How to clean your MacBook or MacBook Pro keyboard

It can be tricky to clean debris out from under Apple’s latest butterfly keyboards found on its MacBook and MacBook Pro models (or any keyboard for that matter). While it’s more difficult for crumbs, dust, etc. to creep your underneath Apple’s butterfly keys, the downside is when stuff gets stuck, it’s tough to clean it out.

Apple brought its first generation butterfly keyboard to the 12-inch MacBook in 2015. While some like this keyboard, many felt it went too far with its minimal key travel. In 2016, Apple released its second generation butterfly keyboard with a tiny bit more travel, and arguably (depending on your preferences) a better feel.

However, some of the most common issues with the keyboard are keys sticking and not working consistently. Apple has a dedicated tutorial on cleaning out its MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards that should alleviate many issues.

All you’ll need is some compressed air and a little time. Alternately, you could opt for a manual air blower to save some cash over time.

How to clean your MacBook or MacBook Pro keyboard

1. Hold your Mac notebook at a 75-degree angle, so it’s not quite vertical
2. Use compressed air to spray the keyboard, or just the affected keys, in a left-to-right motion
3. Rotate your Mac notebook to its right side and spray the keyboard again, from left to right
4. Repeat the action, this time with your Mac notebook rotated to its left side

Here are the photos that Apple uses to help describe the process:

Apple notes that if your problems aren’t resolved with this approach to get in touch with your local Apple Store or AASP. Check out our how to guide for more help getting the most out of your Apple devices.

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