Help. Something Is Under My Keyboard

rms1954 · ‎06-06-2019

My husband will kill me if he finds out. My keys are sticking on the right side and it sounds crunchy when I type. There are no screws underneath so I can't open it to clean it. Tried using one of those cans of air but it did nothing. It's an HP. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

CAcableGirl2 · ‎06-03-2010

@rms1954 Are you able to pry the keys off? Some keyboards allow you to take each one off - it just pops off and on. If they do, you can just pry one off and clean under the key and put it back.

Just make sure you take a picture of where they are located so you put them back on correctly......

Sometimes, just turning it upside down and giving it a good firm shake or two may loosen whatever is under the keys.

......You look like I need a drink.....

Mindy D · ‎05-23-2010

@rms1954 wrote:
My husband will kill me if he finds out. My keys are sticking on the right side and it sounds crunchy when I type. There are no screws underneath so I can't open it to clean it. Tried using one of those cans of air but it did nothing. It's an HP. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

This is on HPs website for laptops. I don't know if it's safe to try and I don't know if you are on a laptop or desk top. I am not a computer expert so this would be at your own risk.

newagain888888 · ‎12-31-2010

You didn't say whether you are using a laptop or desktop.

If desktop:

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Keyboard-in-a-Dishwasher

This sounds like the craziest idea ever, but have to tell you it works! I was super nervous to try it, but my keyboard came out spotless and with no damage!

agb80 · ‎10-16-2020

@rms1954 wrote:
My husband will kill me if he finds out. My keys are sticking on the right side and it sounds crunchy when I type. There are no screws underneath so I can't open it to clean it. Tried using one of those cans of air but it did nothing. It's an HP. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

@rms1954 Oh dear you really do have a troubled relationship with him! Doesn't he have his own laptop and if you share then why would you think it is your fault?

Anyway, I use Fellowes Duster which is pressurized air that removes dust and debris on hard to reach areas on computers. Walmart has their own brand called Dust Off and is sold in a two-pack. I know this because I bought some last time we were there after running out of the Fellowes brand.

Let us know how it goes..

Pook · ‎03-20-2010

@rms1954 Sometimes just turning it upside down and shaking it will release crumbs that can do that. Also ther is a good chance that maybe he did something to cause it to stick! I would ask him if he might have spilled something on the keyboard that could have made it stick.

Grade1Teach · ‎03-09-2010

It sounds like you have crumbs stuck in the keys. If you lift up the keyboard (assuming you're on a desktop), and gently tap it on the table, the crumbs should fall out. You'll be surprised what you find in there! lol

If you have more time and you are able to get to a store, you can get a can of "air." My husband is a software engineer, so computers are his thing. Whenever something like that happens to a keyboard (mine in particular,lol) he grabs his can of high-pressure air. It blows everything, including dust particles hidden deep inside, right out of that keyboard. You can use it on the actual computer too. It's a miracle worker and I keep one at school.

Hopefully your problem is solved by now anyway!

kismet · ‎03-10-2010

I've always cleaned my laptop using a vacuum cleaner. I get an old nylon, knee highs from years ago, and cover the hose on the vacuum with a nylon over it and hold it tight and then vacuum my keyboard and the back of my computer. I think it gets all the dust and dirt out. I never bought the can of air since I've had a computer. Works for me. I can understand how Imtep feels since I've been there.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

If it's old, just buy a new one. Keyboards are not expensive.

gardenman · ‎03-09-2010

Keys sticking on one side of the keyboard sounds like a liquid got spilled on that side and dried, leaving a gummy residue behind. Isopropyl alcohol is often the cleaning product of choice in this situation as it evaporates quickly. If the keys are removable life gets simpler. (Technically they're all removable, but some break off rather than just unlatch so you've got to do a bit of research to find out if yours are replaceable after being forced off or not. You don't want to break them off.) If you can easily remove the keys then some isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs should solve the problem and leave you with a nice, refreshed keyboard that's as good as new. (Just test the keys with a little bit of alcohol first. Some makers put coatings on the keys that the alcohol can erase.) If you're not sure if a key is removable and you can't find any documentation online to tell you, pick a never used key to experiment with. A butter knife or a pair of manipulated paper clips can often be used as a key lifter. If your test key comes off easily and snaps back into place, you can move forward with cleaning the keyboard.

Fly!!! Eagles!!! Fly!!!