Cleaning keyboard after soda spill - still sticking

[PaulRome]

Originally Posted by PCX

That just sounds like a really bad idea

If it was an expensive one i wouldn't, but a 7.99 Gear Head i'll take my chances.

[OfficeTechs]

probably best to leave out the detergent tab/powder, might be corrosive, the steam and hot water should be enough.

Water + electronics when under power are not a great idea, but on their own, why the hell not.

[mm201]

Originally Posted by 'putertutor

I heard about the 'dishwasher' trick many many years ago. One day when I ended up with a sticky keyboard, I thought I'd try it out, just for kicks and giggles. I had already planned on buying a new keyboard anyway, so I figured if I killed this one, no big deal.

I was amazed when it worked! Pretty soon I was cleaning cases, mice, pci cards, even mobo's. Once, when I couldn't figure out how to remove a sticky laptop keyboard, I just put the whole damn laptop in the dishwasher! The screen needed a cleaning too, so I just added a little extra detergent. After my magnetized hammer-drill (for those stubborn case screws) , my dishwasher is the best tech tool I have in my shop!

You might advise people that if they live in an area that has hard water they should make sure they have a water softener on their system. Otherwise you'll get a lime buildup that might require additional cleaning chemicals.

[tankman1989]

There is something else going on that I can't see here. I took it apart 3x and cleaned it for 3 hours total! It is only the spacebar on the right hand side. I think it was acting up before and the spill just did something. It's frustrating when it looks 100% clean but isn't acting like it is..

[PCX]

Originally Posted by OfficeTechs

probably best to leave out the detergent tab/powder, might be corrosive, the steam and hot water should be enough.

Water + electronics when under power are not a great idea, but on their own, why the hell not.

I understand that, corrosion was my main concern. Also, putting a whole laptop in a dish washer does not sound smart. Maybe I am missing something, but I do not think I will be trying this any time soon.

[PC-MOT]

Originally Posted by PCX

Wait, so your saying that putting electronics in a dishwasher full of water is a good idea? This is news to me . . .

I suspect that he was being funny....

[DCGPX]

This is why I bought a fully waterproof one for my desktop, especially with three kids messing on it, then I can just soak it to my hearts content .

In my house one of the neat things I've bought!

[glricht]

Originally Posted by 'putertutor

I heard about the 'dishwasher' trick many many years ago. One day when I ended up with a sticky keyboard, I thought I'd try it out, just for kicks and giggles. I had already planned on buying a new keyboard anyway, so I figured if I killed this one, no big deal.

I was amazed when it worked! Pretty soon I was cleaning cases, mice, pci cards, even mobo's. Once, when I couldn't figure out how to remove a sticky laptop keyboard, I just put the whole damn laptop in the dishwasher! The screen needed a cleaning too, so I just added a little extra detergent. After my magnetized hammer-drill (for those stubborn case screws) , my dishwasher is the best tech tool I have in my shop!

Man, I hope you're kidding. There's no way I'd put an entire laptop into the dishwasher

[bsil]

If I can't get a key to not stick after I have cleaned the heck out of it, I usually just apply some type of oil (WD40, olive, etc.) from a q-tip. Not tons, but just a bit here and there will usually stoop a spot from sticking. It doesn't always work, but it works often enough to give it a shot.

[5starpctech]

I just did a few keyboards a few days ago. I took them apart and removed and electonic parts. Leaving the keys in place, I washed the unit in warm soapy water. I scrubed with a brush. I then rinsed the unit with just plain water. I allowes the unit to thoroughly dry before putting back together.

I feel the important thing is to make sure unit is dry before plugging back into computer. All the units I cleaned are working just fine.