How to Remove and Clean Sticky Keys on Macbook Air Step by Step Repair (Very Detailed Fix)

We have a 2014 Macbook air 13'' that had some sticky after spill damage from the previous owner, probably some soda or coffee. I don't like crunchy keys that stick down and don't come back up properly so we decided to remove the keys that were damaged, clean them, then reassemble. It was about half of the keyboard and it was very tedious but well worth the repair. It will work for many other years of macbook air and macbook pro with the same keyboard switch design, and it will work similarly with other keyboards you may have to do more digging to how the keys attach to the switch. Cleaning your macbook air keyboard or single keys after a spill could save you the discomfort of crunchy keys and could also save you from having to get a new computer.

Things we used in this repair
-Small flathead electronics screwdriver
-Isopropyl alcohol 91%
-Toothbrush head
-Plate
-Towel

Video Index
Intro 0:00
Tools used 1:00
Tips 2:28
Keys explained 4:00
How to remove a key 5:49
Removing the keys 7:19
Cleaning the keyboard side 9:30
Cleaning the key side 10:20
Reinstalling the various keys 12:04
Wrap up thoughts 14:59

[princessmorena]

Thank you SO MUCH for this. I spilled coffee on my keyboard yesterday and I was freaking out because it was sticky. Just reinstalled all my keys and it’s like it never happened. THANK YOU

[gabbycast]

"you need to be careful" Me: (knows nothing about computers) *chuckles* I'm in danger

[fuerteybrava]

Thanks--this was very helpful, and gives me the courage to take mine apart and have at the dust, dog hair, and cookie crumbs that have taken their toll. Stand by for updates.

[ericabajocalderon]

I am not the type of person that does this type of thing! But your video was so helpful and detailed that it pushed me to try it. And i did it! I didn’t break anything so that’s great! Thanks so much!

[jennzeatz]

Thanks dude, your video saved my keyboard, NEVER again while i drink coffee near my computer. lol

[ziyanmazin]

I had gone to these “repair” shops near me and they told me it can’t be fixed and u can’t remove the keys one by one and then I came across your vid, helped me a lot thanks. Was a bit skeptical at first then I just went for it. Thanks man

[canavarbaba]

The biggest thank you from me to the channel owner! I very much appreciate the work done! I tried it and it worked! I almost saved 5000 Turkish liras which is approximately 350 usd. Wish anything you want from me! Small notice: macbook air 2021 horizontal small keys are little different. Function keys and direction keys have the orientation as horizontal. You should pull from right or left. Hook clips are at right/left, not bottom. Thank you man so much

[alannathelioness]

You totally just saved my ass. I start a coding bootcamp in two weeks and my keys were starting to stick! So glad this video exists!!! Getting that fixed through Apple would have been completely out of my price range.

[isobelsutherland]

You’re a lifesaver, I’m so bad with computers and accidentally poured juice on my Mac.. got all the keys off and gave it a good clean and it’s all good now :)

[GingerBug]

Thank you so much for this video! I wasn’t as gentle as needed and that plastic spring mechanism came completely apart. 😖 I fixed it and thank goodness it didn’t break.

[kobeypartika]

THANK U SO MUCH, THE REASON I AM IN CAPS IS BECAUSE I AM SO HAPPY THAT MY SHIFT KEY FINALLY FEELS LIKE IT SHOULD FEEL

[annemartin]

You've given me the confidence to give this a try - spilled a FULL glass of wine on my MacBook last night. Probably a sign that I was imbibing too much, anyway. Wish me luck!

[CW-vqkj]

Oh crap I watched this whole thing and then realized I have a 2018 air 🤦🏻‍♀️ space bar is super stuck, definitely from grime build up. Ugh. Eagerly awaiting your updated video!!

[Ryan-yypp]

About 7 keys were sticky, just did this works perfectly fine now!

[holoholotales]

Thank you much! You video saved me and my keyboard from sticky juice :) I removed, washed and installed all the keys. So tremendously grateful!

[arcturianninja]

You are a lifesaver. Sticky keys were slowly chipping away at my sanity! I only did the key washing since I didn't have any alcohol on hand and it worked perfectly. I'm so happy that I had to come back and say THANK YOU VERY MUCH. While I'm at it I better subscribe as well. Namaste

[jackbauer]

Saved me - Had one sold didn't realize the keys were sticking. Popped off about 10 keys on right side and cleaned up what appeared to be coffee / soda. Works like a champ now so Thank You for the video.

[AnK-imzk]

The only place I found how to safely remove the keys. My "y" was stuck, it's good now (because, well I'm using it lol. y y y y y y y y y, this works LMAO)

[Safari]

Excellent! Just watched a couple of times to find how to place the support bar in the Command key. Priceless! That little thing slid out and made the key barely budge - Minute 13.40

[itsakp]

this video gives me the confidence to pop up my switches. instructions are easy and clear to follow 💯