Most efficient way to clean under the keyboard on an XPS16?

Hey guys,

I've been meaning to ask this for a while, and I've found a few threads on how to dissemble the XPS16, and some on methods to clean the dust that get on the speakers (I'm starting to see build-up myself, and a can of air duster doesn't seem to phase it either).

Anyhow, more to the point, I've been wanting to clean any residue that's built up under the keyboard the past few months: dust, hair, crumbs, whatever else that may have slipped by despite how careful I try to be with letting debris in. A friend that cleaned my old Toshiba would 'pop' the keys out, but that ended up breaking/loosening some hinges later on, and I would prefer not to have send his laptop to Dell for such a silly reason.

Is there any 'easy' way to this? I'm assuming the safest way would be to unscrew the back and locate the area beneath the keyboard? I'm not sure if anyone's done this yet, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Turn off your laptop. Flip it upside down. And use a hair dyer to blow it. Give it a gentle shake along.

 

Now that's a method I've yet to hear of; I'd imagine this would get rid of most dust particles and light material -- but in the event any bigger pieces (or, I should say harder substances like crumbs) fell into place, would the shake + blow drying still loosening them up?

 

I'd be afraid of melting the keyboard with the blowdryer, but if it were set to "cool" I guess it'd be ok.

I like to use the air compressor that I have in my garage. I attach a blow-off nozzle to the compressor hose, hold the laptop upside-down and hit it with about 100psi. Seems to clean out the keyboard really well.

A note of caution: An air compressor can collect condensation in its tank and hose. It would be wise to check the stream of compressed air for any sign of moisture before aiming it at your laptop.

 

The most efficient way would be to take each key off and clean until your heart is satisfied then put the keys back on.

 

Would it be as simple as using my nails or a mini-screw driver and popping the keys out? I had some problems with the Toshiba key's clippings on the back breaking apart, and thus having a missing key or...loose key.

 

Best tip: use microfiber duster with long hairs.. the microfiber will magneticly pull up all the dirty and hair that is under your keyboard.

Guaranteed! I have xps 1340 and since its the same keyboard and almost same chassis it works great!

 

to add!! dont pop the keys out because you will ruin a lot of them! I poped out wasd gamind keys to paint the letter in red so my xps 1340 would look like a gaming machine lol.... but on of the the keys the small plastic scissor part bent and it likely to fail soon.. when that happens i wont have a D key anymore.. So dont do those foolish mistakes of popping keys out!

If its hair small food crums or something similar use a microfiber duster!
I use it even to clean the fan mesh when it gets dusty, as well as the keyboard twice a week!

 

Order a new kb off of ebay and replace. Sorry, I like to disconnect mine before cleaning and blow it out with compressed air.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions all

Been busy with work and midterm so I haven't had time to reply back...! I'll try the suggestions everyone had after this week's over...phew.