Yeah, i spilled on my keyboard

[ALite34]

I spilled the smallest amount of soda on my ms natural pro, i turned the computer off as soon as it happened so all the keys work but a few of the keys have a sticky return to them like they there is soda interfering with its operation, so i was wondering how to clean it, i figured i could try to clean it with alcohol and the power off, thoughts? Kyle

[reddog4629]

Jump right in the middle of that thing with a screwdriver and some windex. Just make sure it's dry before you re-assemble it. No sweat. :-)

[thekingofpain]

Well, ive had people scream at me for the thought BUT, its worked a few times for me, soda, coffee, usually in a large amount, can be simply rinsed out...lots of HOT water followed by lots of direct sunshine, shake it out and let it bake in the sun (maybe a couple days) then give it a try...

[NDC]

Well, I agree with TheKingOfPain 100%. That's what I always do when I spill something or my keys start getting sticky. I just take the keyboard with me when I jump in the shower and let it dry for a couple days.

Make sure it's thoroughly dried before you start using the keyboard again or you will short the circuitry on the keyboard.

[This message has been edited by NDC (edited 10-24-2000).]

[flash4master]

i have heard of some people putting keyboards in their dishwashers...

[LiLRiceBoi]

yeah thats right...you can put it in the dish washer. i think theres a question like that on the a+ test too...haha

[Ruahrc]

Just a tip: Wouldn't you want to use distilled water for this? That way if you live in an area with hard water or something you don't get residue on your keyboard which could interfere with the elecronics.

Ruahrc

[jman01pa]

I have soaked them in the sink a few times. Works pretty well. Like everyone says make sure you dry it out. If your uncertain, take it apart. There is only a couple of screws.

Windex and other cleaning supplies are more corrosive than just plain water.


J http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Undertow]

That's so funny! I just spilled a McFlurry on my MS Natural Pro! Did it post multiple keys when you only pressed on key? That's what it did to me. I had to take the SOB apart 2 times to fix it, and a few keys still stick, luckily they only post 1 key at a time now. Taking it apart is a snap, just leave the cord/pcb all in one piece, and leave the 3 key wafers all together. There is 3 layers to the plastic printed circuit thingie that makes the electrical contacts for the keys. These pull apart easily, just be extremely careful that you don't pull off any of the little green "nipples", as I call them, cause you don't want to have to glue them back on. I accidentally pulled one of these off, but I just set it on the back of the key then put the plastic PCB back on top of it. But like they said, make sure it's plenty dry. I hung my plastic PCB's up on the fridge with magnets to let them air out. I would recommend wiping them off with paper towel first though so they circuits don't rust. Don't worry about the metal tin foil looking thing that's in there, I didn't bother putting that back in and it's fine. I don't see why it's there, I'm sure it has a reason, but mine's working just fine without it. Just take your time and make sure you get everything extremely clean because I still have a few keys that are sticky from not cleaning well enough. I just filled the stink up with really hot water and wiped it with a cloth. This isn't the first keyboard I've had to do it with, and I'm sure it won't be the last http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Just a note: DO NOT try and clean it without taking it apart like those guys suggested above. While this would work with some keyboards, it will ruin the Pro. The Pro has a circuit board (not the one I meant when I said plastic PCB) that is for the USB hub. If you submerge this in water, I am sure it will ruin it and you will have no more USB hub http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif

[This message has been edited by Undertow (edited 10-26-2000).]