Popped: Clean Up Keyboard Spills

Dear Geek,

I spilled some pop’ on my work computer, and now one of the keys sticks.  I just started at this job, and don’t want to admit to my boss that I was that careless.  Help!

Signed,

Popped

Dear Popped,

A sticky situation indeed!  If the spill wasn’t too large, and the keyboard itself isn’t permanently damaged, you can usually fix the problem yourself.

1.  Shut down your computer.  If you are using a desktop computer, and the keyboard is wired, unplug it.

2.  Tilt the computer upside down and gently shake it to remove any loose debris.  If you have a can of compressed air, you can spray it between the keys as well (keep your keyboard upside down while doing this, in order for the dirt to fall away from your keyboard instead of falling back onto your keys).

3.  Dip a cotton swab into some gentle isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and brush it in the area surrounding each key.  If you’re unsure of the strength of the alcohol you have, dab a little on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that the alcohol doesn’t cause a discolouration or remove the lettering on the keys.

4.  Dip a soft cloth into the isopropyl alcohol, and brush it along the tops of the keys and surfaces.

5.  If the key is still sticking, you will have to use a flathead screwdriver to gently pop the key off.  Clean the back of the key with your soft cloth & isopropyl alcohol.  Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove any dried up “pop” from the base of the keypad.  Gently snap the key back onto the keyboard.

6.  Use a dry, lint-free cloth to remove dust and polish the keyboard.

7.  If using a wired keyboard, plug it back in.

If this doesn’t fix the sticky keys, you’re going to have to go to your IT department, head hung in shame, and let them know.

If you have a question for our Resident Geek, send it to:  geek@tbyd.ca.  We’ll translate it from Geek-lish to English, so it actually helps!