| Author | Content |
woodspirit1
Lake Toxaway, NC
(Zone 7a)
October 25, 2009
12:42 PM Post #7206750
| My keyboard is really dirty. It doesn't need just dusting; it needs cleaning. Some of the keys have a coating of dust stuck to keys probably by lotion, greasy fingers, etc. In between the keys is unreachable and really bad, too. Can anyone give me advice on cleaning this without damaging electrical components? |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
October 25, 2009
01:15 PM Post #7206822
| I use a q-tip dunked in rubbing alcohol. The alcohol dries immediately and the q-tip gets in between the keys like a charm. |
woodspirit1
Lake Toxaway, NC
(Zone 7a)
October 25, 2009
08:18 PM Post #7208091
| sounds great. I'll try it. |
shortleaf
Kansas City, MO
(Zone 5b)
October 26, 2009
12:27 AM Post #7208890
| If you really wanna do a deeper cleaning, the keys come off. I gently squeeze them a little with needle-nose pliers (preferably) or pliers and they pop off.
Don't squeeze too hard or the keys could break or they could be cracked or scratched up.
Unless your talking about a laptop, then I wouldn't do that.
I don't know what the affects of any cleaning solutions would be if it got into the pc innards on a laptop.
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woodspirit1
Lake Toxaway, NC
(Zone 7a)
October 26, 2009
11:15 AM Post #7209875
| No, it's just a pc. I thought the keys would come off but I wasn't certain. Thanks so much...Betty |
Rocco
Tulsa, OK
(Zone 7a)
October 28, 2009
08:18 PM Post #7218418
| 3M has a kit for cleaning the keyboard and monitor screen. It contains a bottle of spray cleaner, a sqeegee type cleaner for the screen and a keyboard brush. It also contains a packet of inserts for the screen cleaner.
'3M Screen and Keyboard Cleaner' CL680
It is available at most office supply and computer stores. |
Eggs_Zachtly
Washington, MO
(Zone 5b)
October 29, 2009
05:23 AM Post #7219577
| A dishwasher does a good job, too. Just make sure the keyboard's completely dry before hooking it back up. =) |
JoParrott
Richland, WA
(Zone 5b)
October 29, 2009
12:38 PM Post #7220584
| Eggs- surely you jest about the dishwasher? |
woodspirit1
Lake Toxaway, NC
(Zone 7a)
October 29, 2009
06:59 PM Post #7221675
| I took a computer course once and the instructor said if you spilled a drink onto your keyboard and couldn't get it cleaned up enough to operate, throw it in the shower. It's nice to hear from someone else that water will work if you let it dry thoroughly. |
Eggs_Zachtly
Washington, MO
(Zone 5b)
October 29, 2009
07:02 PM Post #7221695
| Nope. No jest. =)
Top rack.
If you're certain you can remember where all the keys go, you can pop them all off and place them in a net bag (again, top rack).
Use VERY little soap and no rinse agent.
Don't use the heated dry cycle.
Remove, drain as best you can, place the keyboard upright, in a warm place, and let dry for several days. (Can't stress the last part enough. LET DRY FOR SEVERAL DAYS!). Don't rush it, or you'll buy a new keyboard. ;)
If you've an old keyboard laying around that you're not using, try it yourself, if you don't believe me. =) |
JoParrott
Richland, WA
(Zone 5b)
October 30, 2009
02:18 AM Post #7222936
| WOW! Never too old to learn!
As a sort of wimpy approach, how about maybe spraying it with Simple Green, and using the kitchen faucet spray on it? |
Eggs_Zachtly
Washington, MO
(Zone 5b)
October 30, 2009
08:11 AM Post #7223220
| Probably not a good idea. Simple Green contains sodium metasilicate, which attracts water (similar to the little packets you find in things you buy, that aren't supposed to get wet). This would probably really extend the drying time, and I'm not sure that once evaporated, it wouldn't leave behind the salts, which are very corrosive to some metals. You'd be better off just using the faucet sprayer, and then letting the keyboard dry for several days. |
woodspirit1
Lake Toxaway, NC
(Zone 7a)
November 01, 2009
10:05 AM Post #7229725
| My husband is an electronics engineer and he is a bit skeptical but we think we will try the shower thingy or kitchen sprayer alone. If I do it in the tub, can I use some mild soap, like Dawn dishwashing liquid? |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
November 01, 2009
10:11 AM Post #7229746
| I'm pretty sure I couldn't handle the 3 days with no keyboard  |
woodspirit1
Lake Toxaway, NC
(Zone 7a)
November 01, 2009
10:19 AM Post #7229777
| yeah, that's a problem. I'd have to have a back-up that worked with this computer. I use mine on DG, Facebook family page, writing articles for the museum, and most especially, my spousal unit selling detailed chainsaw carvings on eBay. Latest one: 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
November 01, 2009
10:41 AM Post #7229825
| Nice!! |
Oldgardenrose
Salem, IL
(Zone 5b)
November 01, 2009
12:02 PM Post #7230070
| Most keyboards have an extremely high impedance encoder (?) chip which translates
a key connection to circuit tracks by means of shorting tracks together thru holes in a
mylar or plastic insulator to ASCII codes. The shorting is accomplished by carbon
imbedded onto a rubber boot or cup. Moisture under the insulating pad is difficult to
dry plus any lime or other impurities in the water can remain on the circuit contacts
and either act as insulation or an undesired short circuit. The old mechanical spring
switch keys on teletype and older IBM keyboards were expensive enough to warrant
washing and drying but the new soft touch boards are simply too cheap to waste too
much time on servicing. If the keyboard has been used in a normal environment long
enough to become really nasty, it is probably time for a new one. USB standard key-
boards are available on the i-net as used or refurbished for less than $10.
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