CompTips61

MASTERS ~ COMPUTER TIPS
How to clean a Spill on the Keyboard
Submitted by Jemima

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How to Clean a Spill on the Keyboard

By miasavc, eHow Member

Spilling liquid on your computer keyboard happens once in a while by accident. Instead of frustrating yourself on being careless and not paying attention to the cup or bottle of liquid that should be kept away from your computer keyboard, you can save this hardware from damage by cleaning the spill right away. Here’s what you can do:

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Cloth/paper/tissue
Cotton swabs
Warm water
Alcohol

Step 1
As soon as the spill happens, act quickly. Immediately flip the keyboard upside down to drain off the liquid onto a piece of cloth, paper, or tissue whatever is available. Follow with gentle wiping on the keys to dry off the spilled liquid as much as you can. The less liquid goes into the internal components of the keyboard, the less damage it will cause.

Step 2
Unplug the keyboard from the computer right away. This is a wise thing to do before you proceed with cleaning it thoroughly since it is an electronic hardware.

Step 3
Determine the type of liquid that was spilled on the keyboard. Water is easiest to clean compared to other types of spills which leave a sticky residue. If you spilled water, simply turn over the keyboard and let it dry for at least 24 hours. For spills which contain sugar such as soda or fruit juice, use cotton swabs dipped in diluted water and alcohol to clean the keys.

Step 4
Assess the extent of the spill. Check which part of the keyboard where the spill happens and how much liquid has reached its internal components. Remove some of the keys carefully by using a flathead screwdriver. Use a steady, gentle pressure as you lift the keys up. Use the wet cotton swabs to clean up the liquid then put back the keys in their proper place. Allow the keyboard to dry completely for few hours.

Step 5
Test your keyboard to check if it still functions correctly. If everything works fine, then it means no damage has been done. However, if you notice an odd behavior on your computer screen when you use the keyboard, then it’s time for you to buy a replacement. You don’t want to be disrupted in your work and stressing out by using a keyboard which malfunctions. Next time, be extra careful when it comes to having liquid close to your computer. You may spill it again and will go thru the same situation or even worse!

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