Manage Keyboard Spills

Introduction

Science can't explain it, but soft drinks and coffee are undeniably attracted to computer keyboards. Put them in proximity and they're bound to interact messily sooner or later.

Steps

1. Unplug the keyboard.

2. If you spilled water, turn the keyboard over and let it drain and dry out for at least 24 hours.

3. If you spilled something sticky, try prying the small key caps off of the keyboard with a flathead screwdriver to get better access to the mess. Don't remove the spacebar, the Enter key or other large key caps. (Take a picture of the keyboard layout, or make a quick sketch of it, before you remove any keys so you can put them back where you found them.)

4. Gently clean the keyboard with a wet cotton swab.

5. Replace the key caps after rinsing them and letting them dry.

6. Let everything dry for at least 24 hours before plugging the keyboard back in.

Overall Tips & Warnings

* Keyboards are not expensive. If you've had a bad spill, it might be easier to buy a new one than take the time to clean one.

Overall Things You'll Need

* Flathead Screwdriver
* Cotton Swabs