How to Know What to do When Coffee, Soda, or Other Mystery Liquids Get Spilled on Your Computer Keyboard

I taught computer literacy and keyboarding for years in a K-12 setting. I've seen everything from student barf to teachers' coffee heavily rain on computer keyboards. I have a method that I used that has enabled me to not lose a single keyboard through those many years. I can't promise that it will work every single time for you; but it may be worth the effort to try in order for you to not have to go out and buy a new keyboard. Just follow these easy steps, not if, but when that next clumsy mishap drenches your computer keyboard with a liquid bath. This advice does not apply to laptops unless you have a keyboard that serves as a peripheral device (an electronic device that is separate from the laptop itself and is attached via a cable or wireless set up).

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start by immediately disconnecting the keyboard from the computer if it is connected by a cable. Quickly take the computer keyboard to either a sink or bathtub/shower to give it good rinsing. This must be done before any of the foreign liquid substance has a chance to dry and harden inside of the keyboard. The preferred rinsing agent would be distilled water. This of course is not always available, so go ahead and use plain old tap water. If necessary take the keyboard outside and use a garden hose to water down the keyboard. Be sure to apply the water generously. Don't bang or slam the keyboard in the process. Gently shake out any excess water and contaminates.

2. Next, you will want to place the keyboard face down on either paper towels or a thin towel. Don't use a big, thick fluffy towel; it will only restrict air flow slowing down the drying time. If by some chance you are a smoker, the effectiveness of this method is diminished because the nicotine tends to build up and make the cleaning much more difficult.

3. Be sure to allow the keyboard to dry thoroughly. Depending on the humidity you should let the keyboard dry for 2-4 days. Don't try and hurry the process with a hair dryer. The heat can be too extreme causing more harm than good. Once, your computer keyboard has had sufficient time to dry, give it a try.

Tips & Warnings

• The only fool proof way to keep your computer keyboard from being a victim of an accidental baptism and render it permanently inoperative is to never drink or store a liquid close to your keyboard.