Cleaning a Apple ][e keyboard

[mlaferriere]

Are the Apple ][e keycaps removeable? Does anyone have good hints on how to clean sticky keys on a machine that hasn't been used in 20-30 years? Isopropyl alcohol?

 

[KC9UDX]

I've done this a dozen times, the first being sometime in 1984.

Just pop the keytops off, put them in a tub filled with hot water and dishsoap, swirl them round, and brush them with a toothbrush. I wouldn't use anything harsher than that.

 

[mlaferriere]

I did something close to that. Its hot, I'm far too cheap for AC so I used *cold* water and soap. The keycaps are fine other than serious oxidation which I can live with. They are 35 years old (almost as old as me!). What is holding me up is a lot of the keys are sticking. I tried a q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol which helped somewhat. Good to know they can pop off pretty easily and be cleaned.

 

[mrarkus]

Contact cleaner is your friend. I'd spray it into each key switch, work it for a while, especially the sticky keys, then spray some more, and let it dry. Worked for me.