Thinkpads Forum

I've got an X61 tablet and the keyboard could use some cleaning due to being "oily". The "Service and troubleshooting guide" from Lenovo instructs to "Apply some isopropyl rubbing alcohol to a soft, dust-free cloth". I've gotten some 99.7% isopropyl from a pharmacy, and have diluted it to about 25-30% alcohol / 70-75% distilled water. Can it have some sort of detrimental effect on the plastic, or is it safe to use?

It works fine with no bad effects. Just don't spill it under the keytops. It is not good for the silicon boots under the keys.

Harryc wrote:It works fine with no bad effects. Just don't spill it under the keytops. It is not good for the silicon boots under the keys.

Thanks for your reply. I'm assuming that the TrackPoint nub should be kept out of the way also, as it also seems to be made of some sort of rubber?

If you are talking about the alcohol that comes from the drugstore, I vote no. (It contains some water) I suggest denatured alcohol (shellac thinner from a paint store or hardware store). It is 100% alcohol and comletely evaporates.

richk wrote:If you are talking about the alcohol that comes from the drugstore, I vote no. (It contains some water) I suggest denatured alcohol (shellac thinner from a paint store or hardware store). It is 100% alcohol and comletely evaporates.

Agreed. Some stores sell 99% isopropyl too, which is what I use to clean my phones.

I've used 200proof ethanol from work. I've had no problems with it either.

I just use a damp (not dripping wet) sponge with a few drops of dish detergent. Gets rid of the finger grease good.

I also vacuum my keyboards.

Every so often I rub Armour-all on the outside to freshen up the rubberised paint.

zern wrote:I just use a damp (not dripping wet) sponge with a few drops of dish detergent. Gets rid of the finger grease good.

I also vacuum my keyboards.

Every so often I rub Armour-all on the outside to freshen up the rubberised paint.

Armour-all, eh? Interesting. Does it make the TP slippery at all?