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My touchpad suddenly become sticky. It feels like dried sugar. I've tried cleaning it with Lysoform as usual, but it doesn't work this time. Anybody knows what else can I use for cleaning it without damaging the touchpad surface?

[edit] On internet there are two opposite opinions about Isopropyl. One source claims it's good for touchpad. Another source says it may damage the touchpad. I need somebody who tried it personally.

My touchpad suddenly become sticky. It feels like dried sugar. I've tried cleaning it with Lysoform as usual, but it doesn't work this time. Anybody knows what else can I use for cleaning it without damaging the touchpad surface? [edit] On internet there are two opposite opinions about Isopropyl. One source claims it's good for touchpad. Another source says it may damage the touchpad. I need somebody who tried it personally.

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[–] [deleted] • 0 pt

Can alcohol ruin the touchpad?

[–] • 1 pt

Dont soak it. Put some on a paper towel and then clean your pad. Alcohol will evaporate away.

[–] • 1 pt

Not as far as I know.

[–] • 0 pt

If you want to not only clean but disinfect your touch screen, you can use a bit of isopropyl alcohol on some devices (Apple, for example, does not recommend it). Check your manufacturer's warnings to see what they allow.

[–] [deleted] • 0 pt

Have you tried? Or are you guessing?

[–] • 1 pt

I have tried it, but not all touchpads have to be the same material. But isopropyl is safe for most plastics. It is just agressive enough for cleaning without damaging.

[–] • 1 pt

Use the high concentration isopropyl. It'll evaporate so fast there will be no damage. Just do it man. Don't be a pussy.

[–] • 0 pt

Turn the laptop off while you do this, leave it off for about 30 minutes or so.

Alcohol is likely the best solution for this unless there is some specialized product that I haven't heard of.

As far damaging the touchpad.. Alcohol can wear down so plastics with prolonged exposure. (I don't know what the touchpad is made from). The wear is very superficial, and likely would not harm the surface beyond use.

The biggest risk is whatever cleaning agent you apply seeping into/onto the circuitry and causing a short. This is partly why [high proof] alcohol is best. It evaporates in seconds when applied topically. This is why I recommend leaving the device off for 30 minutes (2-3 minutes could be adequate).

If you fire up the device with moisture on the circuitry, you will do damage.. maybe repairable maybe not.

I have not cleaned a touchpad before, but I have cleaned my personal keyboard keys with alcohol. At my jobsite, employees are occasionally tasked with cleaning surfaces with a water-based solution. (Covid sanitation) We are seeing an increase in damaged keyboards.