Member Avatar for skymap

Hi,I only just got my laptop back from having lent it to a family member,and now several keys are stiff/clicking in and a round the spacebar area. Any advice please?

  • 3 Contributors
  • 5 Replies
  • 526 Views
  • 1 Week Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by jingda

Dani AI

Generated

Short summary: reported a few stiff keys after lending the laptop, suggested removing keys/cleaning and suggested checking for debris by turning it upside down. According to the follow-up, rubbing alcohol (surgical spirits) fixed the problem. Below are safe, practical next steps and tips for anyone who finds the same symptom later.

Always power down, unplug and remove the battery before you touch the keyboard. Start with gentle, noninvasive steps: hold the laptop at an angle and give it a few short, careful shakes, then use short bursts of compressed air to dislodge crumbs. If a key remains sticky, use a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol (preferably 90%+, at least 70%) and dab around the key edges — do not pour or soak the keyboard. Let everything dry completely before powering on.

If you need to remove keycaps, be cautious: many laptop keys use fragile scissor clips and the spacebar often has a stabilizer bar. Use a plastic pry tool, gently lift from one corner, and note how the retainer sits so you can re-seat it correctly. Keycaps and small plastic retainers can be soaked in warm soapy water and dried thoroughly; never submerge the keyboard assembly or let moisture reach the circuit board. For sugary spills, a deeper clean under the caps is usually required; if cleaning fails, the membrane or switches can be permanently damaged and replacement is the safer option.

Avoid solvents like acetone or bleach, avoid high heat (hair dryers on hot), and don’t force broken clips. If multiple keys stay unreliable after careful cleaning, a keyboard replacement or professional repair is recommended. For prevention, keep food and drinks away from the laptop or use a thin silicone cover to protect the keys.

Recommended Answers

All 5 Replies

Member Avatar for matthewkeating

I would recommend safely removing the keys if you are feeling adventurous. Otherwise, a wipe with a rag/towel with rubbing alcohol or water will make it less sticky. I would also recommend flipping it upside down and giving it a good pat/shake.

Member Avatar for jingda

What do you mean by sticking. Is it when you type it is hard to press down some letters or you cannot press down the letters. How old is your laptop, if it is very old, you might consider replacing the keyboard yourself or by an expert. Are you sure there are not any things or small stuff jam in between the keyboard. You can turn it upside and see any things fall out.

Edited by jingda because: n/a
Member Avatar for skymap

What do you mean by sticking. Is it when you type it is hard to press down some letters or you cannot press down the letters. How old is your laptop, if it is very old, you might consider replacing the keyboard yourself or by an expert. Are you sure there are not any things or small stuff jam in between the keyboard. You can turn it upside and see any things fall out.

Its when i press down on a few keys, though for some reason unknown to me it seems less stiff this morning as I am typing this. though it still feels different than the other keys.

I'll do as you both have advised, thank you very much. And I wll let you know what I have done to resolve this. :)

Member Avatar for skymap

Ok I did What Matt said, I used rubbing alchohol(surgical spirits) and it worked a dream, phew.

Member Avatar for jingda

Glad to hear than skymap. Good luck, you can always come back here if you have any problems.

Edited by jingda because: n/a
Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.