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How To Get Crumbs Out Of Mac Keyboard?

As a writer, I understand the frustration of trying to type on a keyboard that is full of crumbs. It can be distracting and even cause your keyboard to malfunction. This is especially true for those who love snacking while working on their computer. However, fear not! There are several ways to get those pesky crumbs out of your Mac keyboard.

Firstly, it is important to note that using a vacuum cleaner or canned air can be damaging to your keyboard. Instead, try using a small brush or toothbrush to gently sweep the crumbs out from between the keys. Additionally, you can use a piece of sticky tape or a post-it note to pick up any remaining crumbs. In this article, we will delve into these methods and more, to help you keep your keyboard clean and functioning smoothly. So, let’s get started on the quest to a crumb-free keyboard!

How to Get Crumbs Out of Mac Keyboard?

How to Get Crumbs Out of Mac Keyboard?

Crumbs and dust can easily accumulate on your Mac’s keyboard, making it unsightly and potentially causing damage to the sensitive keys. Fortunately, with a few simple tools and techniques, you can quickly get rid of crumbs and dust from your Mac keyboard.

Using a Compressed Air Canister

A compressed air canister is a great tool for cleaning the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of a keyboard. To use a compressed air canister, hold it at a slight angle and spray in short bursts. Be sure to keep the canister at least 10-12 inches away from the keyboard to avoid damaging the keys. After spraying, use a vacuum cleaner to collect any remaining crumbs or dust.

You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove crumbs and dust from your Mac keyboard without the use of a compressed air canister. Use the brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner to gently brush away the crumbs and dust. Be sure to use gentle strokes to avoid damaging the keys. Once you have removed the majority of the debris, use the vacuum cleaner to collect any remaining particles.

Cleaning the Keyboard with a Cloth

If you don’t have access to a vacuum cleaner or a compressed air canister, you can use a cloth to remove the crumbs and dust from your Mac keyboard. Start by turning off your Mac and unplugging the keyboard. Then, dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with water and gently wipe down the surface of the keyboard. Be sure to use gentle strokes to avoid damaging the keys. Once you have removed the majority of the debris, use a dry cloth to buff the keys and remove any remaining particles.

Using a Wet/Dry Vacuum

A wet/dry vacuum is another great tool for cleaning the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of a keyboard. To use a wet/dry vacuum, turn off the power to the Mac and unplug the keyboard. Then, use the vacuum to suck up any debris. Be sure to keep the vacuum at least 10-12 inches away from the keyboard to avoid damaging the keys. After vacuuming, use a dry cloth to buff the keys and remove any remaining particles.

Using a Toothbrush

A toothbrush can also be used to remove crumbs and dust from your Mac keyboard. To use a toothbrush, turn off the power to the Mac and unplug the keyboard. Then, use a clean, dry toothbrush to gently brush away the crumbs and dust. Be sure to use gentle strokes to avoid damaging the keys. Once you have removed the majority of the debris, use a vacuum cleaner to collect any remaining particles.

Cleaning the Keys with a Cotton Swab

For hard-to-reach areas of your Mac keyboard, you can use a cotton swab to remove the crumbs and dust. To use a cotton swab, turn off the power to the Mac and unplug the keyboard. Then, dampen a cotton swab with water and gently wipe down the individual keys. Be sure to use gentle strokes to avoid damaging the keys. Once you have removed the majority of the debris, use a dry cloth to buff the keys and remove any remaining particles.

Using an Eraser

If you don’t have access to a vacuum cleaner, compressed air canister, or cotton swab, you can use an eraser to remove crumbs and dust from your Mac keyboard. To use an eraser, turn off the power to the Mac and unplug the keyboard. Then, gently rub the eraser over the surface of the keyboard to remove the debris. Be sure to use gentle strokes to avoid damaging the keys. Once you have removed the majority of the debris, use a vacuum cleaner to collect any remaining particles.

Cleaning the Keyboard with Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is an effective way to remove crumbs and dust from your Mac keyboard. To use isopropyl alcohol, turn off the power to the Mac and unplug the keyboard. Then, dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe down the surface of the keyboard. Be sure to use gentle strokes to avoid damaging the keys. Once you have removed the majority of the debris, use a dry cloth to buff the keys and remove any remaining particles.

Using a Keyboard Cleaner Spray

If you don’t have access to a vacuum cleaner, compressed air canister, or isopropyl alcohol, you can use a keyboard cleaner spray to remove crumbs and dust from your Mac keyboard. To use a keyboard cleaner spray, turn off the power to the Mac and unplug the keyboard. Then, hold the spray can at least 10-12 inches away from the keyboard and spray in short bursts. Be sure to keep the canister at least 10-12 inches away from the keyboard to avoid damaging the keys. After spraying, use a vacuum cleaner to collect any remaining crumbs or dust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Crumbs stuck in a Mac keyboard can be a frustrating problem. Fortunately, there are several techniques that can help you remove the crumbs and get your keyboard looking and working like new again.

How Do I Get Crumbs Out of My Mac Keyboard?

The most straightforward way to remove crumbs from a Mac keyboard is to use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Start by turning the keyboard upside down and shaking it gently to dislodge any loose crumbs. Then, use the brush attachment to suck away the remaining crumbs. Make sure to use a gentle suction so as not to damage any of the delicate electronic components.

Alternatively, if you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, you can use a can of compressed air to blow away the crumbs. Just make sure to keep the can at least 6 inches away from the keyboard to avoid damaging any of the components.

How Do I Clean My Mac Keyboard?

Once you’ve removed all the crumbs, it’s important to give your Mac keyboard a thorough cleaning. Start by turning the keyboard upside down and gently shaking it to remove any remaining debris. Then, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust or dirt from the surface of the keys. Make sure not to use too much water, as it could damage the internal components of the keyboard.

Once the surface of the keys is clean, use a cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean in between the keys. This will help to remove any dirt or grease that may have built up over time. Make sure to use a light amount of pressure when wiping in between the keys.

Can I Use Water to Clean My Mac Keyboard?

Using water to clean your Mac keyboard is not recommended. The electronics inside the keyboard can easily be damaged by water, so it’s best to avoid it. Instead, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust or dirt from the surface of the keys. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol to gently scrub away the dirt.

What Is the Best Way to Store My Mac Keyboard?

When not in use, it’s best to store your Mac keyboard in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing the keyboard in direct sunlight or in damp environments, as these could damage the delicate internal components. It’s also important to keep the keyboard away from any liquids or sources of heat, as these could cause permanent damage.

Are There Any Tips for Preventing Crumbs From Getting Into My Mac Keyboard?

One of the best ways to prevent crumbs from getting into your Mac keyboard is to keep food and drinks away from it at all times. Even the smallest crumb can cause damage to the delicate internal components, so it’s important to be vigilant. Additionally, regularly cleaning your keyboard with a microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol can help keep it free from dirt and dust.

Cleaning Macbook keyboard with compressed air (Air duster) – Macbook Pro 13 inch 2020


In conclusion, getting crumbs out of your Mac keyboard can be a frustrating task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done easily and effectively. Whether you choose to use compressed air, a soft brush, or a specialized cleaning kit, the key is to be gentle and patient. By taking the time to remove the crumbs from your keyboard, you can ensure that your computer continues to function smoothly and efficiently, without any annoying hiccups or glitches.

So if you find yourself battling crumbs in your keyboard, don’t panic! With a little bit of effort and some helpful tips, you can restore your keyboard to its original pristine condition. And with a little bit of ongoing maintenance, you can keep it that way for years to come, ensuring that your Mac remains a reliable and productive tool for all your computing needs.

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