Mel,

Yes - you should be able to pop off the keys and clean them as suggested. However, I personally would not be inclined to do this with all of my keys. There could be some changes in the ways the keys travel (move up and down).

However, in your situation, with a messed up keyboard, if more usual cleanings do not work, then its either try that or chucking it. Possibly could be repaired but it would just be too expensive to do so.

Happy cleaning,

rfinney