How do I prevent a Macbook Pro from shorting out when I clean the keyboard

Question

The machine will not stay off when the lid is opened. I have seen another discussion on this issue.

It addresses issues with pressing the keys.

But I do NOT see potential issues with cleaning the keyboard and preventing shorts:

I have cleaned older Macbook Pros with a squirt of windex or glass cleaner on a bed of paper towels.

The fluid is just enough to dampen the paper and not run out an seep between the case and the keys

when the keys are rubbed with the damp paper towels to remove dirt and film.

How do I keep the power off while I do this?

The machine is MacbookPro16,1

Thank you for time and attention

JK

MacBook Pro 16″

Posted on Nov 29, 2025 2:08 PM

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Answer 1

Level 10

426,269 points

EDIT: Sorry, the below is for Silicon Macs

but more to your point

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Answer 2

Thank you all for the quick response and direction

JK

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Answer 3

Level 10

426,269 points

Intel Mac

Using Applications > Utilities > Terminal and requiring your computer administrator password

To turn off autoboot: sudo nvram AutoBoot=%00

To turn it back on: sudo nvram AutoBoot=%03

From:

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