15.022 Does anyone know what is the best way to clean a keyboard after several months of using it without affecting the imprinted letters or numbers on the keys?
Description
This article is from the Apple II Csa2 FAQ, by Jeff Hurlburt with numerous contributions by others.
15.022 Does anyone know what is the best way to clean a keyboard after several months of using it without affecting the imprinted letters or numbers on the keys?
First, if you do not have a picture of the keyboard, it's a good idea to
make a diagram of key locations.
If the keyboard is a separate unit, remove the keyboard cover-- i.e. the
'shell' that surrounds the keys. Spritz it with a cleaner (like Windex,
Fantastik, etc.), wipe, and let soak in warm soapy water.
What you need to do next is pull the key tops. A puller tool which lets
you get around and under a key on two sides is very helpful; or, you can use
fingers and a small screwdriver or leter opener to pop off the key tops. For
SPACE and other large keys, take care to unhook stabilizer bars and pay
attention to how the bar for each is connected.
Spritz each key top with Windex, Fantastik, etc., wipe, and let soak in
warm soapy water. The letters, numbers, etc. on key tops are, usually, solid
plastic and should not be in any danger of getting wiped off. For sure, you
would not want to use any petroleum distillate or other solvent which attacks
plastic for cleaning.
Everything is rinsed, blotted with paper towels, and allowed a couple
hours to dry.
Once the KB interior is de-dusted you can blot away remaining moisture
from key tops, etc. and put everything together. Install the large key tops
with stabilizer bars first, then press on the others. If the keyboard is a
separate unit, wipe/clean the cable.
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