Dell Computer Keyboard keys sticking

[techwanabe]

It looks like my daughter must have spilled something on the lower part of the keyboard becaue keys are sticking at the bottom and not bouncing back spritely like they should. It is a standard Dell keyboard. I can I rinse this out with hot water to clean out the gumminess? I've heard of people putting their keyboards though the dishwasher (without the high heat I assume).

 

[AnnonUSA]

A new Dell Keyboard will cost like 15 dollars....

 

[techwanabe]

So... anyone ever wash a Keyboard? I don't feel like waiting for a week to get another Dell Keyboard in the mail.

Just wondering if the old comments I read about putting a keyboard in dishwasher was an old wives tale or true.

 

[RallyMaster]

Get a new cheap keyboard?

 

[techwanabe]

What happened to the "I threw my keyboard into the dish washer" topics. I guess we live a in a "Throw away" society.

 

[BassBomb]

I usually use a toothbrush to clean the edges of mine when i take the top cover off.. not sure how well a dishwasher will do

 

[CKent]

I take a vacuum cleaner to mine every once in a while. Or you can just drop $10 on a new one.

 

[potato28]

You can spend all that time cleaning it, or you can go and buy one for $10- $20.

 

[seemingly random]

Every dell kbd I've had in the last 10 years has not lasted more that a couple of years - usually less. On the rare occurrence that I order a dell, the dell kbd is purposely left off the order even though there is $0 credit. I tried cleaning an old ibm mechanical key kbd in the dishwasher unsuccessfully. For a replacement, I would suggest a non-dell. newegg has a couple to choose from - at least you can get an idea of what's available.

 

[AlexV]

I have successfully cleaned my keyboard in the dishwasher.

I spilled some coffee on the bottom left, and the keys were sticking. The keyboard is KeyTronic Lifetime Series. I have searched the web, and some recommended disassembling the keyboard prior to putting it in the dishwasher. Mine couldn't be taken apart, so I just put it in as is with keys facing down on the top rack. I made sure that there was no hot drying in the dishwasher.

From what I gathered reading various things -- the most important thing is not to plug the keyboard in when there's still some water/moisture left in it. I've read people recommending 3 to 5 days drying time. I did leave it outside in the sun one evening, and then I had a small fan blowing on it. I did have a different keyboard I used during that time so I was in no hurry to plug it back in. Once I plugged it back in, everything work fine, and in fact, I'm typing on it now.

 

[TestedAcorn]

You could just pop all the keys off, let them soak in some soapy water, take them out and shuffle them around in your hands under some running water, clean the actual keyboard with a damp rag, then replace the keys.

 

[networkman]

Originally posted by: AlexV
I have successfully cleaned my keyboard in the dishwasher.

I spilled some coffee on the bottom left, and the keys were sticking. The keyboard is KeyTronic Lifetime Series. I have searched the web, and some recommended disassembling the keyboard prior to putting it in the dishwasher. Mine couldn't be taken apart, so I just put it in as is with keys facing down on the top rack. I made sure that there was no hot drying in the dishwasher.

From what I gathered reading various things -- the most important thing is not to plug the keyboard in when there's still some water/moisture left in it. I've read people recommending 3 to 5 days drying time. I did leave it outside in the sun one evening, and then I had a small fan blowing on it. I did have a different keyboard I used during that time so I was in no hurry to plug it back in. Once I plugged it back in, everything work fine, and in fact, I'm typing on it now.

Another vote for the dishwasher! Seriously, I've used this method on 4 or 5 occasions - the most problematic part is the drying time. I've found that warm water with no detergent seems to work best.

But as a couple others have pointed out, unless it's some really expensive or "favored" keyboard, they are quite often rather inexpensive.