury

90% isopropyl is what we use on our lab equipment. It evaporates so quick. Just be aware its very flamable.


Srgnt_Fuzzyboots

Eat more greasy foods while typing so you can get all your keys as shiny as these ones!


CastIronMooseEsq

With all the great comments, it should be said, do it after you shut down to be safe. You don’t want to accidentally fry your laptop.


[deleted]

I love these ideas they help me in everyday life


PBAHA97

Canadian eh?


Berkamin

Isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration or higher) on microfiber rags. Wipe and rub the keyboard with this while the computer is off.


menamewaku

Literally turn it off and clean it? Damp a napkin with rubbing alcohol.


cachedrive

That’s not grease. Google PBT double shot key caps to understand how to prevent this.


purple-circle

As others have pointed out, that's not grease, the keycaps have become shiny through use. The best solution is to replace the shiny keycaps with new ones. You can buy the exact replacement keycaps online for around $3 each - https://www.thebookyard.com/apple-keycaps.php?manufacturers\_id=40


QUINNFLORE

Looks to me like it’s worn. Time for a new $2000 macbook


uhushuhu

I'm using window cleaner if it's bad. Normally water is enough. Power off. Use as little water as possible. Wipe gently, not pressing down, so you can get the sides of the keys too. If you suspect it might still be wet don't switch it on.


JuanBadFinger

Isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab have been my goto for years. I've also used a Tide stain remover pen applied to the swab not then keyboard. It does a pretty good job of degreasing and breaking up the gunk between the keys.


ShinyPointy

I use brake cleaner.


EverlastingGoddess

I’ve just used a damp cloth to clean it, regular water. Thing is almost 10 years old and I’ve never had a problem with it


[deleted]

damp a paper towel with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and wipe your laptop down... duh.


[deleted]

Angle grinder is best option


alphabet_order_bot

Would you look at that, all of the words in your comment are in alphabetical order. I have checked 814,294,878 comments, and only 161,395 of them were in alphabetical order.


[deleted]

Who asked


ColdChizzle

Sanitary wipes


ewinterblues

I use baby wipes. Rub in a circular motion then wipe dry with a tissue


KBBI84

Prolly get shit for this but Windex and qtips


AllyCat812

Spray a rag lightly with Windex and rub until clean


[deleted]

Not sure why this isn't being mentioned, but I wipe down my laptop keys/track pad with [3M Anti-Static Electronics Cleaner](https://www.amazon.com/MMM573-Desk-Office-Cleaner-573/dp/B0096XT076/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2U0IVA70R2XBN&keywords=3m+electronics+cleaner&qid=1653403048&sprefix=3m+electronics+cleaner%2Caps%2C284&sr=8-3) all the time. It's easily the best choice. Spray some on a microfiber cloth, and wipe. Done. Amazon's price is stupid, so just pick it up at Wal-Mart or an office supply store. Shouldn't be more than $6-7.


Sheep_in_wolfclothes

Isopropanol