How to clean a keyboard
Yes it's that time again! it's time for spring cleaning. I know
you've been planning on cleaning off that ketchup stain on your keyboard for the
last two weeks. And you did a poor job of licking off that chocolate on your
keyboard keys. The keys just don't have that new keyboard spring any more. It's
spring time, and spring is the time for cleaning.
That grimy appearance is just one reason to clean your computer keyboard. If
grimy dust gets stuck underneath the keys, they might not work properly. Any
spilled liquids can be your keyboard's death knell if not taken care of. If
you've spilled liquid on the keyboard, (Turn PC off) turn your keyboard upside
down after you disconnect it to let the liquid drain out. If there's a lot of
liquid, or if the liquid is sticky, wash out the spill with running water. (Do
not immerse the keyboard.) Let the keyboard drain and dry for 24 hours.
The first thing you need to do is purchase any supplies you need: a can of
compressed aerosol air; a soft rag (old cotton shock); Maybe a can of Endust for
Electronics, or any nonabrasive household cleaning fluid suitable for cleaning
plastic; and a dust mask if you're allergic to dust. If you work for the
military a gas mask will work OK.
The Steps!
1. You need to check your owner's manual. If the manufacturer has provided
specific instructions, you need to follow them. Now before you start you need to
shut down your computer. And disconnect the keyboard.
2. Hold the keyboard upside down & shake it and then blow it clean with a can of
compressed air. Use the compressed air to clean between the keys. Spray at an
angle to dislodge dust and grime. Try to gently shake loose as much dust as
passable out of the keyboard.
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3. If your using Endust for Electronics or another aerosol cleaning fluid,
follow the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, spray a small amount of fluid
onto a rag, not on the keyboard. Wipe keyboard clean and all the keys and
chassis. You can use a damp rag to clean your keyboard, use warm water no soap.
Only clean your keyboard with your computer off or you may format your hard
drive as you clean the keyboard. |
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4. You should wait until the keyboard is dry (about 30 minutes) before
reconnecting it to your computer. Now you can reconnect the keyboard and restart
the computer. Have a fire extinguisher ready, just kidding!
5. If you work in industrial or other high-dust environments, use a plastic
keyboard cover to protect the keyboard. If you've spilled a large amount of
liquid, or if the liquid is sticky, it's likely that the keyboard won't be
repairable, although you can certainly try. To be safest, though, keep drinks
far away from your computer keyboard.
6. Remember do not spray fluids directly onto the keyboard. Completely
disassembling the keyboard is not recommended. You've got a good chance of
making thing even worse, so don't do it unless there's no other hope.
Replacing your keyboard: If you've gotten this far and you have no luck getting
your keyboard keys to work like new, don't despair. Many keyboard problems are
not repairable, and the things aren't that expensive anyway, buy yourself a new
keyboard. You can view your keyboard as disposable, only £15. for a new one.
Troubleshooting Your Keyboard tips!
1. Is your keyboard plugged in? On the back of your computer there is a PS/2
port, check to see if your keyboard cable is fully plugged in.
2. If only one key is malfunctioning, check that key's spring. Remove the key by
grabbing it with your finger or pen and pull up. Clean up under the key and
replace the key and see if the problem goes away.
3. Completely disassembling the keyboard is not recommended for the
fainthearted. You've got a good chance of making thing even worse, so don't go
it unless there's no other hope.
