How to Clean Up Keyboard Spills
Don't toss that keyboard because of a spilled cup of coffee or soda. Follow this advice to salvage those keys.
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You Will Need
- Soft cloth
- Distilled water
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Cotton swabs
- Patience
- Digital camera (optional)
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Unplug the keyboard
Unplug the keyboard. For a wireless model, remove the batteries.
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Step 2
Shake the keyboard
Hold the keyboard upside down over a sink or trash can and shake it vigorously to remove any excess liquid.
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Step 3
Wipe the keyboard
Dampen a soft cloth with distilled water and wipe the surface.
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Step 4
Remove the keys
Remove the keys with a flat-head screwdriver.
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Before removing the keys, take a digital picture of the placement of the keys to help you put them back in the right places.
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Step 5
Wash the key sockets
Wash the key sockets with a cotton swab and distilled water. Let them dry completely and then replace the keys.
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Use rubbing alcohol for tougher spills.
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Step 6
Type
Type something on your cleaned keyboard. If it is not working properly, disassemble the entire keyboard by removing the screws and clean each component seperately. Wait until it's dry and reassemble.
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Step 7
Try again
Try typing again. If it still does not work correctly, clean it again, and hope for the best. Keyboards are among the most inexpensive peripherals to replace.
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In the 1860s, C. L. Sholes arranged the universal keyboard that is still used today.
